Your company has 75 employees. Some work during the day, others in the evening, and a few work remotely.
You already have two employees trained in first aid, but is that enough to meet the current requirements?
And what if your business has only eight employees? Do you still need a first aider on-site?
These are questions employers regularly ask.
In Quebec, the number of required first aiders depends primarily on the number of workers and volunteers present at the same time in each establishment, the work shift, and the type of work environment.
As a general rule, a workplace with up to 50 workers present at the same time must have at least one qualified first aider. For 51 to 150 workers, two first aiders are required.
But calculating the minimum is only one part of organizing workplace first aid.
Employers must also consider absences, expiring certifications, and whether first aiders can actually respond quickly in an emergency.
Here’s how to determine your company’s needs.
How Many First Aiders Are Required Based on the Number of Employees?
The minimum number of first aiders is established by Quebec’s Regulation respecting minimum standards of first aid and first aid training.
For most workplaces covered by the general requirements, the rules are as follows:
| Number of workers present at the same time | Minimum number of first aiders |
|---|---|
| 1 to 50 | 1 |
| 51 to 150 | 2 |
| 151 to 250 | 3 |
| 251 to 350 | 4 |
| 351 to 450 | 5 |
Beyond 150 workers, one additional first aider is required for every additional 100 workers or fraction thereof.
These requirements are outlined in Section 3 of the Regulation respecting minimum standards of first aid and first aid training.
The CNESST also provides a reference table showing the number of required first aiders.
However, it’s important to distinguish regular workplaces from construction sites and certain forestry operations, where specific requirements apply.
Is the Number of First Aiders Calculated Per Company or Per Work Shift?
This is probably the most important distinction to understand.
The number of required first aiders must be calculated separately for each establishment and each work shift, based on the number of people physically present at the same time. Employees from different establishments cannot be combined to determine the minimum requirement.
This means employers cannot simply count everyone on their payroll or add together employees working at different locations.
Let’s take the example of a manufacturing company with 90 employees.
The company operates on two shifts:
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60 employees work during the day.
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30 employees work in the evening.
For the day shift, two first aiders must be present.
For the evening shift, one first aider must be present.
| Work shift | Workers present | Required first aiders |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 60 | 2 |
| Evening | 30 | 1 |
| Total positions to cover | 3 |
The company must therefore ensure that at least three first aider positions are covered across these two shifts.
In practice, it may need to train additional employees to provide coverage during absences.
Employers must also pay attention to periods when shifts overlap.
If several teams are present at the same time during a shift change, the number of workers to consider may be different from the usual shift headcount.
The calculation must reflect actual working conditions.
If your organization operates multiple establishments, the calculation must be repeated for each one. This distinction also matters for training subsidies: eligible workers must be associated with the establishment where they physically work rather than being counted as part of a combined workforce across several locations.
Are Employees Working Remotely Included in the Calculation?
No. Employees working remotely are not included when calculating the minimum number of first aiders required to be physically present at the workplace.
The regulations also exclude individuals who are present for less than 30 minutes.
Volunteers who are regularly present at the workplace may also be included in the calculation. Employers must therefore consider who is actually on-site, not just the employees on their payroll.
Let’s look at an example.
A company has 65 employees, including 20 who work entirely from home during the day.
If the remaining 45 employees are physically present at the workplace at the same time, the minimum number of required first aiders is generally based on those 45 individuals.
Under the general requirements, only one first aider is required.
This doesn’t mean employers have no responsibilities toward remote workers.
They must still consider the risks and preventive obligations that apply to employees working from home.
However, the calculation used to determine the number of first aiders required on-site is different.
Does a Small Business With Five Employees Need a First Aider?
Yes, generally speaking.
In a workplace covered by the regulation, even a small business with only five employees must normally ensure that at least one qualified first aider is present during working hours.
This requirement may come as a surprise to some employers.
Consider a small automotive repair shop.
The owner works alongside four employees. The team is stable, and there hasn’t been a workplace accident in years.
However, the absence of previous accidents doesn’t change the first aid requirements.
A qualified person must be available to respond if an accident or medical emergency occurs.
Employers also need to plan for absences.
If the only certified first aider goes on vacation for two weeks, who will take over?
That’s why training a second employee can be a good decision, even when the regulatory minimum is only one first aider.
Why Train More First Aiders Than the Minimum Required?
Regulations establish minimum requirements.
But meeting those minimums doesn’t automatically guarantee adequate first aid coverage in every situation.
Imagine a warehouse with 35 workers.
Under the general requirements, only one first aider is needed.
The company trains one employee and posts their name in a visible location.
But what happens when that person is absent, takes a break, or works in an area of the building far from certain activities?
Depending on the workplace layout and work schedules, the employer may benefit from designating additional first aiders.
Multiple buildings, several floors, or large working areas can also influence this decision.
The CNESST specifies that designated first aiders must perform duties that do not compromise their ability to respond quickly and effectively.
In other words, having enough employees with valid first aid certificates is not the only consideration.
