Workplace First Aid: What Quebec Law Requires

The legal framework in brief

Workplace first aid falls under the Regulation respecting minimum standards for first aid and first aid kits (RLRQ A-3.001, r.10), made under the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases and enforced by the CNESST. This regulation dates from decree D.1922-84 (1984), was modernized by decree 891-2020 (in force around September 17, 2020, with a transition to March 17, 2021) and received an amendment in force on February 12, 2026.

Be careful not to confuse this CNESST obligation with the building code or the fire prevention code. These are two separate worlds: one is about worker safety, the other about construction and fire protection.

• Instrument: RNMPSPS, RLRQ A-3.001, r.10, under the LATMP, enforced by the CNESST.
• Origin: decree D.1922-84 (1984), modernized by decree 891-2020 and the February 12, 2026 amendment.
• Not to be confused with the fire prevention code (CNPI) or the building code.

How many first-aiders per shift

Section 3 sets the number of first-aiders based on the number of workers present. For an establishment, it is 1 first-aider for 50 workers or fewer; on a site, 1 for 10 to 50 (none under 10); 2 for 51 to 150; then 1 more per additional full or partial group of 100 workers. A first-aider must be present at all times, on every shift.

Since 2026, the count is based on workers present simultaneously per shift, and those present under 30 minutes are excluded. A nurse may now be designated as a first-aider.

• Establishment: 1 first-aider for 50 workers or fewer.
• Site: 1 for 10 to 50; 2 for 51 to 150; +1 per additional group of 100.
• Present at all times, every shift; count based on workers present simultaneously.
• Workers present under 30 minutes are excluded from the count (2026 rule).

Kits: type, size and placement

Sections 4 to 8 require kits that meet the CSA Z1220 standard (edition Z1220-17 cited, with the most recent edition applying), in adequate number, near work areas and available at all times. The employer assesses the risk to choose the right type and size.

There are three types: Type 1 personal (isolated post or vehicle), Type 2 basic (low to moderate risk) and Type 3 intermediate (high risk). Sizes range from small (1 to 25 workers) to large (51 to 100) per shift. The kit must be in plain view, unlocked, with its content list inside, and reachable within about 5 minutes.

• Kits meeting the CSA Z1220 standard; the employer assesses and documents the risk.
• Type 1 personal, Type 2 basic, Type 3 intermediate based on the level of risk.
• Sizes: small 1 to 25, medium 26 to 50, large 51 to 100 workers per shift.
• In plain view, unlocked, used material replaced, reachable within about 5 minutes.

Vehicles, first-aid room and nurse

For vehicles (section 5), a Type 1 kit is enough for 5 occupants or fewer (or more than 5 but within 30 minutes of a medical service); a Type 2 is required for more than 5 occupants and over 30 minutes away.

Above 100 workers, a room for the first-aider becomes necessary. A first-aid room (section 21) with a nurse is required for certain high-risk and remote settings, for example at 100 workers and more, or from 20 workers if there is no clinic within 30 minutes, and for sites with 25 workers or more located more than 30 minutes from a medical service.

• Vehicle: Type 1 for 5 occupants or fewer; Type 2 if more than 5 and over 30 minutes away.
• Room for the first-aider required above 100 workers.
• First-aid room and nurse for certain high-risk or remote settings.
• Sector thresholds should be verified against the regulation for your specific case.

Training, AEDs and the register

The CNESST Workplace First Aid training lasts 16 hours, requires passing an assessment and is valid for 3 years. Since 2026, it includes the CSA Z1210 intermediate level, and older attestations remain valid until they expire. The employer pays for training time, and the CNESST subsidizes training up to 5 percent of workers (20 percent in mining excluding quarries, 10 percent in construction).

An AED is not mandatory: the CNESST recommends it, and the 16-hour course covers CPR and AED use. If installed, it must be visible, reachable within about 3 minutes, and subject to drills. Finally, the Register of accidents, incidents and first aid (LATMP s.280) must be kept current and available to the CNESST and the union representative.

• 16-hour training, passed assessment, attestation valid 3 years (renew every 3 years).
• AED recommended, not mandatory; if installed: visible, reachable within about 3 minutes, drilled.
• Register of accidents, incidents and first aid is mandatory (LATMP s.280).
• Post the notice (s.14): first-aiders' names, kept current; cross-marked hard hat on sites.

Getting your compliance in order

In practice, compliance rests on the employer: assess the risk, choose and place the right kits, ensure first-aider coverage on every shift, keep the register and post the notice. An assessment by a qualified person helps frame all of this without interpreting the law for you. To keep your kits, attestations and inspections in one place, the Canuck360 portal can centralize these records, and our team answers at 418-905-3396.

• Assess and document the risk to choose kit type and size.
• Ensure first-aider coverage on every shift and renew attestations every 3 years.
• Inspect kits weekly and replace used or expired material.
• Keep the register current and post the first-aiders' notice.