AEDs Save Lives
The use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is a cornerstone in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are portable devices that analyze heart rhythms and deliver a life-saving shock when necessary. When combined with CPR, early defibrillation greatly increases the chance of survival.
Having AEDs readily available in public spaces—and in workplaces—can mean the difference between life and death. Strategic placement in high-traffic, visible, and accessible locations ensures that anyone can act quickly during an emergency.
New Ontario Requirements
Ontario has strengthened workplace safety by introducing new legislation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act requiring AEDs on certain construction projects. Effective January 1, 2026, projects with 20 or more workers and lasting three months or longer must have an AED on site, along with proper accessories, inspections, and maintenance protocols (Ontario.ca).
This new requirement underscores the importance of AEDs in high-risk environments and aligns with the province’s ongoing commitment to worker safety through WSIB Regulation 1101 and related health and safety standards.