Workplace first aid requirements

If you run or manage a workplace in Oregon — an office, shop, construction site or factory — the law requires you to have enough trained first-aiders on your staff, ready to help a colleague in an emergency.

An employer duty — to rescue a colleague

Workplace first aid is not a job qualification: it is the employer's duty to appoint and train enough first-aiders, scaled to headcount and risk level, so someone can act immediately if a colleague is injured. The exact number and rules depend on the regulations that apply in Oregon.

What the law requires in Oregon

Oregon operates its own occupational safety and health program covering both private and public sector workers.

OSHA does not prohibit online training. OSHA interpretation letters nevertheless favor training that includes a hands-on skills evaluation (CPR, bleeding control) for an employee to be considered 'adequately trained', so blended formats (online theory + practical component) are recommended. No explicit ban on the online format.

Region specifics

• OAR 437-002-0161 expressly requires a 'qualified first aid person' available on each shift when EMS is not in proximity, more prescriptive than the federal wording.

Why it matters

A workplace emergency can happen at any time. When it does, the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy often comes down to whether someone nearby is trained to respond. Having certified first aiders on staff isn't just a legal requirement — it's an investment in your team's safety.