In addition to the new AED requirements introduced under O. Reg. 157/25, the Ontario Ministry of Labour has approved a separate regulation creating an AED reimbursement program for eligible construction projects.
This reimbursement program is intended to help offset the cost of purchasing Health Canada–licensed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) that are now required on many Ontario construction sites.
Based on information currently available, a constructor may qualify for AED reimbursement if all of the following conditions are met:
- You are the constructor of the project, as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- The project is expected to last at least three (3) months as of January 1, 2026
- You regularly employ 20 or more workers on the project
- A trained first aid operator is present on site whenever work is underway
- The AED is licensed as a medical device by Health Canada
- The AED is purchased between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027
- Only one AED reimbursement is claimed per eligible project
Applications for reimbursement are expected to open on January 1.
Important:
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace the official regulation or legal advice. Constructors should review the official Ontario regulations and applicable WSIB and Ministry resources to confirm eligibility and program details.
New AED Requirements on Ontario Construction Projects
Effective January 1, 2026, many Ontario construction projects will be subject to mandatory AED requirementsunder O. Reg. 157/25 – Construction Projects, enacted pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
This regulation amends O. Reg. 213/91 by adding section 27.1, which requires that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) be installed on qualifying construction sites and maintained in accordance with defined standards.
This summary explains the requirements in plain language.
For the complete legal text, refer to the official Ontario regulation on the e-Laws website.
When Is an AED Required on a Construction Project?
Under section 27.1(1) of O. Reg. 213/91, as amended by O. Reg. 157/25, a constructor must ensure an AED is installed and maintained on a project when both of the following apply:
- 20 or more workers are regularly employed on the project; and
- The work is expected to last three months or longer
Projects expected to last less than three months are exempt from this requirement (see section 27.1(10)).
What Type of AED Is Required?
Section 27.1(2) states that:
- The defibrillator must be licensed as a medical device by Health Canada
In practical terms, this means the AED must have an active Health Canada Medical Device Licence at the time of purchase and use.
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The AED Shop (AEDSHOP) supplies Health Canada–licensed AEDs specifically suited for Ontario construction environments, including trusted brands such as:
ZOLL · Philips · Stryker / LIFEPAK
Required Accessories That Must Be Stored With the AED
Under section 27.1(3), the following items must be stored with every AED and maintained in usable condition:
- 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 items must be checked regularly and replenished as necessary.
Storage and Placement of the AED
Section 27.1(4) requires that the AED and accessories be stored in a location that:
- Keeps the AED and accessories together as a single kit
- Protects the equipment from dust, moisture, and construction site contaminants
- Is clearly labelled with compliant AED signage
- Is unobstructed and easily accessible
- If stored outdoors, protects against extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight
Section 27.1(5) further requires:
- Signage placed adjacent to the AED; and
- Additional directional signage throughout the project identifying the AED’s location
AED Signage Requirements
Under section 27.1(6), AED signage must include:
- A graphic symbol depicting a heart with a lightning bolt; and
- Text in English or French, as follows:
- English: “Automated External Defibrillator” or “AED”
- French: “Défibrillateur Externe Automatisé” or “DEA”
Custom signage must include both the symbol and the required wording or acronym.
Maintenance, Testing, and Inspection Records
Section 27.1(7) requires that each AED be:
- Maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Inspected quarterly by a competent worker
Under section 27.1(8), inspection records must be kept with the AED and must include:
- The date of each inspection
- The name and signature of the competent worker who completed the inspection
Many constructors meet this requirement by using an inspection tag or log sheet attached to the AED cabinet or case.
Training Requirements
Section 27.1(9) states that:
At all times when work is in progress, a worker trained in CPR and AED operation must be present on the project.
Constructors should therefore:
- Identify CPR/AED-trained workers
- Schedule work to ensure trained coverage at all times
- Maintain training records as part of health and safety documentation
When Does the Regulation Take Effect?
Section 2 of O. Reg. 157/25 confirms:
The regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026.
Preparing for the January 1, 2026 AED Requirement
To prepare for compliance with O. Reg. 157/25, constructors should:
- Select a Health Canada–licensed AED appropriate for construction use
- Install compliant storage, signage, and required accessories
- Establish a quarterly inspection and record-keeping process
- Ensure a CPR/AED-trained worker is present whenever work is underway
How The AED Shop (AEDSHOP) Supports Construction Compliance
The AED Shop provides complete, end-to-end support for Ontario construction AED compliance, including:
- Health Canada–licensed AEDs, cabinets, and accessories
(ZOLL, Philips, Stryker / LIFEPAK) - CPR & AED training coordination
- Guidance on reimbursement-eligible AED purchases
📞 Need help choosing the right AED within the reimbursement window?
Call 1-888-294-4208 to speak with our compliance team.
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TrackMyAED™ helps construction projects:
- Track AED pad and battery expiry dates
- Receive automated inspection and compliance reminders
- Maintain digital maintenance and inspection records
- Support due diligence under Ontario OHSA requirements
- Reduce administrative workload across multiple job sites
Your AED is not only installed — it is actively managed, compliant, and rescue-ready for the life of the project.
Where to Read the Full Legal Text
For the most current and authoritative information, consult the official regulation on Ontario’s e-Laws website:
O. Reg. 157/25: Construction Projects, Occupational Health and Safety Act
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25157