AED Requirements in Ontario Construction (2026): Are AEDs Mandatory on Job Sites?

AED Requirements in Ontario Construction (2026): Are AEDs Mandatory on Job Sites?

Construction sites are high-risk environments — not just because of falls, equipment, and heavy work, but because of something many employers don’t think about until it’s too late:

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

When someone collapses from cardiac arrest, every minute matters. CPR buys time, but an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is often the difference between life and death. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable, easy-to-use device designed to deliver a shock to the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, and it is increasingly available in public spaces and workplaces. Timely use of an AED can significantly increase the survival rate for a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, making early intervention critical.

In this blog, we’ll break down the new Ontario rule changes, whether AEDs are mandatory for your project, how to stay compliant, and how you can reduce your costs through Ontario’s reimbursement program.

Are AEDs mandatory on construction sites in Ontario?

Yes — AEDs are becoming mandatory on certain construction projects in Ontario.

Ontario announced proposed amendments that would require AEDs on construction projects that meet specific criteria (project length and worker count). This new legislation establishes a law mandating AED installation on qualifying construction sites.

These changes are part of Ontario’s efforts to improve jobsite safety and emergency response for workers. The government is working in coordination with emergency services to ensure AEDs are accessible and properly implemented on qualifying sites.

What construction projects require an AED in Ontario?

Ontario’s requirement targets larger and longer-term projects, not every small residential job.

According to the Ontario government’s announcement, the AED requirement applies to projects that are:  expected to last three months or longer, and have 20 or more workers who are regularly employed on the site

This means many major commercial and industrial construction projects will be impacted, including builds where multiple trades are onsite at the same time.

What regulation changed in Ontario?

Ontario introduced O. Reg. 157/25: Construction Projects, filed July 17, 2025. The regulation comes into effect on July 1, 2026, under the authority of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, marking the official date when AED requirements become mandatory on certain construction sites.

The Ontario government’s May 23, 2025 announcement explains the intent: strengthening worker protections, including AED requirements on certain construction sites.

Why this matters: If you are the constructor/employer responsible for site compliance, you need to treat AED readiness the same way you treat first aid kits, fall protection, and emergency planning.

Why Ontario is requiring AEDs on construction job sites

Construction work is physically demanding, and job sites can be:

  • remote or spread out
  • full of strenuous activity
  • high stress
  • exposed to heat/cold
  • filled with obstacles that slow down emergency response

When cardiac emergencies occur, waiting for paramedics alone is not enough. Having an AED onsite is essential for responding to emergencies quickly and supports a rapid response until EMS arrives. An AED should be used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing, as immediate action is critical in such situations.

Does every construction site need an AED?

No — not every site needs an AED.

The Ontario government’s announcement focuses on the threshold of 20+ workers and 3+ months duration.

So smaller jobs like:

  • short service calls
  • quick renos
  • small crews
  • short duration projects

…may not fall under the mandatory AED requirement.

That said, having an AED is still a strong best practice for many employers (and a competitive advantage when bidding work).

What does the WSIB AED reimbursement program cover?

To help constructors comply without getting crushed by upfront costs, WSIB launched an AED reimbursement program for eligible Ontario construction businesses. The program starts on January 1, 2026. WSIB also offers services to assist businesses in applying for reimbursement and complying with AED requirements.

Here’s the key benefit:

You can receive reimbursement up to $2,500 for one AED per qualifying construction project.

What costs are reimbursed?

WSIB states the reimbursement covers:

  • AED purchase cost
  • applicable taxes
    (up to the $2,500 maximum)

What costs are NOT reimbursed?

WSIB also notes the reimbursement does not cover things like:

  • signage
  • installation
  • maintenance

While maintenance is not reimbursed, AEDs must still be properly maintained according to regulations to ensure they remain functional and compliant.

So the program is extremely helpful — but you still want to budget for a complete “AED-ready station.” Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for AED inspection, operation, and maintenance to ensure compliance and proper functioning.

WSIB AED reimbursement portal link

WSIB AED Reimbursement Program (Official Portal): https://www.wsib.ca/en/AED Ontario announcement:

Protecting workers on construction sites: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005949/ontario-protecting-workers-on-construction-sites

 

How to stay compliant on an Ontario construction project (simple checklist)

Even if you qualify under the AED requirement, compliance isn’t just “buy a device and forget about it.” Clearly marking the AED’s location is essential to ensure it is accessible during emergencies.

Here’s a practical jobsite approach:

  • Remember, meeting AED requirements is part of your broader health and safety obligations on construction sites.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for AED operation, inspection, and maintenance to ensure the device is functional and safe during emergencies.
  • Assistance is available for employers who need support or guidance with AED program implementation, emergency response planning, and compliance with legislation.

1) Confirm your project meets the threshold

  • Duration: 3 months or longer
  • Worker count: 20 or more

2) Choose a Health Canada-licensed AED

  • You should always purchase an AED that is licensed for use in Canada (especially if reimbursement requires a compliant product). Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and operation to ensure the AED functions properly in an emergency.

