Workplace first aid requirements
First Aid & CPR Washington
If you run or manage a workplace in Washington — an office, shop, construction site or factory — the law requires you to have enough trained first-aiders on your staff, ready to help a colleague in an emergency.
An employer duty — to rescue a colleague
Workplace first aid is not a job qualification: it is the employer's duty to appoint and train enough first-aiders, scaled to headcount and risk level, so someone can act immediately if a colleague is injured. The exact number and rules depend on the regulations that apply in Washington.
What the law requires in Washington
How many designated first-aiders?
No fixed numeric ratio of first-aiders to employees, but a state-specific rule: under WAC 296-800-150, the employer must make sure first-aid trained personnel are available to provide quick and effective first aid. The rule references 29 CFR 1910.151(b) (at least one adequately trained person where no medical facility is in near proximity). WAC 296-800-15005 details the arrangements based on proximity to a medical facility.
Washington operates its own occupational safety and health program covering both private and public sector workers.
No ban on online training for workplace first-aiders. Online theory training is accepted; a hands-on skills component is recommended for CPR.
Region specifics
- Washington has an explicit state first-aid rule (WAC 296-800-150) requiring trained personnel to be available, in addition to referencing 29 CFR 1910.151(b).
- State OSHA plan covering both private and public sectors; arrangements vary with proximity to a medical facility (WAC 296-800-15005).
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.
The course
Our course, built to the CSA Z1210-17 standard, 100% online and leading to a certification, meets and exceeds this requirement.
WorkplaceFirst Aid – Intermediate Level (16h) – CSA Z1210-17 Compliant
Upon successful completion of this 16-hour IN-PERSON intermediate-level first aid training, the candidate will receive a valid certification that meets the requirements of 'Intermediate First Aid Training' as defined in the CSA Z1210-17 standard.
WorkplaceFirst Aider – General Public (8h)
This 8-hour training, designed for the general public, provides essential knowledge for effective emergency intervention. It is intended for anyone wanting to learn first aid skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound and bleeding management, or the handling of critical situations. Accessible and practical, this course develops vital skills for protecting and rescuing loved ones or anyone in danger, thereby strengthening community safety.