WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid Equivalence

Workplace First Aid

As of November 1st, 2024 WorkSafe BC has discontinued support and maintenance of it's in-house Occupational First Aid programs. These discontinued certification levels include Occupational First Aid level 1 (OFA 1), Occupational First Aid level 1 (OFA 2), and Occupational First Aid level 3 (OFA 3). WorkSafe BC has also updated their workplace First Aid Attendent qualification requirements to reflect these changes and has designated three general categories of First Aid training including Basic First Aid certifications, Intermediate First Aid certifications, and Advanced First Aid certifications. These workplace occupational first aid designations (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) do not necessarily reflect the titles of specific training courses or certifications but rather they describe broad categories of recognized training levels.

Basic First Aid
Formerly OFA level 1. Workplaces which would have previously required WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid level 1 (OFA 1) now require first aid attendants certified in "Basic" First Aid. WorkSafe BC recognizes both Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid as meeting their requirements for Basic first aid attendant qualifications.

Intermediate First Aid
Formerly OFA level 2. Workplaces which would have previously required WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid level 2 (OFA 2) now require first aid attendants certified in "Intermediate" First Aid. WorkSafe BC recognizes Standard First Aid certification, as well as EMALB First Responder licensure as meeting their requirements for Intermediate first aid attendant qualifications.

Advanced First Aid
Formerly OFA level 3. Workplaces which would have previously required WorkSafe BC Occupational First Aid level 3 (OFA 3) now require first aid attendants certified in "Advanced" First Aid. WorkSafe BC recognizes EMALB Emergency Medical Responder licensure as meeting their requirements for Advanced first aid attendant qualifications.