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COVID-19 response: Information for training providers and certificate holders

Training agencies that provide in-person training must have policies and processes in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

Training agencies should consult with their medical advisor for additional guidance and oversight of the workplace first aid program.

Overview

According to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, Part 11: First Aid, the employer is responsible for ensuring individuals who provide first aid services to workers are appropriately trained.

Workers must provide proof of training with a valid workplace first aid certificate, when asked to do so by employers or occupational health and safety officers. Workplace first aid training certifications are valid for up to 3 years. Workers may recertify prior to certification expiration or must take a full course after the expiration date.

Approved training agencies issue a certificate to workers who successfully complete an approved workplace first aid training course. Any instructor delivering workplace first aid training must be certified by an agency approved to teach workplace first aid.

Approved training agencies

Find a list of approved training agencies (updated quarterly).

Employers and workers should verify training agency approval status in Alberta, before registering or taking a training course.

How to verify a certificate

If a consultant or service provider is not on the list, follow these steps to make sure the training qualifies for certification:

  1. Find out the name of the approved agency that developed the course.
  2. Call the approved agency to verify this information.
  3. Ask to see the agency’s signed approval letter from a Director of Medical Services, Alberta Labour and Immigration.
  4. Confirm with the consultant or service provider that a certified instructor will deliver the approved workplace first aid course.

Apply to teach first aid

All workplace first aid training courses must meet CSA Standard Z1210-17: First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.

Applicants should refer to the bulletin, Workplace first aid approvals, for more information on how to apply and information about excluded specialty courses. Applications will no longer be accepted for excluded courses.

Agencies seeking approval are required to complete the following applicable first aid forms during the application process and should be reviewed before developing new workplace first aid courses:

Submit an approval application

Step 1. Register for a MyAlberta Digital ID for Business account

Visit MyAlberta Digital ID for Business for more information.

Step 2. Apply online

Apply online for an approval using your MyAlberta Digital ID for Business account.

Applications must contain:

  • the completed application form for an approval
  • the relevant first aid forms signed by the agency’s medical advisor

Resources for workplaces

Automated external defibrillators in the workplace

Developing a first aid plan

First Aid Agencies and Third Party Providers

Medication in first aid kits

Oxygen equipment and related training requirements at work sites

Workplace first aid records

Workplace first aiders and legal requirements

Contact

Connect with OHS:

Phone: 780-415-8690 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 1-866-415-8690 
TTY: 780-427-9999 (Edmonton)
TTY: 1-800-232-7215

Ask an Expert

Related

OHS complaints and incidents

OHS Publications

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