Workplace first aid requirements
First Aid & CPR Nova Scotia
If you operate a business or work in Nova Scotia, you should know the first aid and CPR training obligations that apply to your workplace. Compliance isn't just about meeting regulations — properly trained employees save lives, reduce workplace injuries, and protect employers from liability.
What the law requires in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, workplace safety is governed by Occupational Health and Safety Act. The specific first aid requirements are set out in Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (WHSR), Part 4; Occupational Health and Safety First Aid Regulations (NS Reg 155/96), administered by Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
As a Canadian province, Nova Scotia has its own occupational health and safety framework with jurisdiction over all workplaces.
Training requirements
The required training levels in Nova Scotia are: basic (7 hours), intermediate (14 hours), advanced (70 hours). Certifications are valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiry to remain compliant.
Our online CPR and first aid courses are designed to meet or exceed these training standards. Our curriculum follows the latest ILCOR 2025 guidelines — the same international evidence base that informs CSA Z1210-17 and provincial requirements.
Why it matters
A workplace emergency can happen at any time. When it does, the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy often comes down to whether someone nearby is trained to respond. Having certified first aiders on staff isn't just a legal requirement — it's an investment in your team's safety.