First aid in the workplace Program
The CNESST is responsible for the First Aid in the Workplace Program. Under this Program, the CNESST:
- regulates training
- provides subsidies
- informs Québec’s population about the application of the Règlement sur les normes minimales de premiers secours et de premiers soins
The employer’s obligations with respect to first aid
The employer must:
- Always ensure that the number of first aiders required under the Regulation is present
- post the names of first aiders (in French only) in a visible place
- depending on the number of first aiders required, appoint workers who will be first aiders, while ensuring that the nature of their work does not compromise their ability to administer first aid promptly and efficiently
- register the appointed workers for training. The training must be given by a provider.
- recognize that first aiders are considered to be at work and pay them during their training and each time they are required to intervene as first aiders during their work hours
- provide an adequate number of first aid kits in the workplace in accordance with the standards
Number of first aiders required
An employer must ensure they have the required number of first aiders for their establishment or construction site. Depending on the workplace and the number of workers or volunteers per shift, the number of first aiders varies.
50 or fewer workers | 1 first aider |
51 to 150 workers | 2 first aiders |
151 or more workers | Add one first aider for each group of 100 workers |
50 or fewer workers | 1 first aider |
51 to 150 workers | 2 first aiders |
As of 151 workers, add one first aider | Add one first aider for each group of 100 workers |
5 or fewer workers | 1 first aider |
6 to 10 workers | 2 first aiders |
As of 11 workers | Add one first aider for each group of 5 workers |
ExampleAn establishment with 228 workers divided into 2 shifts should have a total of 5 first aiders.
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First aid course
To become a first aider, a worker must complete a 16-hour first aid course given by one of our providers. Every first aider must renew their occupational first aid certificate by taking the course again every 3 years.
How to register a worker for a first aid course
To register a worker for the 16-hour occupational first aid course, an employer must complete the Demande de formation de secouristes form and send it to the provider they have chosen.