Ontario is preparing to introduce legislation that would require automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on certain construction sites, with the costs covered through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), according to a report from The Canadian Press.
The proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act would apply to construction projects expected to last longer than three months and employing 20 or more workers. The measure is part of the provincial government’s upcoming “Working for Workers Seven” legislative package, which continues a series of omnibus labour bills aimed at improving workplace safety and health standards across industries.
Under the plan, employers would be reimbursed for the cost of AEDs through a WSIB reimbursement program. This financial support is designed to reduce the burden on employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and encourage the adoption of health and safety improvements across the sector, the report said.
The reimbursement program also aligns with WSIB’s broader mandate to support workplace injury prevention and promote safer working environments through funding for safety equipment and training.
According to the report, Ontario would become the first jurisdiction in North America to mandate AEDs on construction sites.
The legislation addresses the elevated risk of cardiac emergencies in the construction industry, where rapid access to defibrillation can significantly increase survival rates. Labour Minister David Piccini said the proposal was developed following consultations with industry stakeholders during previous labour bill discussions. He noted that the feedback underlined the need for quick emergency response tools on sites with high-risk environments.
Andrew Pariser, vice-president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), described the measure as “life-saving” and an important step toward protecting construction workers. He highlighted that integrating AEDs into construction site safety protocols complements other occupational health initiatives and reduces long-term costs associated with workplace injuries.
The initiative also highlights the evolving role of insurance boards like WSIB in supporting workplace safety measures through financial programs. By linking regulatory requirements with insurance-funded reimbursements, Ontario aims to promote a culture of safety and reduce workplace fatalities. The bill’s introduction is expected to have broad implications for Ontario’s construction industry, potentially influencing similar regulation elsewhere in Canada.
