Joint Health and Safety Committee: Is Your Business Compliant?
With the province beginning to open up over the upcoming weeks, canaPHEM understands that the workplace is and will continue to be a new and unfamiliar environment for the foreseeable future. One of the best ways to update and improve health and safety conditions within the workplace is through a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). What does the JHSC do? What exactly is a joint health and safety committee? It is a group of both workers and employee representatives that work to improve health and safety conditions in the workplace. Examples include evaluating potential hazards, creating emergency
What does the JHSC do?
What exactly is a joint health and safety committee? It is a group of both workers and employee representatives that work to improve health and safety conditions in the workplace. Examples include evaluating potential hazards, creating emergency response plans, and advising the employer on altering work processes that may endanger the health and safety of workers. Examples like these, and many others, are regularly inspected and evaluated by these committees to ensure timely and effective implementation.
In 2019, 925 workplace deaths and 271 806 work-related injury or disease claims were recorded in Canada. With many reported injuries/diseases not all accepted by compensation boards – the actual number is even higher. Workplace injuries and deaths aren’t always immediate; they can also be chronic. Examples could be continuously bending over, standing for long periods, or being exposed to chemicals/materials – it may not impact you immediately, but over time it can manifest into an injury, disease, or even death. JHSCs must investigate known and potential hazards regularly to ensure that protocols, training, and proper usage are in place to ensure worker health and safety.
JHSC Details/FAQs
| # Of Workers | Required by Law |
| 1-5 | Not required by law, unless you have a workplace substance regulation |
| 6-19 | One health and safety representative |
| 20-49 | Required; must have at least two members |
| 50+ | Required; must have at least four members |
How are members selected? – At least half of the committee members must be worker members (non-managerial) and the other half with managerial functions.
Are certifications required? – at least two members of the committee, one non-managerial, and one managerial must be certified under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
Contact Us!
Are you in need of a JHSC update, formation, or consultation? We can help! canaPHEM offers JHSC administration services including maintenance, meetings, and startups.
If you have any questions about these services, please contact our Business Development Specialist, Lord Varma, at 905 493 7436 ext.1114 or [email protected].