AED Reimbursement Program for Eligible Ontario Construction Projects

In addition to the new AED requirements introduced under O. Reg. 157/25, the Ontario Ministry of Labour has approved a separate regulation establishing an AED reimbursement program for eligible construction projects.

This reimbursement program is designed to help offset the cost of purchasing Health Canada–licensed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) required on certain Ontario construction sites.

Based on information currently available, a constructor may qualify for AED reimbursement if all of the following conditions apply:

  • 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 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 Notice: This section is provided for general information purposes only and does not replace the official regulation or legal advice. Constructors should always consult the official Ontario regulations and WSIB / Ministry resources to confirm eligibility and current program details.

New AED Requirements on Ontario Construction Projects

Effective January 1, 2026, many Ontario construction projects will be subject to new 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 certain construction sites and maintained in accordance with defined standards.

This overview summarizes the regulation in plain language.
For the full 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 criteria are met:

  • 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) specifies that:

  • The defibrillator must be licensed as a medical device by Health Canada

In practical terms, this means the AED must hold an active Health Canada Medical Device Licence at the time of purchase and use.

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Required Accessories That Must Be Stored With the AED

Under section 27.1(3), the following accessories 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 replaced as required to ensure readiness.

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 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 indicating the AED’s location

AED Signage Requirements

Under section 27.1(6), all 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”

Any 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 in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Inspected quarterly by a competent worker, following manufacturer guidance

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 conducting the inspection

Many constructors satisfy 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.

To remain compliant, constructors should:

  • Identify CPR/AED-trained workers
  • Ensure scheduling guarantees trained coverage during all work hours
  • Maintain training records as part of their health and safety documentation

Need CPR/AED-trained workers on every shift?

See our CPR & AED training options

When Does the Regulation Take Effect?

Section 2 of O. Reg. 157/25 confirms that:

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 sites
  • Install proper storage, signage, and required accessories
  • Establish a quarterly inspection and documentation process
  • Ensure a CPR/AED-trained worker is present whenever work is underway

How AED4Life Supports Construction Compliance

AED4Life 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 programs to ensure trained coverage on every shift
  • Expert guidance on reimbursement-eligible purchases

📞 Need help choosing the right AED within the reimbursement window?
Call 1-888-294-4208 to speak with the AED4Life team.

NEW: Free AED Management with TrackMyAED™

Every AED purchased through AED4Life includes complimentary AED management with TrackMyAED™, Canada’s leading AED compliance and monitoring platform.

TrackMyAED™ helps constructors:

  • Track pad and battery expiry dates
  • Receive automated inspection and compliance reminders
  • Maintain digital inspection and maintenance records
  • Support due diligence under Ontario OHSA requirements
  • Reduce administrative burden across multiple job sites

Your AED isn’t just installed — it stays inspection-ready, compliant, and rescue-ready for the life of the project.

Where to Read the Full Legal Text

For the most accurate and up-to-date 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