The Government of Ontario has announced it will soon introduce legislative changes that, if passed, would make automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) mandatory on certain construction sites. This new requirement, to be introduced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, is part of a broader package of reforms under the Working for Workers legislative framework.
Key Proposal Highlights:
- AEDs would be required on construction projects that:
- Are expected to last three months or longer, and
- Employ 20 or more workers at any given time.
- To support implementation, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) would establish a reimbursement program to assist constructors with the cost of purchasing AEDs (average cost: $2,300 as of April 2025).
Why This Matters:
Construction workers face higher risks of cardiac incidents on the job. Ministry data shows that over 15% of all workplace inspection reports involving cardiac events occurred in the construction sector. AEDs, when used promptly with CPR, can improve survival rates by more than 50%.
Industry experts note that survival rates drop by 10% for each minute without defibrillation, underscoring the critical importance of having AEDs on site.
Next Steps:
These proposed changes will form part of the next Working for Workers legislative package to be unveiled in the coming days. If passed, Ontario will be the first jurisdiction in North America to mandate AEDs on construction sites.
We encourage all members to:
- Begin assessing the applicability of this requirement to upcoming projects
- Explore AED training for on-site personnel
- Stay informed as the legislation progresses and details of the WSIB reimbursement program are finalized.
Should you have any questions, or require any further assistance, please contact Andrew Sampogna at andrew@ogca.ca.