Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification: An Overview
Introduction
In Ontario, workplaces with 20 or more workers are generally required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) (Ontario.ca, n.d.). A JHSC is responsible for identifying and addressing workplace health and safety hazards and promoting a safe and healthy work environment. To ensure the effectiveness of JHSCs, at least one worker and one employer on the committee must be certified (Ontario.ca, n.d.).
JHSC Certification Training
To become a certified JHSC member, individuals must successfully complete JHSC Certification Training (Ontario.ca, n.d.). The training program consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2 (WSPS, n.d.).
Part 1
Part 1 of the JHSC Certification Training covers essential topics related to workplace health and safety, including:
Key Facts
- In Ontario, workplaces with 20 or more workers are generally required to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC).
- A JHSC must have at least one worker and one employer member.
- At least one worker and one employer on the JHSC must be certified.
- To become a certified JHSC member, individuals must successfully complete JHSC Certification Training.
- The JHSC Certification Training program consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2.
- Part 1 of the JHSC Certification Training covers essential topics related to workplace health and safety, hazard identification, risk assessment, and more.
- Part 2 of the JHSC Certification Training builds on the knowledge gained in Part 1 and focuses on hazard recognition, assessment, and control.
- After completing the JHSC Certification Training program, individuals receive a certificate acknowledging their successful completion.
- JHSC certification is valid for three years after successfully completing Part 2 of the training program.
- To maintain certification, individuals must complete a refresher program within three years of the initial certification or the date of successfully completing a refresher program.
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Workplace inspections
- Incident investigation
- Emergency preparedness
- Health and safety legislation (IHSA, n.d.)
Part 2
Part 2 of the JHSC Certification Training builds on the knowledge gained in Part 1 and focuses on hazard recognition, assessment, and control in specific sectors, such as construction, transportation, utilities, and aggregates (IHSA, n.d.).
Certification Process
After completing the JHSC Certification Training program, individuals receive a certificate acknowledging their successful completion (WSPS, n.d.). JHSC certification is valid for three years after successfully completing Part 2 of the training program (Ontario.ca, n.d.).
Refresher Training
To maintain certification, individuals must complete a refresher program within three years of the initial certification or the date of successfully completing a refresher program (Ontario.ca, n.d.). The refresher training helps ensure that certified JHSC members stay up-to-date on workplace health and safety legislation, best practices, and emerging issues.
Conclusion
JHSC certification is an essential requirement for workplaces in Ontario to ensure the effectiveness of their Joint Health and Safety Committees. The certification training program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and address workplace health and safety hazards and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
References
- IHSA. (n.d.). Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Programs. https://www.ihsa.ca/jhsc
- Ontario.ca. (n.d.). Training for joint health and safety committee members. https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-joint-health-and-safety-committee-members
- WSPS. (n.d.). JHSC Certification Training- Part 1, Part 2, Refresher | WSPS. https://shop.wsps.ca/pages/jhsc-certification-overview
FAQs
How many JHSC certifications are required?
At least one worker and one employer on a JHSC must be certified.
Who needs JHSC certification?
Individuals who serve as worker or employer representatives on a JHSC.
What is the process for obtaining JHSC certification?
Complete a two-part JHSC Certification Training program and receive a certificate of completion.
How long is JHSC certification valid for?
Three years after successfully completing Part 2 of the training program.
What is the purpose of JHSC refresher training?
To ensure that certified JHSC members stay up-to-date on workplace health and safety legislation, best practices, and emerging issues.
How often is JHSC refresher training required?
Every three years from the date of initial certification or the date of successfully completing a previous refresher program.
What are the benefits of JHSC certification?
Improved workplace safety, reduced risk of accidents and injuries, and compliance with legal requirements.
Where can I find more information about JHSC certification?
Contact your local health and safety authority or visit the websites of organizations such as the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) or the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS).