Building AED Readiness on Ontario Construction Sites

Building AED Readiness on Ontario Construction Sites

How to Prepare for Full Compliance Before the 2026 Deadline

January 1, 2026, marks a major shift in Ontario’s approach to workplace safety. Under O. Reg. 157/25, every construction project with 20 or more workers lasting three months or longer must have a Health Canada-approved Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available and ready for use.

This regulation isn’t just another checkbox—it’s a lifesaving mandate. AEDSHOP, Canada’s leader in AED distribution and monitoring, has built a roadmap to help construction companies meet (and exceed) these new standards.

Start With Site Assessment — Where Is an AED Needed Most?

Before you buy, you assess. Determine which of your active or upcoming worksites meet the regulation’s criteria. That includes long-term builds, infrastructure projects, or municipal contracts where multiple subcontractors are present.

AEDSHOP recommends evaluating:

• Crew size and daily headcount.

• Site layout and access points.

• Distance from local EMS response zones.

• Environmental conditions—temperature, moisture, dust, and vibration.

Each of these factors helps identify the type of AED, storage, and signage you’ll need to stay compliant.

Choosing the Right AEDs for Construction Environments

Construction sites are harsh—your AEDs need to be tougher. AEDSHOP carries a full lineup of Health Canada-approved units designed for rugged conditions:

• ZOLL AED 3 – Real-time CPR feedback, Wi-Fi connectivity, IP55 weatherproof rating, bilingual prompts.

• ZOLL AED Plus – Long battery life, one-piece pad design, easy daily self-checks.

• Powerheart G5 – Extreme durability, self-testing diagnostics, dual-language voice guidance.

• Philips OnSite – Lightweight, portable, ideal for smaller mobile or finishing crews.

Each AEDSHOP Construction Bundle includes the unit, a rescue accessory kit (mask, gloves, razor, towel), bilingual signage, and access to TrackMyAED™ Pro, Canada’s leading AED management platform.

Designing the AED Program — More Than a Device

Installing an AED is just one part of compliance. A complete AED program includes clear procedures, responder training, and routine maintenance. AEDSHOP helps you integrate these elements into your site’s existing Health and Safety Planso they’re practical, not theoretical.

Your emergency plan should:

• Map AED locations on updated site drawings.

• Assign trained responders and alternates for every shift.

• Outline how to contact EMS and report incidents.

• Include AED checks in weekly safety talks or JHSC meetings.

Training is essential. AEDSHOP’s Advanced Care Paramedic instructors, with 35+ years of cardiac experience, provide CPR/AED instruction following Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and ILCOR guidelines. Crews learn not just the “how,” but the “why”—and that makes response faster and more confident when seconds matter.

Keeping Every AED Ready — TrackMyAED™ Pro

Even the best AED can fail if forgotten. TrackMyAED™ Pro removes that risk entirely. With automated inspection reminders, pad and battery expiry tracking, and real-time dashboards for multi-site contractors, the system ensures that no AED is ever overlooked.

Supervisors receive:

• Instant alerts for upcoming expirations.

• Digital inspection logs for Ministry of Labour audits.

• GPS-linked visibility across multiple worksites.

• Predictive maintenance notifications before failures occur.

With over 60,000 AEDs monitored across Canada, TrackMyAED™ Pro is the standard of compliance and accountability for large construction groups.

Compliance Meets Cost Recovery

Under Bill 30 (Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025), Ontario’s WSIB reimbursement program allows employers to offset AED and training costs. AEDSHOP provides all supporting documentation—serial numbers, certifications, and proof of training—so reimbursement claims are fast and accurate.

By acting before the 2026 deadline, you not only secure compliance but also avoid supply shortages and gain potential financial recovery for your investment.

The Bigger Picture — Prevention Saves Lives

Each year, about 60,000 Canadians experience cardiac arrest, and survival rates remain below 10%. The Heart & Stroke Foundation notes that survival triples when CPR and defibrillation happen within 3–5 minutes of collapse. (heartandstroke.ca)

By preparing now, constructors ensure that safety isn’t reactive—it’s built into the workflow. An AED on-site doesn’t just check a box; it saves lives, strengthens culture, and reinforces public trust in your organization.

Build Readiness With AEDSHOP

AEDSHOP offers complete turnkey AED compliance solutions for Ontario construction companies:

• Health Canada-approved AEDs and construction bundles.

• CPR/AED training compliant with Heart & Stroke and ILCOR.

• TrackMyAED™ Pro digital monitoring system.

• WSIB reimbursement documentation and full post-purchase support.

🌐 Visit www.AEDSHOP.ca to schedule your compliance review and equip your worksites with ZOLL AED 3, Powerheart G5, or Philips OnSite devices—ready for 2026 and beyond.

AEDSHOP Quick Facts

• 60,000 + AEDs tracked nationwide.

• 35 + years Advanced Care Paramedic leadership.

• 20 + years serving Canada’s construction and industrial sectors.

• 100 % Health Canada-approved AEDs.

• 110 % Price Guarantee and bilingual national support.