Has your workplace met its Certification training obligations for joint health and safety committees? An Ontario government inspector might ask you this same question soon.
 
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspectors are currently undertaking an occupational health and safety compliance campaign ensuring employers are aware of and meeting a broad range of safety obligations. This includes ensuring they are supporting the critical and mandated role(s) of joint health and safety committee (JHSC) members.
 
Inspectors are visiting hospitals, long term care homes, psychiatric facilities and other workplaces governed by the Health Care and Residential Facilities regulation (O. Reg. 67/93), for instance, to ensure the written measures and procedures on workplace violence prevention are established in consultation with the joint health and safety committee (JHSC) or health and safety representative (HSR).
 
In a broad range of workplaces in the industrial sector inspectors are targeting material handling hazards. Among key priorities, the MLITSD is looking to ensure the proper functioning of the internal responsibility system (IRS). This includes, among other things, involvement of JHSC members.
 
The MLITSD is also undertaking a special compliance initiative visiting retail workplaces and focusing on hazards related to the handling and movement of materials. Among the goals of this campaign is to enhance the IRS, especially regarding workplace inspections to identify struck by, fall and musculoskeletal disorder hazards and to ensure workplace parties are complying with the law.
 
Check out our 50% discount for in-person, legally required JHSC Certification Training!

IRS and JHSC Certification Training

While Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is very clear employers have the greatest responsibility to protect workers, JHSC members are paramount to supporting the IRS in pursuit of safer, healthier work. A worker member of the JHSC, for instance, has the function and power to inspect the workplace, be consulted about and be present at the beginning of testing, and investigate work refusals, critical injuries or fatalities. All JHSC members have the power to identify workplace hazards and make recommendations to the employer to protect workers.
 
To prepare JHSC members to act upon these considerable powers, OHSA is equally clear about the need for employers to provide training. At least two members—one worker and one employer representative—must complete Certification Part I general training and Part II hazard-specific training approved by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). To remain certified, successful completion of an approved Certification Refresher program is required every three years. In addition, many workplaces train all JHSC members so they can play a more informed role in pursuit of safer, healthier work.

WHSC JHSC Training...BOOK NOW and get 50% off

With more than 35 years of experience as Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre, we can help you comply with JHSC Certification training requirements. In fact, we are making it more affordable than ever for a limited time.
 
We are currently offering scheduled in-person training, including all JHSC Certification Training at 50 per cent off the regular price. To secure your seat simply book training before August 31, 2025, for programs scheduled this year.
 
We know though some workplaces require a more flexible approach, so we are still offering training in virtual classrooms too, although at full price. All that is needed is a high-speed internet connection and a computer or tablet with a functioning camera, speakers and microphone.

Regardless of the training mode you choose, training is always led by a WHSC-qualified instructor in real time, so you can participate in engaging sessions designed to ensure learning is achieved.  

Review your Certification Training needs and register today to access your 50% discount.

Interested in other discounted training, check out our full in-person training schedule.
 
Don’t see what you need? Contact any one of our Training Services Representatives located in communities across Ontario.

Need Certification training in French? Certification Part I and Part II are available from our Ottawa office. (As are Working at Heights and Working at Heights Refresher too.) Need a different date or location? Contact WHSC training services representative, Christopher Gervais at cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
Connect with and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube