First Aid Training for Safety Officers Vancouver
On any construction site in Vancouver, the Safety Officer is the first line of defense when something goes wrong. They’re responsible for ensuring that every worker goes home safely and when emergencies happen, they’re the ones who lead the response.
At Fundamental First Aid, we provide WorkSafeBC-approved first aid training for Safety Officers across the Lower Mainland. Our courses help site supervisors, CSOs, and health and safety coordinators gain the confidence, certification, and leadership skills they need to manage workplace medical incidents effectively.
About Fundamental First Aid
Fundamental First Aid is a WorkSafeBC-approved emergency training school located at 206-1868 Glen Drive, Vancouver, BC V6A 4K4.
We specialize in Occupational Health Services like workplace-focused first aid education that meets B.C.’s regulatory standards while being realistic, hands-on, and engaging. Our instructors bring years of experience from the construction, industrial, and emergency medical fields, so you’re learning from professionals who’ve seen real job-site incidents.
We train hundreds of Safety Officers and site supervisors every year from Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver, helping them meet WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 3 (Occupational First Aid) requirements for their specific site conditions.
Why First Aid Training Matters for Safety Officers
Safety Officers play a unique role on construction sites. They don’t just respond to emergencies, they organize, supervise, and support the first aid attendants who do.
Under WorkSafeBC Part 3, construction projects must have a designated Occupational First Aid (OFA) attendant on site, along with appropriate equipment and facilities. The Safety Officer is typically responsible for making sure those requirements are met and that the attendants are prepared to respond effectively.
That’s why we strongly recommend that every Safety Officer complete OFA Level 3, the most advanced WorkSafeBC-approved first aid certification available in British Columbia.
Recommended Courses for Safety Officers
OFA Level 3 – Advanced First Aid (Recommended for Most Safety Officers)
OFA Level 3 is the gold standard for high-hazard work environments like construction, mining, and manufacturing. It teaches comprehensive injury management skills and prepares Safety Officers to take charge in complex emergencies.
Course Highlights:
- WorkSafeBC-approved, 70-hour course
- Advanced assessment and injury management
- Fractures, head and spinal injuries, shock, major trauma
- Oxygen therapy and airway management
- Coordination with paramedics and emergency services
- Certification valid for 3 years
Because Safety Officers often supervise or coordinate with OFA Level 3 attendants, holding the same certification allows them to lead confidently, assess performance, and communicate effectively during emergencies.
OFA Level 2 – Intermediate First Aid (For Smaller Crews or Lower-Risk Sites)
For smaller construction sites or those with fewer than 50 workers, WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 3, Schedule 3-A may only require an OFA Level 2 attendant. In these cases, Safety Officers may choose OFA Level 2 training to meet compliance while still gaining essential first aid leadership skills.
Course Highlights:
- WorkSafeBC-approved, 16-hour course
- Focus on workplace emergencies and transport-level care
- Includes CPR Level A & AED training
- Certification valid for 3 years
Our instructors can help you determine which course level is appropriate for your job site based on crew size, hazard rating, and travel time to a hospital, as outlined in WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 3, Sections 3.14–3.21.
Understanding WorkSafeBC Requirements
WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 3 (Occupational First Aid) defines exactly what level of first aid coverage each worksite must have. The key factors are:
- Number of workers on site
- Hazard rating of the work (low, moderate, or high)
- Distance or travel time to hospital care
- Accessibility of all areas of the site
For high-hazard job sites that have less accessible areas like most construction projects, the regulation typically requires an OFA Level 3 attendant when 10 or more workers are present.
Even when smaller sites only require OFA Level 2, Safety Officers are still expected to understand the full scope of emergency response and coordinate with higher-level attendants as crews expand.
By earning their OFA Level 3 certification, Safety Officers gain the authority and technical expertise to manage these requirements confidently — ensuring compliance and peace of mind for everyone on site.
The Role of a Safety Officer in Emergency Response
A certified Safety Officer is more than just a compliance representative, they’re the anchor of the entire safety system.
On any construction site, the Safety Officer is responsible for:
- Conducting hazard assessments and maintaining first aid records
- Ensuring proper equipment, kits, and first aid rooms are in place
- Supervising OFA Level 3 attendants and confirming their certification
- Coordinating emergency drills and documentation
- Communicating with WorkSafeBC officers during inspections
By completing WorkSafeBC-approved first aid training through Fundamental First Aid, Safety Officers don’t just tick a regulatory box, they strengthen their ability to lead during real emergencies.
Why Vancouver Safety Officers Choose Fundamental First Aid
Fundamental First Aid has built its reputation on quality, flexibility, and professionalism. Our courses are designed to fit around busy construction schedules while maintaining the highest safety and educational standards.
Here’s why Safety Officers and employers across Vancouver trust us:
✅ WorkSafeBC-Approved Courses that meet or exceed Regulation Part 3 requirements
✅ Hands-On Learning with real-world emergency scenarios
✅ Experienced Instructors from construction and emergency medical backgrounds
✅ Flexible Scheduling — weekday, weekend, or evening options
✅ Convenient Location — near Science World, minutes from major routes
✅ Friendly Support for group bookings and recertifications
Whether you’re renewing your certificate or training for the first time, our instructors make the process clear, professional, and effective.
Common Questions About First Aid Training for Safety Officers
Which course should a Safety Officer take, OFA Level 2 or 3?
In most construction environments, we recommend OFA Level 3. It prepares you to oversee attendants and handle major trauma incidents. For smaller crews (under 10 workers), OFA Level 2 may satisfy WorkSafeBC requirements.
Are these courses WorkSafeBC approved?
Yes. All courses offered by Fundamental First Aid are officially WorkSafeBC-approved and recognized across B.C.
Do I need prior certification before taking OFA Level 3?
No prerequisites are required. Anyone can enroll directly in the OFA Level 3 program, though basic first aid experience is helpful.
How long is certification valid?
Both OFA Level 2 and 3 certifications are valid for three years. We’ll remind you when it’s time to renew.
Can employers book group sessions?
Absolutely. We offer private training for construction companies, unions, and corporate safety teams at our Glen Drive facility or on-site at your workplace.
Areas We Serve
We’re proud to train Safety Officers and site supervisors throughout the Greater Vancouver Area, including:
- Downtown Vancouver
- Mount Pleasant
- East Vancouver
- Fairview & Kitsilano
- Commercial Drive & Grandview-Woodland
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
If your construction site or corporate safety office is located anywhere in the Lower Mainland, Fundamental First Aid can deliver training that meets your exact regulatory needs.
Book Your First Aid Training for Safety Officers Vancouver
Equip yourself, or your Safety Officers, with the knowledge and certification that protect lives and ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC Part 3.
Contact Fundamental First Aid to register for your next OFA Level 2 or Level 3 course. Our team will help you choose the right level of training based on your project’s size, hazard rating, and WorkSafeBC requirements.
Locally owned. WorkSafeBC-approved. Trusted by Vancouver’s Safety Officers for professional, advanced first aid training.