Safety Committees A Joint Health and Safety Committees(
JHSC) is a committee of at least two persons, who represent the workers and the employer at a workplace. Their primary role is to identify workplace health and safety problems and bring them to the attention of the employer. Section 9 of
OHSA requires a
JHSC at:
- Any workplace that regularly employs 20 or more workers;
- Construction projects expected to last three months or longer with 20 or more workers;
- Any workplace (other than a construction project) to which a designated substance regulation applies;
- Any workplace where an order has been issued under OHSA section 33, dealing with toxic substances; and
- Any workplace where the Minister of Labour orders one to be established.
Workplaces with more than five but less than 20 workers are not usually required to have a JHSC. Instead, workers must select a person from among themselves to be a health and safety representative. The Ministry of Labour has published A Guide for Joint Health and Safety Committees and Representatives in the Workplace.
Certification Training Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) Subsection 9(12) requires most workplaces with 20 or more workers to have at least one worker and one management person serve as certified members of a workplace Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). This certification involves training in health and safety law, and the identification, assessment and control of
hazards.
Standards for this training are set by Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, in accordance with section 4 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and the WSIB certifies JHSC members who complete approved training programs. Certification training is delivered by a number of approved providers.
The programs vary in length and cost. More information on certification training can be found on the WSIB's website. A list of training providers can be obtained by calling the WSIB's Certification Hotline at 1-800-663-6639.
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