First aid regulations came into effect June 1

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, reminded employers and workers around the province today that an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations which allows for employers to choose first aid training providers came into effect as of June 1.

"When we announced last December that this amendment had been approved, we received a great deal of feedback from employers and first aid providers who are pleased that there is now this flexibility in how first aid training can be provided," said Minister Whalen. "Different organizations have different first aid training needs and they can now pick who is best to offer that training."

The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, which has the mandate to establish standards for workplace training and certification of training providers, may establish the criteria to authorize organizations to provide first aid training. Currently, any first aid provider which meets federal standards will be eligible to offer services to employers and workers.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2006 06 02                             10:00 a.m.