Are your joint health and safety committee (JHSC) members competent to act on their legal powers in pursuit of safer, healthier work? Train for it—it’s mandatory.

In fact, the time to access this training is now to avoid issues with Ontario’s enforcement authority. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is currently sending inspectors to workplaces across many sectors, including health care, industrial and construction to ensure employers and supervisors are complying with their significant obligations to protect workers.
 
This compliance initiative is also looking to ensure JHSC members, particularly certified members, are aware of and acting on their considerable legal powers to help identify and assess workplace hazards and submit written recommendations employers must consider to protect workers. Ministry inspectors may also inquire whether employers have met their obligation to ensure certification of JHSC members. 
 
REGISTER NOW FOR MANDATORY JHSC CERTIFICATION TRAINING THIS FALL  

Employer obligations for JHSCs and training

In Ontario, most workplaces with 20 or more workers or where a regulation concerning a designated substance applies must have a JHSC consisting of at least one worker and one employer member.

At least two members of a JHSC – one worker and one manager – must become certified. To do so, employers must ensure they complete Part I and II of a Certification training program approved by the MLITSD’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO).
 
Certification Part I training involves a comprehensive review of occupational health and safety legislation, including rights and responsibilities of all workplace parties with a specific emphasis on those of JHSC members, particularly certified members. Equally important, participants gain critical insight and skills needed to identify and assess workplace hazards and fully explore the hierarchy of controls and specific measures workplaces can use to control, or better yet eliminate, hazardous exposures.
 
Certification Part II, involving a deeper dive into sector and workplace-specific hazards and measures to protect workers, must be taken within 12 months of completing Part I. To remain certified, members must successfully complete Certification refresher training every three years.
 
Beyond this specific training mandate, many employers recognize the critical role played by all JHSC members and ensure the entire committee completes Certification training.      

WHSC can help with compliance ASAP

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is a leading provider of CPO-approved JHSC Certification training and Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre.
 
We also recognize the diverse training needs of all workplace parties, including JHSC members and have scheduled JHSC Certification Part I, Part II and Refresher training on multiple dates in communities across Ontario over the coming months in traditional in-person learning environments. These same programs are also scheduled between now and the end of 2024 in convenient, virtual classrooms accessible from your workplace, home or anywhere else with high-speed internet connection along with a computer or tablet with a functioning camera, speakers and microphone.
 
Regardless of delivery mode, training is facilitated in real-time by a WHSC-qualified instructor, with highly interactive sessions involving all training participants.  
Ready to take the next step to create a safer, healthier workplace and avoid a Ministry inspector finding your workplace not complying with JHSC Certification requirements? Review your training options and register today.
 
Don’t see what you need? Contact any one of our Training Services Representatives located in communities across Ontario.

Do you need Certification training in French? Contact WHSC training services representative, Christopher Gervais at cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.
 
Need other essential and legally mandated training such as GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, worker health and safety awareness, and supervisor awareness and competency?
 
Check out our complete in-person and virtual training schedule.

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