April 08, 2025
On November 1, 2024, a number of important amendments to British Columbia's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations came into effect. The changes, which were developed and implemented by WorkSafeBC in consultation with key stakeholders, are meant to improve worker and workplace health and safety by strengthening existing first-aid regulations. They're also aimed to align with the highly regarded standards set by the Canadian Standards Association.
The regulatory changes governing occupational first aid programs are relatively new. It may take employers more time to fully understand the potential impacts on their current business operations and determine what adjustments, if any, may be required to ensure a smooth transition to a new business model. For some, this may mean hiring new employees who are up to date with their first aid training or who have Red Cross certifications or another type of safety certification. Others may decide to cover the cost of workplace safety training for select employees.
With this in mind, it may be a good time for those considering a trades career and for experienced workers and skilled tradespeople to add first aid or other industry-accepted health and safety courses and certificates to their resume.
TradeUpBC provides easy access to a wide range of short courses and certificate programs offered by post-secondary institutes in British Columbia, some of which satisfy these precise demands. In fact, TradeUpBC is currently highlighting two certification courses being offered by the University of the Fraser Valley, one for Red Cross Standard First Aid and the other for Basic Life Support. There's also a course that covers both of those certifications at Camosun College for those living on Vancouver Island.
Cost: $179
This is a course that provides First Aid and CPR techniques with a special focus on cardiovascular and breathing emergencies, prevention of disease transmission, poisons, and a variety of injuries. It meets several BC regulations for standard First Aid and CPR and is based on current AEC, CPR, and First Aid guidelines. Those who complete this course will obtain an official certificate with a three-year expiry date.
Schedule: May 27 to June 4, 2025 | 4 sessions - Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
In-person class at the UFV Clearbrook Centre campus in Abbotsford
Register through our course page or phone 1-888-823-8734 and select option 1.
Cost: $75
The BLS course builds confidence for anyone performing CPR who has a duty to respond. Learn the important steps to assess the situation, perform Basic Life Support and, in some cases, rapid defibrillation with an AED. Completion of this course comes with a one-year certification.
Schedule: May 7, 2025 | 1 session - Wednesday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
In person at the UFV Clearbrook Centre campus
View more details and sign up through our course page or call 1-888-823-8734 and select option 1 to register.
Cost: $265
Similar to the courses at the University of the Fraser Valley, this course at Camosun College’s Interurban Campus in Victoria covers both the Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid Certification and Basic Life Support. It lasts two full days and will provide training for graduates to respond to everything from minor injuries to life-threatening scenarios.
Schedule: Students can choose from one of two course date options.
August 30th & 31st (Saturday & Sunday): 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
September 13th & 14th (Saturday & Sunday): 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM