Ontario Construction AED
Requirements Explained (O. Reg. 157/25)
Ontario construction safety requirements are entering a new era, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now a mandatory component of job-site life safety planning for many projects across the province. As of January 1, 2026, Ontario Regulation 157/25, enacted under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), will require qualifying construction projects to have an AED readily available on site. This regulation reflects a growing recognition by the Province of Ontario that sudden cardiac arrest is a real and present risk in physically demanding work environments such as construction, and that early defibrillation saves lives.
Under O. Reg. 157/25, an AED is required on a construction project when two conditions are met. First, the project must regularly employ 20 or more workers. Second, the project must be expected to last three months or longer. When both of these thresholds apply, AED compliance becomes enforceable law rather than a recommendation or best practice. This means constructors, employers, project managers, and health and safety officers must proactively plan for AED placement, maintenance, inspections, and training before January 1, 2026, to avoid enforcement action.
Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors will have the authority to verify far more than the simple presence of an AED. Inspectors may confirm that the AED is licensed by Health Canada, appropriately stored, clearly signed, routinely inspected, and supported by trained personnel on every active shift. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in orders, work stoppages, or compliance directives that can delay projects and increase costs. As a result, AED compliance should be treated with the same seriousness as fall protection, confined space protocols, or emergency evacuation planning.
A critical component of the regulation is AED eligibility. Not all AEDs sold in Canada are legal for use on Ontario construction sites. O. Reg. 157/25 clearly states that the AED must be licensed by Health Canada as a medical device at the time of purchase and throughout the duration of the project. Consumer-grade devices, refurbished consumer models without proper licensing, or unsupported units may be deemed non-compliant even if an AED is physically present on site. This distinction is essential, as enforcement focuses on regulatory compliance rather than intent.
Construction sites also pose unique environmental challenges that influence AED selection. Dust, vibration, moisture, extreme temperatures, and rough handling are common realities on job sites. For this reason, Ontario constructors typically select rugged, professional-grade AEDs designed for high-risk workplaces. Commonly used Health Canada–licensed AEDs on Ontario construction sites include the ZOLL AED 3, Philips AED models such as the OnSite and FRx, and Cardiac Science Powerheart AED units. Each of these devices is designed for reliability, durability, and ease of use in challenging environments.
The ZOLL AED 3 is widely recognized for its real-time CPR feedback technology, which helps rescuers deliver high-quality chest compressions during a cardiac arrest. This feature is particularly valuable on construction sites where trained responders may rotate between shifts and stress levels can be high during an emergency. Philips AEDs are known for their intuitive design and clear voice prompts, making them well suited for use by workers who may not perform rescues regularly. Cardiac Science Powerheart AEDs are valued for rapid shock delivery and automated self-testing features, which help ensure the device is always ready when needed. All of these AEDs are Health Canada licensed and appropriate for use under O. Reg. 157/25 when properly maintained.
However, purchasing a compliant AED is only the first step. Ontario’s regulation places ongoing responsibility on constructors to ensure the AED remains operational and accessible throughout the project. This includes proper storage, clear signage, routine inspections, and documentation. AEDs must be stored as a complete kit, with pads, batteries, and accessories intact. They must be clearly visible, unobstructed, and protected from environmental damage. Signage must be present in English or French and include a heart and lightning bolt symbol to allow rapid identification during an emergency.
Quarterly AED inspections are also required, with written records documenting the date of inspection, the name of the competent worker performing the inspection, and confirmation that the AED is functional and complete. In addition, at least one worker trained in CPR and AED use must be present whenever work is underway. These requirements mean that AED compliance is not a one-time purchase decision, but an ongoing operational responsibility.
This is where centralized AED management becomes essential, particularly for construction companies operating multiple job sites across Ontario. AED4Life supports Ontario constructors by providing complete construction AED solutions bundled with TrackMyAED™, a centralized AED management and compliance tracking system. TrackMyAED™ allows companies to track AED inspections, pad and battery expiry dates, training coverage, and compliance documentation across all locations from a single dashboard. Automated reminders help ensure inspections are never missed, accessories are replaced on time, and documentation is always available during an inspection.
TrackMyAED™ reduces administrative burden while significantly lowering compliance risk. Instead of relying on spreadsheets, paper logs, or manual reminders, construction companies gain a systemized approach to AED compliance that aligns with Ontario regulatory expectations. This proactive management approach is increasingly important as enforcement under O. Reg. 157/25 becomes part of routine construction inspections.
Ontario’s decision to mandate AEDs on qualifying construction projects underscores the importance of early planning. Waiting until inspections begin or projects expand beyond initial assumptions may expose employers to unnecessary risk. Selecting a Health Canada–licensed AED, ensuring proper installation and signage, training workers, and implementing a tracking system such as TrackMyAED™ are the most effective ways to protect workers while meeting legal obligations.
AED4Life is a trusted Canadian supplier specializing in construction-ready AED solutions for Ontario job sites. By working with AED4Life, constructors receive access to Health Canada–licensed AEDs from leading manufacturers, compliant storage and signage options, and TrackMyAED™ included at no additional cost. This integrated approach allows construction companies to focus on building safely while maintaining confidence that AED compliance is being managed correctly.
Ontario construction AED compliance is no longer optional, and proactive preparation is essential. With the January 1, 2026 deadline approaching, now is the time to evaluate projects, assess staffing levels and timelines, and implement a compliant AED program that meets both the letter and intent of O. Reg. 157/25.
👉 Buy Ontario-compliant construction AEDs today:
https://aed4life.ca/collections/construction-sites
📖 Official Regulation (O. Reg. 157/25):
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25157