What matters is ensuring that a qualified first aider can actually respond when an emergency occurs.
How Do Subsidies for First Aid Training Work?
For regular workplaces, the CNESST provides subsidies that may cover up to 5% of eligible workers at an establishment over a three-year period, subject to program conditions. Different percentages apply to certain sectors, including construction and forestry.
The calculation is performed separately for each establishment. Employers cannot combine employee counts from multiple locations to increase the number of subsidized training spots at a single establishment.
This funding helps employers train enough employees, including replacements, to ensure that the required minimum number of first aiders is maintained on every shift.
Employers must also account for certifications already subsidized during the previous three years. If training needs exceed the number of eligible subsidized spots, the employer is responsible for the cost of additional training.
What Happens if a First Aider Is Absent?
This is something employers should plan for in advance.
A company may have enough certified first aiders on its employee list but still face a problem when someone takes vacation, leaves the organization, or changes shifts.
The solution is to plan for replacements.
For example, a scheduling manager could maintain a register showing each qualified employee, their usual shift, and their certification expiry date.
Before approving certain absences, the manager could verify that the required minimum number of first aiders will still be available.
This planning becomes especially important in organizations operating several shifts.
An employee who works during the day cannot automatically provide first aid coverage during the night shift.
Similarly, someone whose certification has expired should not be counted as a qualified first aider unless a regulatory exception applies.
It’s always better to anticipate staffing needs than to find a last-minute solution.
What Training Is Required to Become a Workplace First Aider?
In Quebec, the standard workplace first aid training program is 16 hours long.
It must be delivered by a training organization recognized under the applicable program.
Participants learn how to assess emergency situations, secure the scene, recognize signs and symptoms, and provide appropriate first aid.
The training covers topics such as:
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
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Using an automated external defibrillator (AED);
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Responding to airway obstructions;
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Managing injuries and bleeding;
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Responding to various medical emergencies;
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Understanding the responsibilities of a workplace first aider.
After successfully completing the required evaluation, participants receive their workplace first aid certificate.
Santinel is among the training providers for the CNESST, offering workplace first aid training, specialized marine and forestry training, and the 40-hour training program.
For the standard course, visit Santinel’s Workplace First Aid Training page.
Is CPR Training Enough to Become a Designated Workplace First Aider?
Not necessarily.
This is a fairly common misconception.
An employee may have completed CPR training and know how to perform resuscitation techniques without holding the certification required to serve as a designated workplace first aider.
CPR training focuses mainly on specific emergency interventions, such as resuscitation and responding to airway obstructions.
The 16-hour workplace first aid course covers a broader range of situations, procedures, and responsibilities.
A short CPR course should therefore not automatically be considered equivalent to the required workplace first aid certification.
Certain exceptions apply to healthcare professionals covered by the applicable rules, including regular members of the relevant professional nursing orders.
For other workers, employers must verify that they hold the required certification.
How Long Is a Workplace First Aid Certificate Valid?
A workplace first aid certificate is valid for three years.
After that period, the employee must complete the training again to renew their certification.
Having an old first aid card is therefore not enough.
Employers must ensure that certifications remain valid.
To avoid missed renewals, maintaining a certification tracking register can be helpful.
| Employee | Usual shift | Training date | Renewal date |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aider A | Day | November 2025 | November 2028 |
| First Aider B | Evening | February 2026 | February 2029 |
| First Aider C | Day | May 2024 | May 2027 |
Fictional example.
This register helps identify upcoming renewals and coordinate training registrations.
It’s also a good idea to begin scheduling courses before certificates expire, especially when several employees need to renew their certifications around the same time.
The CNESST confirms that workplace first aid certificates are valid for three years.
Does a First Aider Need to Be Present at All Times?
Yes. The required minimum number of first aiders must be maintained throughout working hours.
This means employers need to consider how their operations actually function.
For example, if a first aider leaves the workplace to make a delivery or temporarily works off-site, their ability to provide first aid coverage may be compromised.
The nature of their position also matters.
An employee who cannot quickly interrupt their work may not be the best choice to serve as a designated first aider.
The CNESST specifies that a first aider’s regular duties must not interfere with the speed and effectiveness of first aid interventions.
Employers may therefore want to consider how first aiders are distributed across departments.
A company operating several buildings, for example, could decide to train employees in each building to make emergency response easier.
What Other Responsibilities Come With Having First Aiders?
The number of first aiders is just one part of organizing workplace first aid.
Employers must also put several additional measures in place.
Display the Names of First Aiders
The names of designated first aiders must be posted in a visible location.
Employees should be able to easily identify the people qualified to provide first aid.
It’s also helpful to indicate their department or how to contact them.
This information must be updated whenever designated first aiders change.
Make First Aid Kits Accessible
Workplaces must have an adequate number of first aid kits that are easily accessible and available during working hours.
Their contents must comply with applicable requirements, including the CAN/CSA Z1220 standard.
Used supplies must also be replaced.
