Joint Health and Safety Committees

Joint Health And Safety Committees'S - Jhsc Meeting In Canada

Overview

At Health and Safety Professionals Inc. (HSPI), we go beyond training and policy writing to support our clients in all aspects of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs). We assist in establishing new JHSCs, developing tools to support JHSC members, and fostering cohesion among committee members to enhance their effectiveness. This support complements our CPO-Approved Basic Certification Training.

What We Do

HSPI offers comprehensive services to support Joint Health and Safety Committees, focusing on two main areas: Basic Certification Training and JHSC effectiveness.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that workplaces with 20 or more employees have a JHSC and at least two Certified members. As an MLITSD’s CPO-approved training provider, HSPI offers JHSC Part One, JHSC Part Two, and JHSC Refresher courses for Basic Certification.

Beyond ensuring your staff meets the legal training and certification requirements, HSPI provides customized services to boost your JHSC’s efficiency. We collaborate with your Joint Health and Safety Committees to understand its current state and develop a tailored plan to address your specific needs.

Worker And Manager Inspecting On Site

How We Support You

At HSPI, we tailor our support to your unique requirements. We offer various formats for our popular JHSC Basic Certification and Refresher courses, including instructor-led virtual learning, onsite training at your organization, and JHSC Part One eLearning for self-paced learning.

Our experienced consultants can also customize programs to enhance the efficiency of your Joint Health and Safety Committees. Services include developing or updating terms of reference, creating inspection tools or checklists, and conducting workshops on team dynamics and consensus building.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many JHSCs have turned to us for procedural guidance. We invite you to include HSPI in your JHSC meetings for valuable insights and recommendations to strengthen your committee’s effectiveness.

Worker Members Having A Discussion
Jhsc Chair Leading The Meeting

Areas We Have Experience In

Our expert consultants have extensive experience working with JHSCs across various industries, including:

  • Municipal Governments

  • Healthcare and Social Services

  • First Nations Communities

  • Mines

  • Light and Heavy Industrial settings

Our wide range of experience allows HSPI’s consultants to bring a fresh perspective that crosses industry borders and injects innovation into your safety operations.

FAQs About Joint Health and Safety Committees

What is a Joint Health and Safety Committee?

A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is a group composed of representatives from both management and workers in a workplace. The primary purpose of a JHSC is to identify and address health and safety issues, promote a healthy and safe work environment, and ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation. The committee’s activities include regular inspections, making recommendations to improve workplace safety, and facilitating communication between employees and management on safety matters.

Joint Health and Safety Committees typically consist of representatives from both management and workers. The exact composition can vary depending on the size and nature of the workplace, but generally, at least half of the committee members must represent workers. The workers or their union selects these members. The committee should include Certified members who have received special training in health and safety standards and practices.

A Joint Health and Safety Committee is usually co-chaired by two members: one representing the management and one representing the workers. The co-chairs organize meetings, set agendas, and ensure the committee’s recommendations are communicated and implemented. This structure ensures balanced representation and facilitates effective decision-making and communication.

A Joint Health and Safety Committee is required in workplaces where 20 or more workers are regularly employed. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, these workplaces must have a JHSC to monitor and promote health and safety practices. Additionally, some specific industries or higher-risk workplaces may require a JHSC regardless of the number of employees.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, a joint health and safety Committee must meet at least once every three months. However, more frequent meetings may be necessary depending on the nature of the workplace, the level of risk involved, and any specific issues that must be addressed. Regular meetings help ensure continuous attention to health and safety matters and prompt action on any identified issues.

Health and safety training validity periods can vary depending on the type of training and specific regulations in your jurisdiction. For example, the Basic Certification Training for Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members, as approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO), typically requires refresher training every three years to maintain certification. Other specific health and safety courses, such as First Aid or WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training, may have different validity periods and refresher requirements. It is essential to check the specific guidelines for each type of training to ensure compliance and maintain up-to-date certifications.