Ohio Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

Your quick guide to AED, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness laws in Ohio.

AED programs must include maintenance, EMS activation, and training encouragement, and may optionally include AED placement reporting. Ohio’s Good Samaritan law provides broad immunity—covering all AED program participants, including AED installers, acquirers, program designers, site owners, and prescribing physicians. Unlike most states, Ohio protects both AED use and AED program activities. AED placement in schools is optional, determined by each school district, but teacher and staff CPR/AED training is mandatory, and high school students must receive CPR/AED instruction. The most recent update to Ohio’s AED laws occurred in 2019, when the state expanded CPR/AED training requirements for school employees and students.

AED Required?

Industry-Specific

Emergency Plan?

No statewide mandate

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes (with conditions)

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

2019

*This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.

Recommendations

Schools:
- Strongly consider AED placement in all buildings.
- Train all staff and ensure high school students receive CPR/AED instruction.
- Maintain AEDs per manufacturer guidelines.
AED Acquirers (Any Organization):
- Encourage CPR/AED training for anticipated responders.
- Maintain AEDs and test regularly.
- Notify EMS of AED location (recommended but not required).
General Workplaces:
- Voluntary AED programs should follow Ohio’s maintenance and training recommendations.

Key Takeaways for Ohio

Understanding Ohio's specific safety mandates is the first step toward total workplace readiness. Here is a high-level summary of the critical requirements for employers in the state.

Ohio requires AED programs to include maintenance, EMS activation, and training encouragement.
AED placement in schools is optional, determined by each district.
All school employees must receive CPR/AED training.
High schools must provide CPR/AED instruction to students.
Good Samaritan protections apply to all AED program participants, including installers, acquirers, program designers, site owners, and physicians.
Ohio protects AED use and AED program activities, unlike most states

Industry-Specific Requirements in Ohio

Explore the specific safety and AED mandates tailored to North Carolina's diverse industries, ensuring local compliance and enhanced emergency preparedness.