AED Requirements for Businesses: OSHA Rules, State Laws & Workplace Compliance (2026)

Each year, roughly 365,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside a hospital in the United States, and about 10,000 of those events happen in the workplace. Survival depends almost entirely on speed: defibrillation within the first few minutes can mean the difference between a full recovery and a fatality. That is why so many employers ask the same question — are AEDs required for businesses? The answer is widely misunderstood, so let’s set the record straight.

Does OSHA require AEDs in the workplace?

No. OSHA does not have a specific standard that requires businesses to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs). OSHA’s Medical Services and First Aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151) requires that adequate first-aid supplies be readily available, but it does not name AEDs as a required item. There is currently no federal law mandating AEDs in private businesses.

What OSHA does do is recommend AEDs — especially in higher-risk settings — and encourage employers to maintain a written AED program covering device placement, maintenance, trained responders, and medical oversight. OSHA also enforces a “near-proximity” expectation: if a worksite is not close to an emergency medical facility, employers are expected to have personnel trained in first aid and CPR on hand.

Where AED requirements actually come from

For most businesses, mandates come from state and local law, not OSHA. Many states require AEDs in specific types of facilities, such as:

• Health clubs, gyms, and fitness centers
• Dental and medical offices that perform sedation or anesthesia
• Certain large or high-occupancy public buildings
• Government buildings and some assembly venues

Some counties and cities add their own rules on top of state law. Because the landscape varies so widely, the safest approach is to confirm your obligations for your industry and location. Our AED laws by state overview is a useful starting point, and Illinois businesses can read our dedicated Illinois AED requirements guide.

Why every business should consider an AED — even when it is not required

Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. A workplace AED program is one of the highest-return safety investments an employer can make:

• It saves lives. Early defibrillation paired with CPR can dramatically improve survival from SCA.
• It strengthens your duty of care to employees, customers, and visitors.
• Good Samaritan laws in every state provide liability protection for good-faith AED use, and a properly maintained program supports those protections.
• It is affordable. A commercial-grade AED typically costs between roughly $1,100 and $2,600 — modest against the risk it mitigates.

How to build a compliant workplace AED program

1. Assess your risk and obligations. Review your industry, headcount, building occupancy, and state/local requirements.
2. Place devices for fast retrieval. Position AEDs so any responder can reach one and return within three to five minutes — near reception, break rooms, stairwells, and high-traffic areas.
3. Train responders. Provide hands-on CPR/AED training; online-only courses generally do not satisfy compliance expectations.
4. Establish medical oversight and a written plan. Document placement, maintenance, responders, and response procedures.
5. Maintain readiness. Run monthly checks and keep pads and batteries in date.
6. Register the device with your local EMS agency if your jurisdiction requires it.

Choosing the right AED for your business

For most offices and commercial settings, the priorities are simplicity under pressure, clear prompts for untrained bystanders, low maintenance, and full FDA clearance. Explore models configured for the workplace in our AEDs for Businesses collection, and pair each unit with visible signage and a wall cabinet so it is easy to find in an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

Does OSHA require businesses to have an AED?

No. OSHA recommends AEDs and a written program but does not specifically mandate them under 29 CFR 1910.151. Requirements typically come from state or local law.

Is my business legally required to have an AED?

It depends on your state, locality, and industry. Fitness facilities, some medical and dental offices, and certain public buildings are commonly required to have AEDs. Verify with your state and local authorities.

How many AEDs does a workplace need?

Enough to reach any location within three to five minutes. Larger facilities and multi-floor buildings usually need multiple units.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. AED and workplace safety requirements vary by jurisdiction and change over time; confirm current rules with OSHA and your state and local authorities.