Workplace First-Aid Supplies in Canada: How to Build a Restocking Plan
Quick answer: There is no single first-aid-kit list that applies to every Canadian workplace. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and can depend on workforce size, hazards, work location, travel time to medical care and other factors.
Updated July 30, 2026. This is a purchasing and organization guide, not legal advice. Confirm the current first-aid rules for your federal, provincial or territorial jurisdiction.
Start with the applicable jurisdiction
CCOHS notes that every Canadian jurisdiction requires some level of workplace first aid, but the detailed rules differ. A federally regulated workplace may follow different requirements from a provincially regulated workplace. Begin by identifying the regulator and the current standard that applies.
Assess the workplace
A first-aid assessment may consider:
- the number of workers per shift;
- the hazards and types of injury that could occur;
- worksite layout and distance between work areas;
- whether employees work alone, remotely or off site;
- travel time to emergency medical care;
- required first-aid attendants and training; and
- special procedures, records and communication equipment.
Organize supplies by function
Depending on the applicable requirements and hazard assessment, supplies may include sterile gauze pads, non-adherent dressings, abdominal pads, conforming bandages, medical tape, eyewash products and other listed items. The correct dimensions, quantities and sterility depend on the kit standard and workplace—not on a generic online checklist.
Create an inspection routine
- Assign responsibility for each kit or station.
- Set a documented inspection schedule.
- Check seals, packaging condition and expiry or replacement dates.
- Replace used, damaged, contaminated or expired items.
- Confirm eyewash and other stations remain accessible.
- Record inspections and restocking where required.
- Reassess after staffing, layout, hazard or regulatory changes.
Do not overstock blindly
Large quantities can reduce unit cost, but supplies still require proper storage and rotation. Estimate usage, maintain a reasonable buffer and rotate older acceptable stock forward. Products with damaged packaging or those outside applicable use requirements should not remain in service.
Training and procedures matter
A well-stocked cabinet does not replace trained attendants, emergency procedures, reporting or prompt access to medical care. CCOHS recommends that workers know how and when to report an injury, who the first-aid attendants are and where supplies are located.
Browse first-aid and safety supplies, eyewash products, dressings and gauze, or medical tape.