"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." –Henry Ford

Ontario workplaces with 20 or more employees are legally required to establish a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). The committee plays an important role in the workplace and within an organization’s health and safety program by raising awareness and promoting the continued improvement of health and safety conditions.  

To support the committee and its functions, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that at least one worker and one management member on the committee be certified. To become certified, a member must complete both Part 1 basic certification training and Part 2 workplace-specific hazard training from an approved training provider. In order for a committee member to maintain their achieved certification status, Refresher training must be completed by the member within three years of being certified, and every three years thereafter.  

The Role of the JHSC

The JHSC is a forum where employee and management representatives can act together to identify health and safety hazards and bring them to the employer’s attention. The committee conducts meetings, inspects the workplace and makes recommendations to the employer. To do its job effectively, the committee needs the full commitment of both worker and management members, along with the employer's support. 

Retaining members on the committee is an important strategy, so it is crucial that members feel valued, supported and are well trained.  

Community

In conducting meetings and inspections, both worker and management committee members work in tandem to improve health and safety conditions in the workplace. Working collectively as a group can lead to more ideas, empowerment, consensus building and action. An effective JHSC is an important workplace community that will lead to a safer workplace for everyone and foster a positive organizational culture. 

In addition to maintaining JHSC members’ certification status, Refresher training provides a unique peer networking opportunity for participants to discuss challenges and exchange strategies with certified members from other, similar organizations and workplaces, creating a supportive learning environment with a wide body of informed individuals contributing to solutions. 

Get Refreshed

In 2022, we are taking JHSC Refresher training to the next level with new upgrades, including: 

• Enhanced accessibility features 
• Ease of use 
• Various updates throughout, including legislation, best practices and resources 
• More diverse and inclusive photo selection 

Make health and safety one of your organization’s top priorities in 2022. For more information about how to better support health and safety in your workplace and contribute to your JHSC’s effectiveness, consider PSHSA’s JHSC Certification Refresher training or contact your consultant.

Learn More

An Introduction to the Joint Health and Safety Committee | PSHSA

Maintaining an Effective Joint Health and Safety Committee During Emergency Situations | PSHSA

COVID-19 Inspection Checklist for Joint Health and Safety Committees | PSHSA

Learn More About a Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) | PSHSA

JHSC Certification Part 1 (Distance Learning) | PSHSA

JHSC Certification Part 1 (eLearning) | PSHSA

JHSC Certification Part 2 (Distance Learning) | PSHSA

Training for joint health and safety committee members | Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD)

Guide for health and safety committees and representatives | MLTSD