Virginia Workplace CPR Training: OSHA Compliance Guide for Employers

Virginia is one of the few states that operates its own occupational safety and health program -- the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program -- which is at least as stringent as federal OSHA. For employers across Northern Virginia and the broader commonwealth, this means workplace CPR training obligations carry real enforcement weight. Whether you run a healthcare practice in Arlington, a childcare center in Fairfax, or a construction firm in Manassas, this guide covers exactly what you need to know to stay compliant.

Understanding VOSH: Virginia's State OSHA Program

Virginia operates an OSHA-approved State Plan through the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI). The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program enforces workplace safety standards that mirror -- and in some cases exceed -- federal OSHA requirements. Key points employers should understand:

• VOSH covers all private-sector employers in Virginia, as well as state and local government workplaces.
• VOSH adopts federal OSHA standards by reference, including 29 CFR 1910.151 (medical services and first aid) and 29 CFR 1926.50 (construction first aid).
• VOSH also enforces Virginia-specific standards, including unique heat illness prevention rules and other provisions that may affect training requirements.
• VOSH inspectors conduct unannounced worksite inspections and can issue citations with penalties that match or exceed federal OSHA fine levels.

For employers in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Springfield, compliance with VOSH means maintaining the same CPR and first aid readiness that federal OSHA demands -- plus any additional Virginia-specific obligations.

Core Workplace CPR Requirements Under VOSH

The Medical Services and First Aid Standard

Under 29 CFR 1910.151 (adopted by VOSH), every Virginia employer must:

1. Ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on workplace health matters.
2. Provide trained first aid responders on-site when there is no infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity (generally interpreted as within 3-4 minutes of emergency response time).
3. Maintain adequate first aid supplies that are readily accessible to employees.

In practical terms, this means most Virginia workplaces -- particularly those in suburban and rural areas where EMS response times may exceed four minutes -- must have at least one employee per shift who holds current CPR and first aid certification. Employers in Chantilly, Herndon, and Manassas should pay particular attention, as these areas may have variable EMS response times depending on location and time of day.

AED Requirements and Recommendations

While Virginia law does not universally mandate AEDs in private workplaces, the Virginia Code § 8.01-225 encourages their placement and provides Good Samaritan liability protections for trained users. The AHA strongly recommends that all workplaces with more than a few employees maintain an AED and train staff in its use. Combining CPR/AED certification ensures your team can respond effectively during a cardiac emergency.

Sector-Specific CPR Requirements in Virginia

Childcare Facilities

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) regulates childcare through Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers and related regulatory frameworks. Virginia childcare CPR requirements include:

• All lead caregivers must hold current CPR and first aid certification that covers infant, child, and adult techniques.
• At least one CPR-certified staff member must be present at the facility at all times when children are in care, including during naps, outdoor play, and field trips.
• Certifications must be obtained from a nationally recognized provider (such as AHA or equivalent) and renewed every two years.
• New hires must obtain CPR certification within 90 days of employment, though best practice is to require it before the employee is left unsupervised with children.

Childcare operators in Fairfax, McLean, Reston, and Tysons can simplify compliance by scheduling on-site group CPR/AED training that covers the full age spectrum required by VDSS.

Schools and Educational Institutions

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) sets expectations for CPR readiness in public and accredited private schools:

• School nurses must maintain current BLS or CPR certification as a condition of their licensure.
• Athletic coaches are required to hold current CPR/AED and first aid certification under VHSL regulations before coaching any sport.
• Virginia passed legislation encouraging CPR instruction for high school students, and many school divisions now incorporate hands-on CPR training as part of the health education curriculum.
• Schools with AEDs must designate trained staff members who can deploy them during emergencies.

Schools across Northern Virginia -- from Annandale to Woodbridge -- can schedule BLS certification and first aid training for groups of faculty, coaches, and support staff through CPR Metro.

Healthcare Employers

Virginia healthcare licensing bodies require clinical staff to maintain active BLS certification. This applies to:

• Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.
• Emergency medical technicians and paramedics (who must hold advanced certifications beyond basic CPR).
• Dental hygienists and dental assistants in clinical settings.
• Staff at assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers.

The Virginia Board of Nursing and the Virginia Board of Medicine reference AHA BLS certification as the standard. Healthcare employers in Alexandria, Arlington, and Falls Church can maintain compliance by scheduling recurring BLS for Healthcare Providers courses on-site.