3) Put it somewhere visible and accessible

  • Your AED should be:
  • clearly marked
  • reachable fast
  • protected from theft/damage/weather
  • placed where crews actually work (not buried in an office trailer nobody uses)

4) Assign ownership

Someone needs to be responsible for:

  • checking readiness status
  • tracking pad/battery expiry
  • documenting inspections
  • knowing how to contact the AED manufacturer for support or maintenance issues

All inspection and maintenance tasks should be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5) Train your team

Even though AEDs are designed for untrained responders, providing comprehensive AED training and medical training for staff is crucial to ensure a quick and effective emergency response. Training should cover the proper use of AEDs in emergency situations, including correct operation, maintenance, and safety procedures, so that staff are fully prepared to act confidently and efficiently. It is also essential to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, as CPR is a critical skill that works in conjunction with AED use to improve survival outcomes during cardiac emergencies.

AED training should also include familiarization with the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance.

Best AEDs for Ontario construction sites (and why)

Now let’s answer the question everyone asks right after “Is it mandatory?”:

What AED should I buy for a construction job site in Ontario?

In the real world, the best AED for construction is one that is:

  • simple to use under stress
  • durable and portable
  • reliable self-testing / readiness check
  • easy to maintain (pads + battery)
  • a strong fit for reimbursement requirements

An AED works by analyzing the person’s heart rhythm to determine if defibrillation is needed. Defibrillation is the process of delivering an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm, which is crucial in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. The AED automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and, if necessary, will force an electric shock to help restart the heart.

Two AEDs that fit the Ontario construction environment extremely well are the Stryker CR2 and the Philips HeartStart.

Option #1: Stryker CR2 (LIFEPAK CR2) — Great for harsh jobsite environments

The Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 is widely recognized as a strong workplace AED because it combines:

  • simple graphics
  • audible instructions
  • automated features to guide rescuers
  • a Child Mode button (reduced energy + guidance for pediatric rescue)

This matters on a construction site because the AED may be used by someone with:

  • no medical experience
  • high adrenaline
  • loud background noise
  • limited time

The CR2 is designed to keep the rescuer focused and moving through the steps quickly. It is specifically intended for use on a person who has collapsed and is unresponsive, ensuring prompt treatment in a cardiac emergency.

Why Stryker CR2 fits the WSIB reimbursement mindset

If you’re spending reimbursement funds, you want an AED that:

  • is easy to deploy fast
  • supports reliability and readiness
  • is trusted in high-pressure environments

The CR2 was built for emergency response use cases — which aligns perfectly with construction jobsite reality.

Option #2: Philips HeartStart — Simple, trusted, and easy for teams

The Philips HeartStart line is popular across Canada because it’s straightforward and built for public access use. The Philips HeartStart is widely used in public places such as malls, airports, and sports arenas, as well as workplaces.

For construction, that simplicity is valuable because:

  • it reduces confusion
  • it improves response speed
  • it’s easy to maintain long-term

Why Philips HeartStart works well on construction sites

Contractors don’t want complexity. They want:

  • a device crews can use quickly
  • a unit that’s easy to check visually
  • accessories that are widely available

For many Ontario employers, Philips is a reliable “set it up right and keep it ready” solution.

Which AED is better for a construction project: Stryker CR2 or Philips HeartStart?

Both are excellent options — but they win for slightly different reasons.

Choose Stryker CR2 if you want:

  • premium jobsite-ready performance
  • strong step-by-step guidance features
  • a high-confidence unit for critical environments

Choose Philips HeartStart if you want:

  • simple operation and broad familiarity
  • easy long-term ownership
  • a proven AED platform for workplace environments

Best answer: If your project qualifies for reimbursement up to $2,500, you may be able to choose a higher-quality AED without feeling locked into “cheapest available.”

What else should you buy with an AED for a construction site?

Even though the WSIB reimbursement covers the AED purchase cost and tax (up to $2,500), it does not cover the complete setup.

Most construction sites should also add:

  • an AED cabinet (secure and visible)
  • AED signs
  • a “rescue kit” (gloves, CPR mask, shears, razor)
  • spare pads (optional but recommended)
  • spare battery (site-dependent)

CPR is essential for maintaining blood flow to vital organs until the AED can be used, as circulating blood is critical during cardiac arrest to keep organs functioning until a normal heartbeat can be restored.

This is what makes the AED truly “deployment ready” when seconds matter.

Common questions Ontario contractors ask about AED compliance

“What if my site has 20 workers some days, but not always?”

If your project regularly reaches the threshold, treat it as a compliance requirement. Don’t wait for an inspection, incident, or enforcement action.

“Is the AED requirement only for big downtown projects?”

No — Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Toronto, and anywhere in Ontario with large construction projects can be affected.

“Can I move the same AED from job to job?”

WSIB indicates reimbursement is for one AED per qualifying construction project (up to $2,500).
So while moving equipment may be operationally possible, you should plan for job-by-job compliance where required.

Final Takeaway: AEDs are becoming a standard on Ontario job sites

Ontario’s construction sector is moving toward a higher emergency-readiness standard — and AEDs are now part of that plan for larger projects.

For constructors, the message is clear:

  • If your project lasts 3+ months and has 20+ workers, plan for AED compliance.
  • Use the WSIB AED reimbursement program to reduce costs (up to $2,500 per qualifying project).
  •   Choose a reliable device such as the Stryker CR2 or Philips HeartStart for real jobsite conditions.
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