Ontario's Mandatory AED Requirements for Construction Sites: What You Need to Know for 2026

Understanding the New Requirements

Ontario Regulation 157/25, which came into force on January 1, 2026, establishes clear criteria for when an AED must be present on a construction project. The regulation applies to construction projects that meet both of the following conditions:

• Project Duration: The construction project is expected to last three or more months
• Workforce Size: Twenty or more workers are regularly employed on the project

When both conditions are met, the constructor must ensure that an AED is installed and properly maintained on-site throughout the duration of the project. This requirement reflects the provincial government's recognition that larger, longer-term construction sites present heightened risk factors and warrant enhanced emergency response capabilities.

What Must Be Stored with the AED

Having an AED on site is only part of the equation. Ontario Regulation 157/25 specifies that certain items must be stored alongside the defibrillator to ensure it can be used effectively in an emergency. These required accessories include:

• Scissors: For quickly cutting through clothing to expose the chest
• Medical-grade gloves: To protect both the rescuer and the victim during resuscitation
• Absorbent towels: For drying the chest area, which is essential for proper electrode pad adhesion
• A razor: For removing excessive chest hair that could interfere with electrode contact
• Spare electrode pads: In case the primary pads are damaged or used

These items ensure that when cardiac arrest occurs, responders have everything they need to use the AED effectively within the critical first few minutes—the window during which defibrillation is most likely to save a life.

CPR and AED Training Requirements

An AED is only as effective as the person operating it. The regulation requires that a worker trained in CPR and AED operation must be present whenever work is in progress on a site where an AED is required. This is a crucial provision—while modern AEDs are designed to be user-friendly with voice prompts, trained responders are more confident, efficient, and effective in emergency situations.

What Training Should Cover

Employers should ensure that designated responders receive training that covers:

• Recognition of cardiac arrest and when to use an AED
• Proper CPR technique, including compression depth and rate
• AED operation, including electrode pad placement and following prompts
• Integration of CPR and AED use during resuscitation
• Post-resuscitation care and handoff to emergency medical services

Many organizations already have workers trained in first aid who hold valid CPR certifications. It's important to verify that their training specifically includes AED use and that certifications are current.

WSIB Reimbursement Programme

Recognizing that purchasing AEDs and associated equipment represents a significant investment for construction companies, the Ontario government has established a reimbursement programme through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Under Ontario Regulation 360/25, employers can receive up to $2,500 per defibrillator to offset the cost of compliance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for reimbursement, the following conditions must be met:

• Purchase Window: The defibrillator must have been purchased between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027
• Legal Requirement: The AED must be required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (i.e., the project meets the duration and workforce size thresholds)
• Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted to the WSIB no later than July 31, 2027
• One Per Project: Reimbursement is limited to one defibrillator per qualifying project

How to Apply

While the WSIB has not yet released detailed application procedures, employers should:

• Keep all purchase receipts and documentation for AED equipment
• Document that the AED was purchased for a project meeting the regulatory thresholds
• Monitor the WSIB website for application forms and submission guidelines
• Submit applications well before the July 31, 2027 deadline to allow time for processing

Broader OHSA Changes Taking Effect January 1, 2026

The AED requirement is part of a larger package of amendments to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act under the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30), which received Royal Assent on November 27, 2025. Other significant changes taking effect on the same date include:

Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)

Ontario Regulation 365/25 introduces a new Administrative Monetary Penalty scheme that gives Ministry of Labour inspectors the authority to issue penalties for OHSA contraventions. This represents a significant expansion of enforcement tools:

• Inspectors can now issue AMPs without court proceedings
• Maximum fines of up to $750,000 for repeat convictions of the same offence
• A new minimum fine of $500,000 for corporations convicted of repeat offences resulting in death or serious injury

Washroom Cleaning Documentation

Under Ontario Regulation 480/24, constructors and employers must maintain records documenting washroom cleaning activities, specifically the date and time of the two most recent cleanings for each facility.

WSIB Premium Reduction

In positive news for Ontario employers, the average WSIB premium rate for 2026 has been reduced to $1.23 per $100 of insurable payroll, down from $1.25 in 2025.

Compliance Checklist for Constructors

To ensure your construction projects are compliant with the new AED requirements, use this checklist:

Selecting the Right AED for Your Construction Site

When choosing an AED for a construction environment, consider the following factors:

• Durability: Construction sites expose equipment to dust, moisture, temperature extremes, and physical impacts. Choose an AED with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating suitable for harsh environments.
• Ease of Use: Look for clear visual and audio prompts that can be understood even in noisy construction environments.
• Battery Life: Ensure the AED has a long standby battery life and that replacement batteries are readily available.
• Electrode Pad Shelf Life: Check the expiration dates and plan for regular replacement.
• Portability: If your site is large, consider whether the AED can be easily transported to different work areas.
• Maintenance Requirements: Choose a model with self-testing capabilities that alerts you to any issues.

Why This Matters: The Case for AEDs on Construction Sites

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age or apparent health. However, construction workers face additional risk factors:

• Physical Exertion: Heavy lifting, climbing, and sustained physical activity increase cardiovascular stress
• Environmental Conditions: Extreme heat or cold can strain the cardiovascular system
• Electrocution Risk: Electrical injuries can trigger cardiac arrhythmias
• Delayed Emergency Response: Construction sites, especially in remote areas, may have longer EMS response times

For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival from cardiac arrest decreases by 7-10%. With EMS response times averaging 8-12 minutes in many areas, having an AED on site can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.

Looking Ahead

Ontario's new AED requirement represents a significant advancement in construction site safety. As the first province to mandate AEDs on larger construction projects, Ontario is setting a precedent that other jurisdictions may follow. Employers who proactively embrace these requirements—rather than viewing them merely as compliance obligations—will be better positioned to protect their workers and foster a genuine culture of safety. For more on provincial regulatory changes, see our overview of key OHS regulatory changes.

The investment in an AED is modest compared to the value of a human life. Combined with the WSIB reimbursement programme, there is every reason for constructors to ensure their sites are equipped and their workers are trained well before the requirement takes effect.