Ontario employers should be aware of significant changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) First Aid Program that took effect on June 22, 2026. The modernization initiative aligns Ontario's workplace first aid requirements with the Canadian Standards Association's CSA Z1210:24 standard, creating a more consistent national approach to workplace first aid training.

While the updates introduce new course names and certification standards, employers will be relieved to know that their core responsibilities under Ontario workplace safety legislation remain unchanged.

What's Changing?

These new names reflect the terminology used in the CSA Z1210:24 national standard and are now used on certificates issued by approved training providers.

In addition, all workplace first aid training delivered in Ontario must now follow the CSA Z1210:24 standard. The updated framework emphasizes practical, hands-on skills, standardized learning outcomes, and greater consistency among training providers across the province.

Another key change is that only providers approved under the updated WSIB program can issue valid workplace first aid certificates after June 22, 2026. Employers should verify that their training provider appears on the current WSIB-approved provider list before registering employees for training.

What's Staying the Same?

Despite the program modernization, several important elements remain unchanged:

  • Employer obligations under Regulation 1101 remain in effect.
  • Workplaces must still maintain the required number of trained first aid personnel.
  • First aid certificates continue to be valid for three years.
  • Employers must continue to provide appropriate first aid supplies and facilities where required.
  • Blended learning options (online theory with in-person skills assessment) remain acceptable when delivered through approved providers.

In short, the legal requirement to provide workplace first aid coverage has not changed—only the training framework and certification structure have been modernized.

Are Existing Certificates Still Valid?

Yes.

Employees who obtained Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certificates from a WSIB-approved provider before June 22, 2026, can continue using those certificates until their stated expiry date. There is no requirement to retrain employees solely because of the program transition.

When renewal is required, employees must complete training through a provider approved under the updated WSIB program.

Benefits of the New Standard

The transition to CSA Z1210:24 is intended to improve workplace safety by creating more consistent and practical first aid training across Canada. Benefits include:

  • Standardized training content nationwide
  • Enhanced hands-on skills development
  • Improved assessment and competency requirements
  • Greater portability of certifications between provinces
  • Better integration of occupational health and safety principles into first aid education

Ontario will also continue recognizing valid workplace first aid certificates from other Canadian jurisdictions when they meet CSA Z1210 requirements.

What Employers Should Do Now

To ensure ongoing compliance, employers should:

  1. Review the expiry dates of current employee first aid certificates.
  2. Confirm that future training providers are approved under the updated WSIB program.
  3. Familiarize health and safety coordinators with the new certification terminology.
  4. Continue meeting existing first aid staffing and equipment requirements.
  5. Update internal policies and training records to reflect the new Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid terminology.

Final Thoughts

The WSIB's 2026 First Aid Program modernization represents one of the most significant updates to workplace first aid training in Ontario in recent years. While the changes introduce new standards and certification names, the transition is designed to be straightforward for employers. Existing certificates remain valid, employer obligations remain unchanged, and the updated program aims to provide workers with stronger, more consistent first aid training that aligns with national standards.

Organizations that proactively review their training schedules and verify approved providers will be well positioned to maintain compliance and support safer workplaces across Ontario.

For more information, visit the WSIB website.