Establish Communication Procedures
Employees must know how to get help when an emergency occurs.
Depending on the workplace layout, this may require an emergency alert procedure or a reliable way to quickly contact a first aider.
Document First Aid Interventions
First aid interventions must be recorded in the designated register.
The first aider must document relevant information about the incident and the care provided.
These records can also support workplace accident prevention efforts.
Are First Aid Requirements Different on Construction Sites?
Yes.
On construction sites covered by the regulation, the initial threshold is different from that of regular workplaces.
| Workers present on-site | Minimum number of first aiders |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 10 | No first aider required under this provision |
| 10 to 50 | 1 |
| 51 to 150 | 2 |
| 151 to 250 | 3 |
Additional obligations may apply depending on the construction site, particularly regarding equipment, first aid resources, and emergency response procedures.
It’s therefore important not to automatically apply the general workplace requirements to construction sites.
The principal contractor must also consider their specific responsibilities.
What About Forestry Operations?
Forestry operations are also subject to specific requirements.
Under the regulations, the minimum number of first aiders varies depending on how many workers are present.
For example, the requirements for covered forestry operations include:
| Workers present | Minimum number of first aiders |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 | 1 |
| 6 to 10 | 2 |
| 11 to 15 | 3 |
In addition to the minimum number of first aiders shown in the table, specific qualification requirements apply to forestry workplaces.
When 10 or more workers are present, at least one first aider who has successfully completed the specialized 40-hour training must be on-site. One additional forestry first aider is required for every additional group of 10 workers.
Employers must also train at least one additional forestry first aider beyond the minimum requirement to cover absences. This replacement must hold the applicable specialized qualification, not just the standard 16-hour workplace first aid certification.
For forestry workplaces with nine workers or fewer, having a first aider with the specialized 40-hour qualification on-site is not mandatory.
However, employers must ensure effective communication with a qualified forestry first aider, nurse, paramedic, or physician who can provide first aid instructions in the event of an accident.
Simply being able to call 911 does not satisfy this requirement.
To maintain their qualification, forestry first aiders must complete eight hours of refresher training every year. This annual refresher is separate from the initial specialized 40-hour course.
References: CNESST — Workplace First Aid Training and Training for Forestry Operations.
These requirements reflect the challenges of providing emergency assistance in forestry environments, where access to emergency services may be more difficult.
Employers in this sector must therefore review the specialized training and requirements applicable to their operations rather than relying solely on the general workplace first aid table.
Santinel offers first aid training adapted to different work environments, including marine and forestry training and the specialized 40-hour program.
How Can You Calculate the Number of First Aiders Your Company Needs?
To assess your situation, follow these five steps.
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Determine how many people are present at the same time at each establishment. Review employee schedules, work shifts, regularly present volunteers, and periods when shifts overlap.
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Identify the applicable requirements. Determine whether your activities fall under the general workplace rules or specific industry provisions.
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Calculate the minimum number of first aiders. Use the regulatory table that applies to your situation.
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Review certifications and work schedules. Confirm that designated employees have the required qualifications and are available during the relevant periods.
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Plan for replacements. Make sure vacations, absences, and certification renewals don’t leave your workplace without adequate first aid coverage.
Here’s a fictional example.
| Shift | Required first aiders | First aiders normally available | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | 2 | 3 | Coverage planned |
| Evening | 1 | 1 | No replacement planned |
| Night | 1 | 0 | Insufficient coverage |
In this situation, the company needs to address the lack of coverage during the night shift.
It would also benefit from training an additional employee for the evening shift to avoid a coverage gap during absences.
This type of table can help employers quickly identify their training needs.
How Should You Organize Workplace First Aid Training?
Once you’ve determined how many employees need training, the next step is to plan their registration.
For a small business, enrolling one or two employees in an already scheduled training session may be a convenient option.
For organizations with several employees to train, arranging a private on-site session may be an effective solution, depending on availability and training arrangements.
Work schedules must also be considered to prevent designated first aiders from being absent at the same time, leaving the workplace without the required coverage.
Annual planning can be an opportunity to coordinate initial training and certification renewals.
However, it’s best not to wait until certifications expire before making arrangements.
Meeting the Minimum Requirements While Being Ready to Respond
Calculating the number of required first aiders is a good starting point.
For most Quebec workplaces, the general rule is straightforward: one first aider for up to 50 workers present at the same time, two for 51 to 150 workers, and one additional first aider for every additional 100 workers or fraction thereof.
The calculation must be performed separately for each establishment and each work shift.
But meeting these requirements isn’t always enough to ensure effective first aid coverage.
Employers also need to plan replacements, keep certifications up to date, and make sure first aiders can respond quickly.
A company may meet the minimum requirements on paper but still find itself without an available first aider when an emergency occurs.
The best approach is to make workplace first aid part of everyday operational planning.
Do you need to train new first aiders or renew your team’s certifications? Explore Santinel’s Workplace First Aid Training program.
Our team can help you plan training sessions that fit your workforce and work schedules.
