When is a Joint Health and Safety Committee Required?

What is a Joint Health and Safety Committee?

For many organizations, the concept of a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) can be unclear, but as occupational health and safety experts, we’re here to provide clarity and guidance. This blog breaks down key information your workplace needs to know about the JHSC and when they are required, one step at a time.

To begin, we will explain how the JHSC is defined. The primary role of the JHSC is for workers and managers to work alongside one another to support a safe workplace. A JHSC must have two certified members. One member must represent the workers/union, and the other must represent the employer.

When is a Joint Health and Safety Committee Required in Ontario

Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) defines when a JHSC is required. It states that JHSCs are required at:

• Any workplace that regularly employs 20 or more workers onsite;
• 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, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (The Ministry) orders one to be established.

Ultimately, while there are set guidelines that dictate whether your workplace needs a JHSC, the Ministry also has power. If it deems necessary, it can compel workplaces that do not meet the criteria to form a committee.

What Are the JHSC Requirements in Ontario?

Note that the JHSC members have one hour or such longer period of time, as the committee determines is necessary, of paid preparation time prior to a JHSC meeting. Committee members are paid for their time at the JSHC meeting, additional meetings, and other duties such as workplace inspections, incident investigations, and work refusals. Additionally, two co-chairs must be appointed, one by management members and one by worker/union members.

The JHSC has many duties in maintaining workplace health and safety. Beyond assisting in identifying hazards and making recommendations, JHSC members have other duties, such as:

• Conduct monthly workplace inspections (worker member)
• Investigating critical injuries (worker member)
• Being present for Ministry inspections
• Being present for work refusals
• Providing feedback on various workplace safety processes

The JHSC Certification Process

The JHSC Certification process is a multi-stepped process set out by the Ministry.  To become a fully certified member, you must complete JHSC Part One and Part Two training.

Part One training is the same for all sectors.  JHSC Part Two is the next step in the process and must be completed within one year of Part One. Part Two is based on hazards you have in your workplace. Successful completion requires participants to learn about six hazards.

The third step in the JHSC process is Refresher training. Refresher training is required within three years of completing Part Two and every three years thereafter to maintain valid Certification status.

HSPI offers a variety of flexible JHSC Certification options, including eLearning and online distance learning. Learn more by visiting our website.

How to Establish a Joint Health and Safety Committee?

The Ministry says every JHSC needs at least one management member and one worker or union member. But when it comes to choosing who fills those spots, it’s not just about checking a box. We suggest picking people with experience, and—most importantly—are passionate about health and safety. After all, the more invested they are, the better the committee will be.

The team at HSPI has over 25 years of experience providing JHSC Certification training and assisting committees with reaching their full potential. We are passionate about seeing JHSCs  utilize all their powers to make a difference in workplace safety. If you require training or have questions about how to improve your JHSC, please contact us at info@hspinc.ca.