First Aid & CPR
All ProvincesEmergency First Aid & CPR Certificate
Issued by St. John Ambulance
Valid for 3 years
What is First Aid & CPR?
First Aid and CPR certification demonstrates a worker's ability to respond to workplace emergencies, including cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, fractures, and other injuries common on construction sites. The certification covers Emergency First Aid (EFA), Standard First Aid (SFA), and CPR at various levels (A, B, or C). In Canada, most construction employers require at least Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C, which includes adult, child, and infant resuscitation techniques along with automated external defibrillator (AED) training.
Across all Canadian provinces, employers are required to have a certain number of first-aid-trained workers on site depending on the number of employees and the hazard level of the workplace. Construction is classified as a high-hazard industry, meaning more trained workers are required. Many construction companies require all workers to hold valid First Aid & CPR certification as a condition of employment.
Why Expiration Tracking Matters
First Aid and CPR certificates typically expire every 3 years. CPR techniques and protocols are updated regularly based on new medical research, so recertification ensures workers have current life-saving knowledge. An expired certificate means a worker may not count toward the employer's mandatory first-aid coverage, potentially putting the entire site out of compliance. On remote or high-hazard construction sites, having workers with current first aid training is not just regulatory — it can be the difference between life and death.
Provincial Requirements & Regulations
Each province sets its own workplace first aid requirements. In Ontario, Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act specifies the number and level of first aid trained workers required. Alberta's OHS Code Part 11 requires first aid training proportional to crew size and distance from medical facilities. British Columbia's WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 3 sets similar requirements. Quebec's CNESST regulations also mandate first aid coverage. Regardless of province, construction sites universally need first-aid-trained workers, and the training must come from an approved provider such as St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, or a WSIB-approved equivalent.
Renewal Process
First Aid & CPR certificates are valid for 3 years. Workers can take a recertification course (shorter than the initial course) as long as their certificate hasn't expired for more than a few months (policies vary by provider). If the certificate has been expired too long, workers must retake the full course. Booking renewal 30-60 days before expiry is recommended, especially during busy construction seasons when courses fill up fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting the certificate expire beyond the recertification window, forcing a full retake instead of a shorter refresher
- Assuming CPR Level A (adult only) satisfies all construction requirements — many sites require Level C
- Not confirming the training provider is approved in your province
- Forgetting that First Aid and CPR may be separate certificates with different expiry dates
How WorkSitePass Helps You Manage First Aid & CPR
WorkSitePass stores your First Aid and CPR certificates digitally, tracks each expiry date independently, and sends alerts well before they lapse. Whether you hold Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, or both, your credentials are always organized and ready to present when you arrive at a new site.
Issuing Authority
St. John Ambulance
sja.caContact
info.on@sja.caPhone
1-800-989-3787Frequently Asked Questions
First Aid and CPR certificates are typically valid for 3 years. Some providers may have slightly different policies, but 3 years is the standard across most Canadian provinces.
While not every single worker needs certification, Canadian OHS regulations require a minimum number of first-aid-trained workers on every construction site based on crew size and hazard level. Many employers require all workers to be certified.
Most construction employers require at minimum Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C (adult, child, infant). Some sites, especially remote ones, may require Standard First Aid, which is a more comprehensive 2-day course.
It depends on how long it has been expired. Most providers allow recertification within a grace period (usually a few months). After that, you may need to retake the full course. WorkSitePass alerts help you renew on time.
Start Tracking Your First Aid & CPR Certificate Today
Upload your certificate, set the expiry date, and let WorkSitePass handle the rest. Never miss a renewal deadline again.