AED Requirements Coming to Ontario Construction Sites - O. Reg. 157/25 under the OHSA

Effective January 1, 2026, new Ontario regulations require construction projects to comply with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) mandates if they:

Employ 20 or more workers on a regular basis, and Are expected to last at least three months.

AED on Construction site

If your construction project meets the above criteria, the constructor must ensure the following requirements are met:

1. AED and Required Emergency Accessories

  • Install and maintain an AED licensed as a medical device by Health Canada.
  • Store the following emergency items together with the AED:
  • One CPR mask
  • One pair of scissors
  • Two pairs of disposable medical-grade gloves
  • One disposable razor
  • One garbage bag
  • Four absorbent towels

2. Storage Conditions

The AED and its supplies must be stored:

  • Together in a single location
  • Protected from dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and damaging substances
  • In an unobstructed, easily accessible area
CPR

3. Maintenance and Inspection

  • The AED must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • It must be inspected at least quarterly, with inspection records kept on-site.

4. Signage

  • Clearly visible signage must indicate the AED’s location.
  • Signage must display a heart with a lightning bolt symbol and the words “Automated External Defibrillator”, “AED”, or the French equivalent.

5. Trained Personnel

  • At least one worker trained in CPR and AED operation must be present on-site whenever work is being performed.

At Trainability Inc., we support construction leaders in achieving full compliance with Ontario’s 2026 AED requirements:

  1. Supplying Health Canada–approved AEDs and all required emergency accessories for your job site.
  2. Delivering on-site CPR and AED training to ensure you always have qualified personnel available.
  3. Assisting with AED program setup—including installation site selection, signage placement, maintenance scheduling, inspection log implementation, and integration of AED procedures into your emergency response plan.

Ready to ensure your project is compliant and your workforce protected? Learn more about AED requirements or email us or contact us to discuss your needs or schedule an initial planning session.