Ontario AED Compliance Checklist for Construction Sites— free, no sign-up Download PDF
HSE ADVISOR CANADA
Ontario AED Compliance Checklist for Construction Sites
Since 1 January 2026, qualifying Ontario construction projects must have an automated external defibrillator on site. This checklist covers the two threshold tests, the accessories that must be stored with the unit, trained-responder coverage across shifts, and the paperwork you need for WSIB reimbursement.
How to use it. Start with Section 1 — if the project does not meet both thresholds the regulation does not apply, though having a unit anyway remains good practice. Complete the rest per project and keep it with your site records. To print: Click "Print" below → select Portrait orientation → enable Background graphics in print settings → Print. To fill in: Print and complete by hand, or use your browser's "Save as PDF" and fill the fields in any PDF editor.
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Ontario AED Compliance — Construction
O. Reg. 157/25 · One per construction project
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Constructor:
Project name / address:
Completed by:
Position:
Date:
Expected project end:
1. Does the requirement apply to this project?
Threshold test
Requirement
This project
Met? (Y/N)
Project duration
Expected to last three months or more
Workforce size
Twenty or more workers regularly employed on the project
Both conditions must be met. Where both apply, the constructor must ensure an AED is installed and maintained on site for the duration of the project. Where only one applies the regulation is not triggered — but cardiac arrest does not check thresholds, and a unit on site remains sound practice.
2. The unit
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
AED on site
Installed and available throughout the project.
Location known to all workers
Signed, unobstructed, and covered in site orientation.
Accessible during all work
Reachable whenever work is in progress, including on extended or night shifts.
Serial and model recorded
Recorded below for maintenance and reimbursement.
3. Accessories stored with the AED
O. Reg. 157/25 requires these to be stored alongside the unit. Check each is present, in date, and replaced after any use.
Scissors — to cut through clothing and expose the chest
Medical-grade gloves — to protect rescuer and patient
Absorbent towels — to dry the chest so electrode pads adhere
A razor — to clear excessive chest hair that would interfere with pad contact
Spare electrode pads — in case the primary pads are damaged or used
AED make / model
Serial number
Pad expiry
Battery expiry
Location on site
4. Trained responder coverage
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Trained worker present whenever work is in progress
A worker trained in CPR and AED operation on site at all times work is underway.
Coverage across breaks and shift change
More than one trained worker per shift so coverage does not lapse.
Certification current
Certificates in date and specifically including AED use, not CPR alone.
Training content adequate
Recognition of cardiac arrest, CPR technique, pad placement, following prompts, and handoff to EMS.
Records on site
Certificates available at the project, not only at head office.
Worker
Certification
Provider
Expires
Shift
Verify that existing first aid certificates actually include AED operation. A valid CPR certificate does not automatically cover it, and this is the most common gap we see when auditing a site that believes it is compliant.
5. Maintenance and readiness
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Inspection schedule
Documented routine checks of status indicator, pads and battery.
Pads and battery in date
Replaced before expiry, with spares held.
Post-use restock procedure
Written process to replace pads and accessories immediately after any use.
Manufacturer maintenance followed
Any manufacturer-specified servicing carried out and recorded.
Emergency response plan references the AED
Site plan names the AED location and who responds.
6. WSIB reimbursement documentation
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Purchase within the eligible window
Unit purchased between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2027.
Project meets the legal thresholds
The AED is required under the OHSA for this project — Section 1 above.
Receipts and documentation retained
Purchase receipts and evidence linking the unit to the qualifying project.
One claim per project
Reimbursement is limited to one defibrillator per qualifying project.
Application submitted before the deadline
Applications must reach the WSIB no later than 31 July 2027.
Reimbursement is up to $2,500 per defibrillator under O. Reg. 360/25. Monitor the WSIB for application forms and submit well ahead of the deadline rather than against it.
7. Sign-off
Ontario AED Compliance Checklist for Construction Sites · HSE Advisor Canada · Free to use and adapt.
This resource is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm every requirement against the current regulation in your jurisdiction before relying on it.