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What Does OSHA Require for CPR Certification?



Suffering sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone - at work, home, or in between. When an emergency strikes, immediate CPR response can double or triple someone's chance of survival. That's why the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) mandates that certain businesses train employees in CPR and first aid.



Meeting OSHA's guidelines helps companies create a safe workspace and shows they value employees' lives. Gaining these lifesaving skills keeps workers protected wherever they go. Read on to learn more about OSHA's requirements for CPR training and certification.

OSHA CPR Guidelines

OSHA sets legal safety standards for various industries under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These include guidelines around training employees in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

Specifically, OSHA's CPR/AED requirements fall under Section 1910.151 of CFR Title 29 which covers "Medical Services and First Aid." This states:

"In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid."

First aid is further defined as:

"The immediate care delivered to the injured or suddenly ill person before emergency medical treatment is available."

Since CPR is considered a vital first aid skill, employers must ensure adequate training under OSHA standards. Failing to comply risks significant violations and penalties.

Which Industries Are Affected?


OSHA's CPR/AED guidelines apply mainly to higher-risk workplaces where life-threatening emergencies are more likely to occur. Industries commonly required to train employees include:

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Construction
  3. Warehouse Facilities
  4. First Responders
  5. Airlines
  6. Hotels
  7. Restaurants
  8. Hospitals
  9. Schools
Essentially any business where employees could witness an emergency event and require CPR skills to assist falls under OSHA compliance. State and local governments may also impose additional CPR rules for certain professions.

Key Compliance Requirements



To meet its CPR/AED requirements and avoid violations, employers must ensure:

Sufficient Number Are Trained

Adequate employees are trained and certified in CPR/AED to provide emergency coverage per company size and workplace hazards. OSHA does not stipulate an exact percentage.

Training Is Current

Employees maintain valid CPR/AED certification and renew on schedule. Credentials must not lapse to uphold a safe environment.

Training Is Accessible

CPR refresher courses are made conveniently available and substitutes are provided so employees can maintain compliance.

Equipment is Provided

Proper CPR/AED equipment is furnished and accessible to trained staff. OSHA mandates AED devices for workplaces with over 50 employees.


By meeting these key standards, employers provide crucial emergency preparedness and fulfill legal obligations.

Selecting Appropriate CPR Training


To comply with OSHA rules, companies must select adequate CPR and AED course content. Training should cover:
  • Adult, child, and infant CPR procedures
  • Using barrier devices for sanitation
  • Calling emergency services
  • Clearing airway obstructions (choking)
  • Safely operating AED devices
  • Managing injuries or sudden illness

The American Heart Association (AHA) sets the global standard for CPR guidelines and training. Its courses fully satisfy OSHA requirements. Consider these AHA offerings:

Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)


The AHA's BLS certification course provides essential skills for recognizing and intervening in cardiac arrest and choking situations. It covers adult, child, and infant CPR, AED usage, bag-mask techniques, and more. BLS certification is valid for two years.

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED


For more general training needs, the AHA's Heartsaver class teaches core first aid and CPR/AED skills. Employees learn how to manage illness and injuries as well as provide CPR and AED intervention. Heartsaver certification lasts two years.
Additional Employee Benefits


Beyond legal compliance, providing CPR/AED training delivers invaluable benefits for employees and companies:


Increased worker safety - Employees have the skills to assist in onsite emergencies and are further protected off the job.

Enhanced qualifications - Workers gain credentials that impress future employers should they pursue new opportunities.

Good PR - By funding CPR/AED training, companies demonstrate corporate responsibility and commitment to employee welfare.

Peace of mind- Employees take comfort in knowing lifesaving help is close if an emergency strikes at work.

Potential insurance savings - Some policies offer reduced premiums if a percentage of staff is CPR/AED certified.

Employers gain productive, safety-minded workers while fulfilling an ethical obligation to protect staff. Providing CPR access is truly a win-win.

Partner with an AHA Training Center

To fully comply with OSHA's guidelines and equip your staff with lifesaving skills, contact an American Heart Association-authorized training center. AHA centers employ experienced, credentialed instructors who deliver quality curriculum and materials that align with OSHA requirements.


CPR Cincinnati is the premier AHA training center in the Cincinnati region. CPR Cincinnati offers regularly scheduled courses plus convenient group training options at your workplace. Their talented instructors will ensure your employees master skills to provide emergency care and pass AHA certification.

Visit acls-bls-cincinnati.com today to learn more about onsite classes, pricing, and schedules. Let CPR Cincinnati handle all your OSHA regulatory training needs and empower your workers to save lives.
The Gift of Preparedness

An emergency can strike when least expected. By providing CPR and first aid training, you give employees a gift that could one day save their life or the life of a loved one.

Rather than view safety training as an obligation, embrace it as an opportunity to care for your hard-working staff. Contact CPR Cincinnati to schedule compliant, lifesaving CPR instruction right in your workplace. Together, we can create a community of empowered lifesavers.
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