JHSC stands for “Joint Health and Safety Committee,” and generally, workplaces in Ontario are required to have one if they have 20 or more workers (click here to see the legislative requirement based on the total number of workers). However that’s not the full story, and there are a lot more details you need to know! Read on for more.
In this article we are going to examine what a JHSC is, why they are important, if your workplace requires one.
Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:
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Everything You Need to Know About JHSC
A JHSC is essential for maintaining workplace safety.
1. What Is a JHSC?
In Ontario, Canada, a Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) are a key element of the provinces Occupational Health and Safety Act and they play a crucial role in promoting workplace health and safety.
A JHSC is required by law in many workplaces in Ontario, particularly with those with 20 or more regularly employed workers (we will explain this later).
Overview of JHSCs in Ontario:
You should be meeting with your JHSC or health and safety representative on a monthly basis.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of the JHSC is to help identify and address health and safety issues in the workplace. Its goal is to create a safer and healthier work environment for all employees.
- Composition: The JHSC is composed of both worker representatives and employer representatives. Worker representatives are typically selected or elected by the employees, while the employer representatives are appointed by the employer. The number of committee members vary depending on the size of the workforce.
- Responsibilities: The JHSC has several key responsibilities, such as:
- Identifying workplace hazards and risks
- Making recommendations to the employer for improvements to health and safety policies and procedures
- Participating in workplace inspections
- Investigating incidents and accidents
- Promoting health and safety awareness among employees
- Meetings: The JHSC also meets regularly to discuss health and safety issues, review incident reports, and plan safety initiatives. Meetings are typically schedules at least once a month, but the frequency may vary.
- Training: Members of the JHSC are required to undergo training to fulfill their roles effectively. This training includes learning about health and safety legislation, hazard identification, incident investigation, and communication skills.
- Legislation: The JHSC is established under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of Ontario. Employers are legally obligated to support the committee in carrying out its duties and to consider its recommendations. Failure to establish or properly support a JHSC when required can result in fines and penalties for employers.
The specific rules and regulations governing JHSCs may evolve over time, so it’s essential for employers and employees in Ontario to stay informed about the current requirements and guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Employers should also consult with their JHSC and health and safety professionals to ensure compliance with the law and promote a safe work environment.
2. Why Is a JHSC Important?
Having a JHSC can increase employee satisfaction, trust, and production.
We have already touched on some of the properties and functions JHSCs. But why do you need one at all? The following is an explanation of why JHSCs are so important:
- Prevention and Risk Reduction: JHSCs help proactively identify workplace hazards, assess risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them. This preventative approach can reduce accidents, injuries, and illnesses, leading to cost savings for employers and improved well-being for employees.
- Knowledge and Expertise: JHSCs bring together individuals with different perspectives and expertise, including both workers and management. This diversity of knowledge and experience can lead to more comprehensive hazard identification and more effective solutions.
- Regulatory Compliance: In many jurisdictions, such as Ontario, JHSCs are a legal requirement. Employers are mandated to establish and maintain these committees to comply with occupational health and safety regulations. Non-compliance can result in fines and legal consequences.
- Employee Engagement: Involving workers in safety decision-making through JHSCs can increase employee engagement and ownership of safety initiatives. Employees who feel valued and heard are more likely to actively participate in safety programs and follow safety procedures.
- Continuous Improvement: JHSCs often conduct regular safety inspections and investigations following incidents or near misses. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement in workplace safety by identifying recurring issues and implementing corrective actions.
- Training and Education: JHSC members receive specialized training in workplace safety, which equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to fulfill their roles effectively. This training can be valuable not only within the committee but also for spreading safety awareness throughout the organization
- Conflict Resolution: In some cases, workplace safety concerns can lead to conflicts between employees and management. JHSCs provide a structured process for addressing these conflicts and finding mutually agreeable solutions.
JHSCs are essential for promoting workplace safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, fostering collaboration between workers and management, and continuously improving safety practices. They contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for all employees, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
3. Do I Need a JHSC?
Depending on the size of the workforce, certain workplaces are required by law in Ontario, Canada, to have a JHSC. The following table summarizes the expectations by worker count:
| # of Workers | Legislative Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 – 5 |
You are NOT required to have a JHSC or a health and safety representative UNLESS a designated substance regulation applies to your workplace. |
| 6 – 19 |
You ARE required to have one health and safety representative who is selected by the workers they represent. If a designated substance regulation applies to your workplace, you ARE required to have a JHSC. |
| 20 – 49 |
You ARE required to have a JHSC. The committee must have at lease TWO members. |
| 5 + |
You ARE required to have a JHSC. The committee must have at least FOUR members. |
Does My Workplace Have a Designated Substance Regulation?
Do the necessary research to find out if your workplace has a designated substance regulation.
To determine if your workplace has a designated substance regulation, you should:
- Check the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Website: The Ministry maintains a list of designated substances, along with their respective regulations. You can visit their website or contact them directly to inquire about specific regulations that might apply to your workplace.
- Review the Occupational Health and Safety Act: The OHSA itself contains references to designated substances and the related regulations. You can access the OHSA and its regulations on the Ontario government website or through legal resources.
- Consult with Health and Safety Experts: If you are unsure whether your workplace deals with designated substances or if you are required to comply with specific regulations, consider consulting with occupational health and safety experts or legal professionals who are knowledgeable about workplace safety laws in Ontario.
It’s important to note that designated substance regulations may require employers to take specific actions, such as conducting assessments of worker exposure, implementing control measures, providing training, and maintaining records. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences and penalties.
Additionally, even if your workplace has fewer than 6 employees and is not required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) or health and safety representative, compliance with designated substance regulations is still mandatory.
4. Training Requirements
Unless specified differently in regulations, the OHSA mandates that a committee must have at least two certified members—one representing workers and one representing individuals with managerial roles.
To become certified, a person must complete two mandatory training components: Basic Certification (Part 1) and Workplace-Specific Hazard Training (Part 2). Certification must be refreshed every three (3) years to remain valid. Certified members may seek a one-time exemption from Refresher Training if they have actively participated as a member of the workplace JHSC within the past twelve months.
Trust Acute Safety For JHSC Training
ACUTE can transform your workplace to be more safety compliant.
If you are in charge of supervising health and safety in the workplace or you are concerned that your workplace is not safety complaint, book a course with ACUTE. Here are some of the benefits of working with ACUTE:
- Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation, staff foster relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
- Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
- 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our company staff offers more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions!
- Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating our commitment to our clients, our quality, and our passion for training.
ACUTE offers courses such as, Due diligence for employers and managers, Worker health and safety awareness, Workplace violence and harassment, Working at heights, and Confined space rescue. For a full list of our training courses, click here.
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