A Comprehensive Guide to WorkSafeBC First Aid Trailer Requirements

In the rugged and diverse landscape of British Columbia, where industries like mining, film, and construction thrive in both urban and remote settings, workplace safety is a non-negotiable cornerstone of a successful operation. WorkSafeBC, the provincial regulatory body for workplace health and safety, has established clear and comprehensive requirements for first aid, and in many cases, a simple first aid kit is not enough. This is where the WorkSafeBC-compliant first aid trailer, becomes an indispensable asset. This article will delve into the WorkSafeBC regulations governing these trailers and explore their specific applications within the mining, film, and construction industries.

The WorkSafeBC Mandate: The First Aid Assessment

The foundation of all first aid requirements in British Columbia is the mandatory First Aid Assessment. This is a crucial, documented process that every employer must undertake in consultation with their workers. The assessment is designed to determine the appropriate level of first aid services required for a specific workplace. The key factors considered in this assessment are:

1. Number of Workers: The size of the crew directly influences the scale of first aid provisions.
2. Workplace Hazard Rating: WorkSafeBC classifies workplaces as low, moderate, or high hazard based on the nature of the work and the potential for injury.
3. Remoteness and Accessibility: This is a critical factor. If a worksite is remote, meaning a BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance cannot reach it within 30 minutes under normal travel conditions, the first aid requirements escalate significantly. Similarly, “less accessible” workplaces, even if not remote, may require a higher level of first aid.

When a workplace is deemed to be high-hazard, remote, or less-accessible, a first aid trailer often becomes the most practical and effective solution to meet the requirements outlined in WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, specifically in Schedule 3-A.

What Makes a First Aid Trailer WorkSafeBC Compliant?

A WorkSafeBC-compliant first aid trailer is not merely a box with medical supplies. It is a purpose-built facility on wheels, designed to provide a safe, clean, and organized environment for a first aid attendant to deliver care. Key features and requirements include:

• Designated First Aid Facility: The trailer must serve as a dedicated, private space for treating injuries. It should be kept clean, dry, and accessible at all times while workers are on site.
• Climate Control: The facility must be heated and cooled to provide a comfortable and safe environment for both the patient and the first aid attendant, regardless of external weather conditions.
• Adequate Supplies and Equipment: The trailer must be stocked with a full range of first aid supplies, as specified in Schedule 3-A for the appropriate first aid facility (dressing station or first aid room). This includes everything from basic bandages and antiseptic to stretchers, oxygen therapy equipment, and advanced trauma supplies.
• Emergency Transportation Capability: For remote worksites, the trailer itself, or the vehicle it is mounted on, must be capable of safely transporting an injured worker. This is particularly important for getting a patient to a rendezvous point with a BCEHS ambulance. This transport vehicle must be maintained and operated according to the OHS Regulation. It must also be suitable for the terrain and equipped with effective communication systems.
• First Aid Attendant Certification: The attendant working in the trailer must hold a WorkSafeBC-recognized first aid certificate at the appropriate level, typically an Intermediate or Advanced First Aid certificate, formerly known as Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 2 or 3. In many remote, high-hazard situations, a Transportation Endorsement is also required, ensuring the attendant is trained to safely transport an injured worker.
• Record-Keeping: A compliant trailer will have a system for keeping detailed records of all injuries and exposures treated. These records must be maintained for at least three years.

Industry-Specific Applications of First Aid Trailers

The utility and necessity of first aid trailers are particularly evident in three of British Columbia’s most prominent industries:

1. The Mining Industry

Mining, by its very nature, is a high-hazard industry. Operations often take place in extremely remote locations, far from urban centers and medical facilities. WorkSafeBC’s Part 22 of the OHS Regulation, which addresses underground workings, further emphasizes the need for robust on-site safety measures.

• High-Hazard Environment: Miners face a range of serious risks, including falls, rockslides, heavy machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials. The potential for severe injury is high.
• Extreme Remoteness: Many mining camps are situated hours, or even days, away from the nearest hospital. A first aid trailer, functioning as a Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC), is essential. It provides a stable and equipped environment where an attendant can stabilize a patient before a long transport to a hospital or a rendezvous with an air ambulance.
• Emergency Transport: The rugged terrain of mining sites necessitates a robust, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of handling unpaved roads and challenging conditions. The MTC, mounted on a suitable truck, provides this critical transportation link, allowing for timely evacuation of injured workers.

2. The Film Industry

British Columbia’s film and television industry is a major economic driver, and productions often take place on location in remote or unusual settings. While not always classified as “high-hazard,” the combination of large crews, temporary setups, and specialized activities can create significant safety risks.

• Location-Based Work: Film crews may be working on a mountaintop one day and in a dense forest the next. Each location requires its own first aid assessment. A first aid trailer offers the perfect mobile solution, allowing the production to bring its full first aid facility with it, ensuring compliance and worker safety no matter the backdrop.
• Variable Crew Size: The number of cast and crew can fluctuate dramatically from day to day. A first aid trailer provides a consistent, scalable solution that can accommodate the needs of a small second unit or a large-scale production with hundreds of people on set.
• Specific Hazards: While the overall industry hazard rating is often moderate, specific activities like stunts, pyrotechnics, or set construction carry a high risk. WorkSafeBC’s regulations for the motion picture industry specifically mention the need for “facilities such as first aid trailers” depending on the first aid assessment. The trailers provide a sterile environment for an attendant to treat injuries that can result from these specialized activities.

3. The Construction Industry

Construction sites are inherently dynamic and hazardous environments. From residential builds in urban areas to massive infrastructure projects in remote regions, the risks are constant and varied.

• Coordination on Multi-Employer Sites: On a large construction site with multiple employers, a prime contractor is responsible for coordinating first aid services. A centrally located, well-equipped first aid trailer serves as a hub for all first aid operations, ensuring all workers, regardless of their employer, have access to a consistent level of care.
• Changing Work Environment: As a construction project progresses, the hazards and layout of the site change daily. A mobile first aid trailer can be easily relocated to remain close to the active work areas, minimizing response times in an emergency.
• Compliance for Remote Projects: For major projects like road construction, pipeline work, or dam building in remote areas, a first aid trailer is a non-negotiable requirement. It provides the necessary facility, equipment, and transportation capabilities to meet the high-hazard and remote location criteria set by WorkSafeBC.

In conclusion, a first aid trailer is a vital tool for ensuring compliance and, more importantly, protecting workers in British Columbia’s diverse industries. It’s an investment in a robust safety culture that goes beyond the bare minimum, providing a professional, well-equipped, and mobile solution that can save lives and mitigate the risks inherent in challenging work environments. By understanding and adhering to WorkSafeBC’s comprehensive first aid regulations, employers can ensure their operations are not only productive but also, and most importantly, safe.

We provide first aid trailers to a variety of industries in Vancouver and around BC, including mining, construction, government, and the film industry. Contact us today to see how we can provide a cost-effective solution to your business requirements.