13 Mar What is the JHSC?
JHSC stands for Joint Health and Safety Committee that is made up of employees and workers to uphold health and safety laws outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Their goal is to advance the health and safety of their workplace by reporting any risks or dangers present to their employer.
What is the role of the JHSC?
The JHSC is responsible for determining the unsafe conditions in the workplace, collecting information and evidence on how these conditions are hazardous, reporting how to improve these conditions, engaging in inspections, being present when conducting the health and safety tests, and advocating for the changes that should be made.
How can the committee make these judgements? The JHSC will always be briefed on changes to the health and safety at the workplace, they hold meetings to discuss pressing matters, they engage in inspections monthly, and lastly, they build informative reports for the employer to review.
Having a JHSC in the workplace is critical because it is a health and safety evaluation from those engaging in the work at the ground level. Their efforts help to minimize workplace injuries because they have a well-rounded idea of how their colleagues need protection.
How are workers selected to be JHSC members?
The members of the JHSC are selected by the employer, unless the workplace is unionized, in which case both the union and the employer will choose the JHSC members. The JHSC composition must be at least half conventional workers and the remaining positions can be allocated to managerial level workers. At least two members, one from each position, must be certified under the Occupational Health and Safety Act by completing the mandatory training.
What workplaces need a JHSC?
The necessity of the JHSC is dependent on the number of workers employed and whether there are designated substance regulations (when the exposure to a substance present at the workplace must be restricted and monitored for the safety of the workers). If the workplace has up to five workers, then a JHSC is not necessary unless there is a designated substance regulation in place. When there are between six and nineteen workers employed, then one health and safety representative is necessary, unless there is a designated substance regulation which requires a JHSC. If the workplace has between twenty and forty-nine employees, they are legally required to assemble a JHSC that consists of two members. Lastly, a workplace with more than fifty employees must have a JHSC with four members.
If you are an employer concerned with the health and safety of the workplace and require assistance to draft policies or regulations to keep your employees safe, please contact KCY at LAW by filling in an online consultation request or contact us by phone at 905-639-0999 to book your consultation today.