An effective workplace health and safety program is built on a strong foundation. Perfecting the basics is integral to creating and managing a safe and healthy workplace. These include training workers on their rights and responsibilities, performing regular workplace inspections and establishing and maintaining a joint health and safety committee.
What is a JHSC?
A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is composed of worker and employer representatives. Together, their goal is to be mutually committed to improving health and safety in the workplace. Every Ontario business with 20 or more regular employees is required to have a JHSC in place. The JHSC must have a minimum of two certified members who can complete their training with an approved provider under the training standards developed by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Construction employees jointly viewing a clipboard
The advantage of a joint committee is that the in-depth practical knowledge of specific tasks is brought together with the larger overview of company policies, and procedures. Another significant benefit is the enhancement of cooperation among all parts of the work force toward solving health & safety problems.
The JHSC assists with:
- Recognizing workplace hazards.
- Evaluating the risk of accidents/incidents, injuries and illness.
- Developing and implementing programs to protect the employees’ safety and health.
- Responding to employee health and safety complaints and suggestions.
- Maintenance and monitoring of injury and work hazard records.
- Monitoring and follow-up hazard reports and recommending actions.
- Setting up and promoting programs to improve employee training and education.
- Participating in safety and health inquiries and investigations, as appropriate.
- Consulting with professional and technical experts.
- Resolving workplace refusals and work stoppages.
- Recommendations to management for accident prevention and safety program activities.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of safety programs and procedures.
Training Options
At PSHSA we have a variety of training options depending on the number of participants annually that you need to train for your organization and needs based on your business operations. For any option PSHSA will work with you to assist with the legislated requirements and to understand the duties and responsibilities of “certified” committee members.
Do you have ten or more workers who require training?
PSHSA has the knowledge and resources to help your workers with flexibility on where and when you schedule training. Book training at your workplace, for your workplace.
Achieving Compliance
- The certification process will take up to five days.
- Part 1 Training – 2-3 days
- Part 2 Training – 2 days
- JHSC members are required to complete JHSC Certification Training Parts 1 and 2 within a 12 month period by an approved provider.
- The standard requires a minimum of 6 hazards to be included in JHSC Certification Part 2 training.
- The standard requires completion of JHSC Refresher training taken every 3 years to maintain certification status.
- There is a requirement of a minimum of 6 participants in a class to a maximum of 25 participants.
Why Choose PSHSA?
Learner Centered Delivery
PSHSA approaches training using personalized workplace experience scenarios. Attendees learn about hazards specific to their actual workplaces in a guided and individual approach. JHSC course facilitators provide the instruction and framework but each participant can learn based on what’s most relevant to their work environment. This approach enhances the knowledge and skills needed to meet learning objectives and requirements of the JHSC Training Program Standard.
Sector Specific Expertise
PSHSA trainers have expertise in the hazards faced by public sector workplaces. The hazard specific modules PSHSA has developed for part 2 certification were identified by our employer and labour stakeholders as those that pose the greatest risk to workers in each of our sectors- Education and Culture; Emergency Services; Government and Health & Community Services.
PSHSA Clients Share Their JHSC Success Stories
“A realistic approach to health and safety has led to an effective Joint Health and Safety Committees for the City of Vaughan. PSHSA understands our organization and training is tailored to our needs. It’s an integrated approach for both members and workers. It’s easy, effective and it’s practical.”
Frank Kraljevic, CRSP
HR Specialist, Workplace Health and Safety
City of Vaughan
frank
steve
"Our partnership with the Public Services Health & Safety Association allows for JHSC training that is focused on the health & safety issues that our hospitals see. It is relevant training and PSHSA knows how to connect with our JHSC members to keep them engaged."
Steve Jamieson
Safety Manager, Health, Safety and Wellness
Hamilton Health Sciences
"A successful Joint Health & Safety Committee means integrating into your organization so that workers and committee members are aligned. As well it takes a good training partnership to stay current and to evolve your health and safety program."
Tim Lauzon, I.H.
Health & Safety Officer,
Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB)
tim
Other Effective Health and Safety Training Considerations
An Introduction to the Joint Health and Safety Committee
It is important to understand the role of the JHSC and why it exists. This downloadable Fast Fact is a helpful introduction for organizations that have experienced growth and now require a JHSC. The Fast Fact outlines the reason why a JHSC needs to exist as well as issues related to the structure of the JHSC and rights.
Joint Health and Safety Committee Seminar
Once you have taken your JHSC training, learn how to take your skills and knowledge to the next level within your organization. Learn about ways to build an effective JHSC team and how to establish the benefits of its role within your workplace. Register your employees for a half-day seminar to help JHSC members, supervisors, managers, employers, and other workers understand the role of the JHSC with creative and effective approaches. Contact our Customer Care team to book an on-site session: 416-250-2131 or 1-877-250-7444.
