OFA New Certification Durations In Effect

WorkSafe BC December Bulletin details the OFA certification increase to 3 years

In the, just issued, December 2009 bulletin from WorkSafe BC they have confirmed: "The change in duration from 2 to 3 years for all OFA and equivalent course certification and the removal of the automatic requirement for medicals"...

The text states "Effective January 1, 2010, all Occupational First Aid (OFA) and equivalent certificates will be valid for three years from the date of successful completion of the OFA level 1, Transportation Endorsement (TE) or equivalent course or the successful completion of an OFA level 2, 3 or equivalent examination."

The bulletin also notes "In addition, with the advent of EMRs from other provinces obtaining licenses in BC under TILMA and AIT legislation, it is possible that in the future the holder of a BC EMR License will not have been trained in the necessary OFA skills required to be competent as a first aid attendant in industry. In other words, it can no longer be assumed that a Licensed EMR has been trained in the required OFA duties."

You should consult the complete text of the WorkSafe BC bulletin for details on these and other changes.

---