Many employers are required by OSHA to have CPR-trained personnel on staff, but the specific requirements vary by industry and workplace conditions. Understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and, more importantly, for protecting your employees.
General Duty Clause
Even when a specific OSHA standard doesn't explicitly require CPR training, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards." If your workplace is more than a few minutes from emergency medical services, having CPR-trained staff is considered a reasonable safety measure.
Industries with Specific CPR Requirements
Construction (29 CFR 1926.50): Requires a person trained in first aid on every construction site where there's no "reasonable access" to a medical facility.
Logging (29 CFR 1910.266): Requires each employee at a worksite to hold a valid first aid certificate, and CPR training is specifically mentioned.
Electric Power (29 CFR 1910.269): Requires training in CPR for employees working on or near electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Permit-Required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146): Requires that rescue team members be trained in CPR and first aid.
Best Practices for All Employers
- Train at least one person per shift in CPR and first aid
- Install an AED and train staff to use it
- Review your emergency action plan annually
- Consider onsite training — it's more convenient and ensures all staff are trained consistently
The Bottom Line
CPR training isn't just a regulatory checkbox. Every year, about 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace. Having trained employees can double or triple a victim's chance of survival. At Chicago's Pulse, we offer flexible onsite training that minimizes work disruption. Call us at 773-445-2277 to discuss your compliance needs.