Construction Site Safety: Why AEDs Save Lives and Why Ontario Is Making Them Mandatory

Construction Site Safety: Why AEDs Save Lives and Why Ontario Is Making Them Mandatory

Understanding the Human Cost—and the Compliance Path Forward

A construction site is one of the most physically demanding work environments in Canada. Crews lift, climb, and endure extreme temperatures. Amid all that activity, one of the most common—and most overlooked—dangers isn’t a fall or a crush injury. It’s the heart.

Every year, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada reports more than 60 000 cardiac arrests outside hospitals, and survival remains below 10 percent. (heartandstroke.ca) The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) reinforces that rapid defibrillation within the first five minutes is the single most important factor in survival. (ilcor.org)

That urgency is what prompted Ontario’s new regulation—O. Reg. 157/25, effective January 1 2026—requiring every construction project with 20 or more workers and lasting three months or longer to have a Health Canada-approved Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site. The goal: make lifesaving response part of everyday safety, not an afterthought.

What Happens During a Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) stops the heart’s normal rhythm without warning. Within 4–6 minutes, oxygen deprivation causes irreversible brain injury. For every minute without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by about 10 percent. CPR keeps oxygen circulating, but only an AED can restart the heart’s rhythm.

Modern devices like the ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, Powerheart G5, and Philips OnSite guide even untrained rescuers through voice and visual prompts, analyzing heart rhythm automatically and delivering a shock when needed. AEDSHOP provides these models because they are Health Canada-approved, bilingual, weather-rated, and field-tested for Canadian worksites—from high-rise towers to rural infrastructure builds.

Why Construction Sites Are High-Risk Environments

Physical exertion, heat stress, dehydration, vibration, and airborne dust all increase cardiovascular strain. Workers who smoke or have undiagnosed high blood pressure are at even greater risk.
An AED on-site can mean the difference between tragedy and a life saved. It’s the same logic behind hard hats and fall arrest gear: control what you can before the unthinkable happens.

What Ontario’s Law Actually Requires

Under O. Reg. 157/25, sites meeting the 20-worker/three-month threshold must:

• Provide at least one Health Canada-licensed AED accessible during all working hours.

• Ensure the device is stored with essential rescue accessories: mask, gloves, scissors, razor, garbage bag, and absorbent towels.

• Conduct and record quarterly inspections to confirm readiness.

• Maintain inspection logs for Ministry of Labour or WSIB review.

AEDSHOP helps contractors interpret these requirements, choose compliant models, and integrate inspection documentation seamlessly into their safety systems.

Smarter Compliance Through TrackMyAED™ Pro

Paper logs fade; digital records don’t. TrackMyAED™ automates the routine—inspection reminders, pad and battery expiry alerts, maintenance tracking—so nothing slips through the cracks.
TrackMyAED™ Pro adds multi-site dashboards, real-time readiness indicators, and even loaner-unit tracking for contractors with rotating crews or multiple projects.

With more than 60 000 AEDs monitored nationwide, TrackMyAED™ Pro gives constructors a live view of every device in their network—no spreadsheets required.

Investing in Safety—and Setting the Standard

Implementing AEDs is both compliance and leadership. It demonstrates to employees, inspectors, and clients that your company values life safety with the same seriousness as structural integrity. Early adopters of AEDSHOP’s construction programs are already embedding AED checks into daily toolbox talks and safety meetings, transforming readiness into routine.

AEDSHOP’s packages include:

• ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, Powerheart G5, or Philips OnSite units.

• Construction-rated enclosures or portable “Grab & Go” kits.

• Bilingual signage and rescue accessories.

• TrackMyAED™ Pro activation for full digital oversight.

• Optional CPR/AED training led by a 35-year Advanced Care Paramedic.

Prepare Before the Rush

The 2026 deadline may feel distant, but procurement cycles and training schedules are already tightening as awareness spreads. Getting started now means:

• Guaranteed access to approved inventory.

• Time for staff training and digital system setup.

• Eligibility for WSIB reimbursement under Bill 30 (Working for Workers Seven Act 2025).

• Peace of mind knowing your site is audit-ready and rescue-ready.

Move From Compliance to Confidence

Safety leadership is never reactive—it’s proactive. Equip your crews today, train them well, and integrate AED readiness into your everyday operations.

🔗 Visit www.AEDSHOP.ca to explore construction-site AED bundles, bilingual signage kits, and TrackMyAED™ Pro integration designed specifically for Ontario contractors.

AEDSHOP Fast Facts

• 35 + years Advanced Care Paramedic oversight.

• 20 + years serving Canada’s construction sector.

• 100 % Health Canada-approved devices.

• 110 % Price Guarantee & bilingual support.