Don't Forget a Key AED Compliance Piece

Starting January 1, 2026, construction safety in Ontario changed significantly. Many construction sites are now legally required to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available onsite under Ontario Regulation 157/25, part of the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) framework.

For many contractors, the first step was simple: purchase an AED for the job site. But installing a workplace AED is only the beginning. The regulation also requires ongoing inspections, maintenance, and documentation to remain compliant.

The key question for many constructors is now:

Your construction sites have AEDs — but do you have the required inspection and maintenance program set up?

The New Ontario Construction AED Law (2026)

Under the new regulation, certain construction projects in Ontario must have a Health Canada–approved AED installed and maintained onsite.

The requirement applies when both of the following conditions are met:

The construction project regularly employs 20 or more workers
The project is expected to last three months or longer

This makes Ontario the first jurisdiction in North America to mandate AEDs on construction sites, reflecting growing recognition that sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, including job sites.

For employers and constructors, this means job site safety compliance now includes AED readiness.

What the Regulation Actually Requires

The regulation goes beyond simply having a defibrillator onsite. Constructors must ensure the AED is installed, maintained, and ready for emergency use.

Compliance requirements typically include:

A Health Canada licensed AED
Emergency accessories stored with the device (gloves, scissors, towels, etc.)
Clear AED signage identifying the device location
Trained workers onsite capable of responding to cardiac emergencies
Regular inspection and maintenance records
Testing and documentation of readiness

In practice, this means every construction site with an AED must have a documented inspection and maintenance process in place.

Why AED Inspections and Maintenance Matter

An AED is only useful if it works the moment it’s needed.

Critical components such as AED batteries and electrode pads expire, and environmental conditions on construction sites can damage equipment if it is not regularly checked.

Without inspections, contractors risk:

Non-compliance with OHSA regulations
Ministry of Labour inspection issues
Liability if a device fails during an emergency
Worker safety risks

Even if you purchased an AED defibrillator for your construction site, failing to maintain it could still leave your project out of compliance with the law.

The WSIB AED Reimbursement Program

To help offset the cost of implementing this safety requirement, the Ontario government created a WSIB reimbursement program.

Eligible constructors may receive up to $2,500 per qualifying project to help cover the purchase of an AED.

However, it is important to note that this reimbursement typically covers the initial device purchase only.

Ongoing costs such as:

AED inspections
Battery replacement
Pad replacement
Compliance documentation

are not covered, leaving contractors responsible for maintaining the device properly.

The Compliance Gap Many Construction Companies Face

Many companies have already purchased AEDs to meet the new regulation.

But what often gets overlooked is the ongoing compliance responsibility.

Questions construction companies are now asking include:

Who performs the monthly AED inspections?
Who tracks battery and pad expiration dates?
Where are maintenance records stored for inspections?
How do we ensure the device remains fully operational year-round?

Without a structured program, many job sites risk falling out of compliance.

How AED.ca Helps Construction Companies Stay Compliant

This is where AED program management becomes essential.

At AED.ca, we help organizations across Canada implement complete AED compliance programs, ensuring that your equipment is not only installed but also properly inspected, maintained, and documented.

Our programs help construction companies manage:

AED Inspections

Scheduled inspections help confirm that your defibrillator is operational and ready for use.

AED Maintenance

We monitor and replace critical components such as:

AED batteries
AED electrode pads
Emergency accessory kits

Compliance Documentation

Inspection and maintenance records are maintained to help demonstrate OHSA compliance during audits or inspections.

Multi-Site AED Program Management

For companies running multiple job sites, AED.ca helps manage multiple AED locations and maintenance schedules across projects.

Learn more at: https://aed.ca/pages/aed-maintenance-plans

Protecting Workers and Protecting Your Company

Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Immediate access to an AED defibrillator can significantly improve survival rates when used within the first few minutes of an emergency.

Ontario’s new construction AED law recognizes this reality and aims to ensure workers have access to life-saving equipment when it matters most.

But compliance doesn’t stop at installation.

It requires a fully maintained and documented AED program.

Final Thoughts

If your construction site now has an AED because of the new Ontario regulation, take the next step and ask:

Do we have the required inspections and maintenance program in place?

A properly maintained workplace AED program protects your workers, strengthens your safety culture, and helps ensure compliance with Ontario’s evolving workplace safety laws.

About AED.ca

AED.ca – Canada’s Trusted AED Company

AED.ca provides Automated External Defibrillators, AED inspections, maintenance programs, and compliance support for organizations across Canada. Our goal is simple: help workplaces stay prepared for sudden cardiac arrest while ensuring their AED programs remain compliant, maintained, and ready to save lives.

Learn more about AED program management, AED maintenance plans, and workplace AED compliance solutions and where to get an AED at AED.ca.