• OSHA recommends CPR be a part of a company’s first-aid program, but it is not a requirement except for certain industries.
• OSHA requires a first-aid program for logging operations, permit-required confined spaces, and electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
• If a company does not plan to designate employees as first-aid responders, then OSHA would recommend that employees who participate in company-provided first-aid training should be made aware of the company’s plan for addressing all workplace medical emergencies.

Is it acceptable for the employer to provide training on first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as well as first-aid supplies, to employees who are not officially responsible for performing first aid, including CPR, and who would be responding on a voluntary basis?

Section 29 CFR 1910.151(b) does not prohibit employers from providing first aid training to employees, even when the employees will not be expected to respond in workplace emergencies. However, if the company does not plan to designate employees as first-aid responders, then OSHA would recommend that employees who participate in company-provided first-aid training should be made aware of the company’s plan for addressing all workplace medical emergencies.

Must an employer have personnel trained in CPR?

OSHA recommends that CPR training be part of a first-aid program, but it is not a requirement. However, some OSHA standards (e.g., logging operations (1910.266); permit-required confined spaces (1910.146); and electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (1910.269), require employees be trained in first aid and CPR. If an employer is covered by one of these specific standards, CPR training would be required.