Georgia Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

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

Georgia has clear AED mandates for public high schools, sedation/anesthesia facilities, and any organization that acquires an AED. The state requires AED programs to include training, EMS notification, maintenance, medical oversight, and post‑use reporting. Georgia also provides strong Good Samaritan protections for AED users, owners, trainers, and medical directors.

AED Required?

Yes, Industry Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for AED programs

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes — Georgia Code § 31‑11‑53.1

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

July 2025

*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.

Schools:
- Implement a full Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) with annual drills.
- Place AEDs near gyms, cafeterias, main corridors, and athletic fields.
- Train all coaches and internal response team members in CPR/AED.
Medical/Dental Sedation Facilities:
- Maintain AEDs with strict manufacturer‑aligned schedules and ensure staff certification.
General Workplaces:
- Adopt voluntary AED programs with CPR/AED training and written emergency plans to align with Georgia’s strong AED readiness culture.
All AED Owners:
- Maintain EMS registration, medical oversight, and post‑use reporting workflows.

Key Takeaways for Georgia

Understanding Georgia'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.

Georgia requires AEDs in public high schools with interscholastic athletics and, beginning July 1, 2025, in all K–12 public schools.
Facilities performing sedation or anesthesia (medical/dental) must have a defibrillator on-site.
AED programs must include:
- CPR/AED training
- EMS notification
- Maintenance/testing
- Medical oversight by a licensed physician
- Post‑use reporting
Good Samaritan protections cover AED users, owners, trainers, and medical directors.

Recommendations

Industry-Specific Requirements in Georgia

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

Public Schools & Athletics

Requirement: Georgia Code § 20‑2‑775
AED: Mandatory
Plan: Mandatory CERP
Training: Key Personnel CPR

Georgia mandates AEDs for all high schools with athletics and requires trained responders and emergency plans
Georgia expands AED requirements to all K–12 schools, ensuring universal cardiac emergency readiness.

View Education Mandates