Construction and High-Hazard Industries

Construction employers in Virginia must comply with 29 CFR 1926.50, which VOSH enforces. Requirements include:

• A person with valid first aid certification must be present at every construction site where emergency medical services are not in near proximity.
• First aid kits must meet ANSI standards and be inspected regularly.
• Employers should train workers in CPR as a best practice, particularly for sites where heavy equipment, electrical work, or elevated tasks create heightened cardiac event risks.

Construction companies operating across Springfield, Chantilly, and Manassas should incorporate CPR/AED and first aid certification into their onboarding and annual safety training programs.

Recommended Training Frequency

While the standard CPR certification cycle is two years, Virginia employers should adopt a more proactive approach:

Two-Year Full Recertification

All CPR and BLS certifications issued by AHA-aligned providers are valid for two years. Employees must complete a full recertification course before their card expires to remain compliant.

Annual Skills Refreshers

The AHA recommends skills practice between full certification courses to combat the well-documented decline in CPR skill retention over time. Studies show that CPR performance quality begins to deteriorate as early as three to six months after initial training. An annual refresher session -- even a brief 60-90 minute practice -- significantly improves readiness.

Quarterly Drills for High-Risk Workplaces

Healthcare facilities, fire stations, and other high-risk environments benefit from quarterly CPR and emergency response drills. These do not replace formal certification but help maintain team coordination and individual muscle memory.

On-Site vs. Off-Site Training: What Works Best

Virginia employers have two primary options for delivering CPR training, and each has advantages.

On-Site Training

On-site training is the preferred choice for most employers because:

• An instructor brings all equipment (manikins, AED trainers, supplies) directly to your workplace.
• Employees train in their actual work environment, which reinforces realistic response scenarios.
• Scheduling is flexible -- you choose the date and time that minimizes operational disruption.
• Group rates typically reduce the per-person cost compared to individual registrations.

CPR Metro provides on-site training throughout Virginia, including Reston, Herndon, Tysons, McLean, and Woodbridge.

Off-Site / Open Enrollment Classes

For smaller employers or individuals who need certification, open enrollment classes are available at scheduled locations. Employees travel to a training site, complete the course, and return to work the same day. This option works well for organizations with only one or two employees who need certification.

Building a Comprehensive Workplace Safety Program

CPR certification is one component of a well-rounded workplace safety program. Virginia employers should consider bundling related courses:

• CPR/AED Certification: The foundation of emergency cardiac response training.
• First Aid Certification: Covers bleeding control, burns, fractures, allergic reactions, seizures, and environmental emergencies.
• BLS for Healthcare Providers: The clinical-level course required by Virginia healthcare licensing boards.
• Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP): Required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 for any employee with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood.
• Wilderness First Aid: Ideal for outdoor education programs, park services, and recreation companies operating in Virginia's parks and trails.

Bundling courses into a single training day reduces scheduling overhead and ensures your team develops a comprehensive skill set.

VOSH Penalties for Non-Compliance

Virginia employers who fail to meet CPR and first aid training requirements face significant consequences:

• Serious violations carry fines of up to $16,131 per violation.
• Willful or repeat violations can result in penalties up to $161,323 per violation.
• VDSS childcare violations can lead to provisional licensing status, increased inspections, or license revocation.
• VDOE athletic coaching violations can result in suspension of coaching privileges and school sanctions.
• Civil liability increases substantially when an employer knew or should have known about training requirements and failed to act.

VOSH maintains an active inspection program and frequently targets high-hazard industries, but any employer can be inspected in response to a complaint or workplace incident.

Getting Started With Virginia Workplace CPR Training

Compliance does not have to be overwhelming. Here is how to move forward:

1. Audit your current certifications. Identify which employees hold current CPR/BLS/first aid cards and which are expired or approaching expiration.
2. Determine your regulatory obligations. Use the sector-specific guidance above to identify which rules apply to your organization.
3. Contact CPR Metro. Our team will help you select the right courses, schedule training at your Virginia location, and ensure your employees receive nationally recognized certifications.
4. Implement a tracking system. Record certification dates and expiration dates for every employee, and set calendar reminders for renewal scheduling at least 60 days before expiration.

Explore all Virginia training locations or reach out to CPR Metro to schedule group training that fits your organization's needs and budget.

Sources

1. Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. "VOSH Programs." https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/vosh

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "29 CFR 1910.151 - Medical Services and First Aid." https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.151

3. Virginia Department of Social Services. "Licensed Child Day Centers." https://www.dss.virginia.gov/about/licensing.cgi

4. Virginia High School League. "Coaching Requirements." https://www.vhsl.org/

5. Virginia Legislative Information System. "Virginia Code § 8.01-225 - Good Samaritan and AED Immunity." https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter3/section8.01-225/

6. American Heart Association. "CPR Courses and Kits." https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits