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Ontario Made AEDs Mandatory on Bigger Construction Sites. Here’s Why More Workplaces Are Taking Action Now.

 

Construction Site AED

 

Ontario’s new AED requirement for larger construction projects, plus WSIB’s reimbursement program, is a clear signal that “cardiac-ready” is becoming a baseline expectation. Here’s what changed, what it means for employers, and why the Defibtech Lifeline AED is a smart, durable choice for worksites.

When someone collapses on a jobsite, the clock starts immediately. And lately, regulators are treating that reality the same way they treat fall protection or lockout: as a planning requirement, not a nice-to-have.

 

The event: Ontario’s AED requirement + WSIB reimbursement program

As of January 1, 2026, Ontario introduced new duties for certain construction projects related to having an AED on site, tied to O. Reg. 157/25 (an amendment to the Construction Projects regulation).

To make compliance easier, WSIB launched an AED reimbursement program that:

  • Opens January 1, 2026
  • Reimburses up to $2,500 per qualifying construction project
  • Accepts applications until July 31, 2027
  • Covers AEDs purchased July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027

Ontario’s May 2025 announcement framed the intent clearly: get life-saving defibrillation access closer to crews, faster.

 

Why this matters outside Ontario

Even if you’re not operating under Ontario’s construction rules, this is a strong signal: worksites are increasingly expected to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest.

In B.C., WorkSafeBC puts the responsibility on employers to assess first aid needs and ensure prompt, appropriate treatment is available.

So while the exact legal triggers differ province to province, the direction is consistent: emergency readiness expectations are rising, and AEDs are becoming part of what “reasonable planning” looks like in higher-risk environments.

 

Product spotlight: Defibtech Lifeline AED

If you’re buying an AED because you operate in rougher environments (construction, warehouses, fleet yards, outdoor work), you want three things:

  1. Simple enough for non-medical responders
  2. Durable enough for real conditions
  3. Easy to keep “ready” (so it’s not a dead box on the wall)

That’s exactly the lane the Defibtech Lifeline AED fits.

Pickering Safety supplies the Lifeline AED and positions it as an easy-to-use, semi-automatic defibrillator built around clear guidance and fast action.

 

Why the Lifeline is a strong worksite pick:

  • Straightforward “two-button” design (power + shock), built to reduce hesitation.
  • IP54 rating (dust protected and splash resistant), which matters when your “AED location” isn’t a climate-controlled lobby.
  • Pediatric capability with child/infant pads (important if your AED could be used in public-facing or mixed-age settings).
  • Self-tests and readiness indicators that help keep programs on track (the boring part that saves you).

 

What reviews tend to praise (and what they don’t)

AED reviews are usually written by safety coordinators, trainers, and program buyers, which means they’re refreshingly practical. Here are the patterns that show up again and again:

What people consistently like about the Lifeline

  • It feels unintimidating for lay responders: reviewers commonly highlight the simple interface and clear guidance.
  • It’s a “solid for the price” workhorse: some reviewers explicitly call it a strong value option when outfitting multiple sites.
  • Jobsite-friendly durability: IP54 and a rugged build are recurring positives.

Common caveats reviewers mention

  • Pediatric readiness depends on inventory discipline: if you need pediatric capability, you have to make sure child/infant pads are present and in date.
  • Total cost of ownership still matters: even when the device price is attractive, you’ll still manage pads/batteries and documentation like any AED program.

 

The 15-minute “are we actually ready?” checklist

Ontario’s move is a good excuse to do a quick reality check, even if you’re not in Ontario:

  1. Confirm placement: can someone reach the AED quickly from high-activity areas?
  2. Add visibility: cabinet/signage that makes it obvious to a stressed bystander.
  3. Confirm your response kit: gloves, barrier mask, shears, towel, razor (simple stuff that helps).
  4. Set a recurring check: readiness indicator + pad expiry + battery date (monthly is common).
  5. Make it part of your safety routine: documented checks and refresher training.

 

The bottom line

Ontario’s requirement and WSIB reimbursement program are more than a local compliance story. They’re a clear sign that AED access is moving into the “expected on worksites” category.

If you want an AED that fits the reality of industrial and construction environments and is easy for non-medical responders to use, the Defibtech Lifeline AED is a strong, practical choice.