In a historic workplace safety initiative, the Ontario government has announced plans to mandate the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on many construction sites across the province. If passed, the new legislation will mark a first-in-Canada requirement and a major expansion of the province’s Working for Workers series of reforms aimed at protecting frontline laborers.
Table of Contents
The move is designed to combat cardiac-related workplace fatalities, a growing concern within Ontario’s construction sector.
Minister’s Statement: A Focus on Worker Safety
Speaking from Whitby, David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emphasized the importance of safety for those building Ontario’s future.
“Our government is protecting Ontario workers that are building our province by requiring AEDs on construction sites,” said Piccini.
“Ensuring lifesaving equipment is where it’s needed to keep them safe is one more way we’re creating safer workplaces.”
New Ontario Laws & Rules Taking Effect June 2025: What You Need to Know
New Luxury Marriott Hotel Coming to Ontario’s Top Summer Destination
Exploring Ontario’s Hidden Gems: The Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Summer 2025
Why AEDs Matter: Addressing Sudden Cardiac Arrest on Job Sites
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains one of the leading causes of death on construction sites. Construction workers are especially vulnerable due to the physical demands and environmental conditions of the job.
AEDs are portable electronic devices designed to restart a person’s heart during cardiac arrest. When combined with CPR and used within the first few minutes, AEDs can boost survival rates by over 50%, making them one of the most critical tools in a workplace emergency.
What the Proposed Rule Will Require
The proposed changes will apply to construction projects that meet the following criteria:
- Duration: Projects expected to last three months or longer
- Workforce Size: Sites with 20 or more workers
This scope ensures that medium- to large-scale construction projects will be equipped with AEDs, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Financial Support Through WSIB Reimbursement Program
To ease the financial burden—especially for small construction businesses—the Ontario government plans to launch a reimbursement program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
- Average Cost of AED (as of April 2025): $2,300
- Reimbursement Source: WSIB Insurance Fund
This support is designed to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to saving lives on-site.
Why This Matters: The Data Behind the Decision
- According to Ministry of Labour data, over 15% of inspection reports involving cardiac incidents occurred in the construction industry.
- Stakeholders in the industry, during consultations under Working for Workers Five, widely supported the inclusion of AEDs and requested financial assistance for implementation.
Part of a Broader Safety Strategy: Working for Workers Series
The AED mandate is one element in the next legislative package stemming from Ontario’s Working for Workers Acts, a landmark multi-year reform effort launched in 2021. Previous acts have introduced:
- Naloxone kit requirements in workplaces at risk of opioid overdose
- Right-to-disconnect policies
- Improved protections for gig and migrant workers
- Stronger enforcement against wage theft and unsafe employers
The upcoming Working for Workers legislation—to be unveiled in full in the coming days—will focus on workplace safety, long-term economic security, and fighting worker abuse by targeting exploitative employers.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Type | Proposed legislation under Working for Workers |
| Requirement | AEDs on construction sites (≥ 3 months, ≥ 20 workers) |
| Average AED Cost | $2,300 (as of April 2025) |
| Reimbursement | Through WSIB’s insurance fund |
| Industry Impacted | Construction |
| Motivation | Over 15% of cardiac-related inspections are from this sector |
| Goal | Reduce workplace fatalities and improve emergency preparedness |
Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Safer Worksites
If passed, Ontario’s new AED mandate would set a national precedent, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a leader in worker safety reform. With cardiac-related fatalities disproportionately affecting the construction sector, the addition of defibrillators to job sites could be a life-saving innovation for thousands of laborers across Ontario.
As construction ramps up across the province—with major investments in housing, transit, and infrastructure—ensuring workers are protected isn’t just good policy. It’s a moral imperative.