New Ontario AED Requirements on Construction Sites (O. Reg. 157/25)
AED Reimbursement Program for eligible construction projects
In addition to the new AED requirement under O. Reg. 157/25, the Ministry has approved a separate regulation that creates an AED reimbursement program for eligible construction projects.
Based on the information currently available, a constructor may qualify for reimbursement if all of the following apply:
- You are the constructor of the project, as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- The project is expected to last at least three months as of January 1, 2026.
- You regularly employ 20 or more workers on the project.
- There is always a trained first aid operator on site when work is underway.
- The AED is licensed by Health Canada as a medical device.
- The AED is purchased between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027.
- You claim only one AED reimbursement per eligible project
Applications for reimbursement are expected to open on January 1.
This section is for general information only and does not replace the official regulation or legal advice. Constructors should review the official Ontario regulations and WSIB/Ministry resources for the latest program details.
New AED requirements on Ontario construction projects
As of January 1, 2026, constructors on many Ontario construction projects will have new legal duties under O. Reg. 157/25 – Construction Projects, Occupational Health and Safety Act. The amendment to O. Reg. 213/91 adds section 27.1, which requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present on certain sites and maintained to specific standards.
This article summarizes the key requirements in plain language. For the full legal text, see the official regulation on Ontario’s e‑Laws website.
When is an AED required on a project?
Under new section 27.1(1) of O. Reg. 213/91 (as amended by O. Reg. 157/25), the constructor must ensure an AED is installed and maintained at a project if both of the following are true:
- Twenty or more workers are regularly employed at the project; and
- The work is expected to last three months or more.
Projects where work is expected to last less than three months are exempt from this section (see 27.1(10)).
What type of AED is required?
Section 27.1(2) states that:
A defibrillator must be licensed as a medical device by Health Canada.
In practice, this means you must purchase an AED that has an active Health Canada medical device license.
Need a compliant AED for your projects?
We supply Health Canada–licensed AEDs suitable for use on Ontario construction sites, including: ZOLL · Philips · Stryker / LIFEPAK
Required accessories that must be stored with the AED
Section 27.1(3) lists items that must be stored with every AED and maintained/replenished as necessary:
- One cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) mask
- One pair of scissors
- Two pairs of disposable medical‑grade gloves
- One disposable razor
- One garbage bag
- Four absorbent towels
These should be checked regularly so they are available and in usable condition whenever needed.
Storage and placement of the AED
Under 27.1(4), the AED and required items must be stored in a suitable place that:
- Keeps everything together – the device and accessories must be stored as a kit.
- Protects from dust, moisture, and site contaminants – so that functionality is not affected.
- Is clearly labelled with a sign that meets the AED sign requirements (see below).
- Is unobstructed and easily accessible.
- If outdoors, protects against extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight.
In 27.1(5), the regulation also requires:
- Signs adjacent to the AED; and
- Additional signs throughout the project, indicating the AED’s location.
AED signage requirements
Under 27.1(6), each sign must include:
- A graphic symbol that depicts a heart containing a lightning bolt; and
- Text in either English or French:
- English: “Automated External Defibrillator” or “AED”
- French: “Défibrillateur Externe Automatisé” or “DEA”
Make sure any custom signage you create includes both the symbol and the required wording/acronym.
Maintenance, testing, and inspection records
Section 27.1(7) requires that the AED be:
- Maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions; and
- Inspected quarterly by a competent worker, again following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Under 27.1(8), a record of these inspections must be kept with the AED and must include:
- The date of each inspection
- The name and signature of the competent worker who performed it
Many companies use an inspection tag or log sheet attached to the AED cabinet or case to satisfy this requirement.
Training requirements
Section 27.1(9) states that:
At all times when work is in progress at a project, a worker who is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator operation shall be present.
In practice, constructors should:
- Identify which workers are CPR/AED‑trained
- Ensure scheduling so at least one trained worker is on site whenever work is occurring
- Keep training records on file as part of their health and safety documentation
Need CPR/AED‑trained workers on every shift?
See our CPR & AED training options
When does the regulation take effect?
Section 2 of O. Reg. 157/25 states:
- The regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026.
Get ready for the January 1, 2026 AED requirement
To prepare for O. Reg. 157/25, constructors should:
- Select a Health Canada–licensed AED appropriate for their sites
- Set up proper storage and required accessories (mask, gloves, razor, towels, etc.)
- Establish a quarterly inspection and record‑keeping process
- Ensure at least one CPR/AED‑trained worker is present whenever work is in progress
How Rescue 7 can support your compliance efforts:
Health Canada–licensed AEDs, accessories and cabinets from leading brands
(ZOLL, Philips, Stryker / LIFEPAK)
CPR & AED Training Courses to ensure a trained first aid operator is always on site
Need help choosing the right AED within the reimbursement window?
Call us at 1‑888‑294‑4208 to speak with our team about compliant AED options for your projects.
Where to read the full legal text
For complete and up‑to‑date information, refer directly to the official regulation on e‑Laws: O. Reg. 157/25: Construction Projects, Occupational Health and Safety Act
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25157