This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast continues the discussion on the roles and legal requirements of Joint Health and Safety Committees (provincial legislation) and Workplace Health and Safety Committees (federal legislation) in Ontario, and features IHSA’s Alain Leger and Doug Heintz. JHSCs and WHSCs play crucial roles in identifying hazards, improving workplace conditions, and ensuring compliance with legislation.

In Ontario, one half of the committee members must be worker members chosen by the workers or, if in a unionized environment, they would come chosen by the trade union or the union itself. The other half of the committee members must be workers who exercise managerial functions, such as managers and supervisors.

On the provincial side, certification is required for at least one worker and one management member of the committee. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has a training standard for JHSC certification, which is completed in two parts: Part One covers general knowledge and legislative requirements, and Part Two covers sector-specific hazards. On the federal side, it’s mandatory for all WHSC members to be trained.

Alain states that JHSC meetings must occur during regular working hours, which aligns with paid time. The minimum requirement for JHSC meetings is once every three months, while federal requirements for WHSC meetings are nine times annually. Alain and Doug also address other questions about committee meetings, such as how meeting agendas are prepared, how members are informed of upcoming meetings, and if a quorum is necessary to hold a meeting.

Free Resources

Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)

JHSC/Health & Safety Representative

Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives

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