An Efficient and Effective JHSC is an Essential Part of Organizational Strategy

Don’t leave the success of your Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) to chance! Regular check-ins are one of the many ways that you can be sure that the JHSC is on track, and that your health and safety program is running as smoothly as expected. 

In this article we discuss:
group of workers
Training is essential to the JHSC’s success because a trained JHSC is both engaged and knowledgeable. Certification is also mandatory in Ontario. 

Why Check in with The JHSC?

There are many reasons to check in with the JHSC regularly, such as:
  •  Ensuring all members are actively engaging in JHSC activities and duties
  • Confirming that there are enough members to undertake all responsibilities in the allotted time
  • Checking that everyone’s JHSC certification is up-to-date and that no one is due for Refresher training
  • Ensuring that the organization remains compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act’s requirements for training, number of certified members, and composition
  • Providing updates on organizational strategy and objectives, and helping the JHSC understand how they contribute to the JHSC’s success
  • Addressing any questions and providing clarity if needed
  • Making sure that the status quo is working

How to Check in on Engagement and Workload

You can check in on your JHSC by simply asking, “How’s it going?” Responses to this question will give you an idea of how engaged members are, and if they’re struggling to complete duties in the time given. When listening to responses, note any pain points that members identify. Work together to find a solution. 

How to Check in on Training and Compliance

.Training is essential to the JHSC’s success because a trained JHSC is both engaged and knowledgeable. Certification is also mandatory in Ontario. Section 9(12) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act states that “a constructor or employer shall ensure that at least one member of the committee representing the constructor or employer and at least one member representing workers are certified members.”
 
When you check in with the JHSC’s training and compliance, ask the following questions:
  1. How many JHSC members are there? Not sure how many you need? Learn more about JHSC Composition
  2. How many JHSC workers and management members are certified?
  3. Were any members trained before March 2016? If so, they’re likely exempt from having to take JHSC Refresher training
  4. Are any members who were certified after March 2016 due for JHSC Refresher training this year? Book seats in advance to avoid disappointment!​
​These questions will help you determine whether you need to take some actions to keep compliant and up to date. If you’re in compliance, this may be a good time to consider training all your JHSC members. JHSC members who complete certification training develop a solid understanding of the basic foundations of workplace safety. They function more efficiently than those who never received proper training. It’s recommended that all JHSC members receive training – not just the minimum number required under the Act.

Don’t Stop There! Provide Clarity and Guidance

The JHSC performs a vital task in the workplace, and their work keeps people safe. Take the time to check in with members to see if they have questions or need clarity. This is a great time for you to answer questions and provide updates and direction to the JHSC. You can also use this time to make sure that what you’ve been doing is working. If a process needs adjusting so that it’s more effective, discuss how to improve the process together. 

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Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting

Training is key when it comes to having an effective and efficient JHSC. When all members are trained, they have a basic health and safety foundation of knowledge and are better equipped to make decisions that benefit workers and the organization.
 
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting provides JHSC training in association with Langlois Safety Training and Consulting Services, an approved CPO Provider. We offer in-house and on-site JHSC Part One, Part Two, and Refresher training. You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs. 
 
To ask to learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.

​Last updated April 14, 2023
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