The province of British Columbia offers candidates an alternative to the basic first aid and CPR courses offered through the major Canadian providers. WorkSafe BC, a leading authority on workplace health and safety, has several courses that it mandates for employee’s in certain fields of work. The basic first aid courses are similar to some of the courses offered through WorkSafe BC, however, the certification value is entirely different. The two awards are not comparable in value, as one is mandated provincially and the other through Health Canada. This page will outline the first aid, CPR, and AED courses offered through WorkSafe BC.
OFA Level 1
Occupational first aid level 1 is the most basic first aid course offered through WorkSafe BC and its providers. This course is almost equivalent in curriculum and course content to an emergency first aid course. However, both courses are provided through different organizations and each offers a certificate of different value. Candidates in British Columbia must be aware of the course they are required to have as one certificate can not substitute for the other. Occupational first aid level 1 (OFA level 1) is a 8 hour course that adds additional material such as forms and procedures for incidents that occur in the workplace such as workplace hazardous material information sheets / system (WHMIS) and material safety data sheets (MSDS). Candidates will learn to fill out forms such as 7 forms for workplace injuries and incidents.
OFA Level 2
Occupational first aid level 2 is one of the most intensive first aid courses available. Participants will learn a variety of different first aid topics in this 36 hour course. Participants will have to successfully complete a skills component and a written exam to complete the course and receive certification. This course is only available through WorkSafe BC providers and in British Columbia. No refresher or re-certification courses are available for occupational first aid level 2 and candidates must renew certification by re-taking the full course. Certification is valid for 3 years, however, candidates may be required to renew certification at a earlier date based on employer requirements.
OFA Level 3
Occupational first aid level 3 is the most comprehensive basic first aid course available in British Columbia. This is a 72 hour course that includes all of the material and course content from occupational first aid level 1 and 2. Participants are required to complete a skills examination and a written test with a minimum grade of 75% to successfully complete the course. Refresher / re-certification courses are available for candidates who want to renew expiring OFA level 3 certificates. Certificates are valid for 3 years.
For more information about WorkSafe BC courses and the program they offer visit the website by selecting the highlighted name. To register for a occupational first aid course select our providers in British Columbia for registration or more information.