In addition to making recommendations to management about hazards in the workplace, joint health and safety committees (JHSCs) play a key role in promoting a positive safety culture and supporting communication between workers and management, says WSPS Health and Safety Consultant Tova Larsen.

One of the best ways for the JHSC to promote a positive safety culture and open communication is through a newsletter. “A JHSC newsletter is a consistent, transparent and approachable vehicle for sharing safety information, including exciting committee activities, inspection findings, incident investigations, JHSC recommendations, helpful resources, and much more,” explains Tova. 

A well-crafted newsletter helps refresh key safety knowledge, highlights and celebrates JHSC successes, raises awareness of changes that may impact workplace safety, and draws attention to timely topics such as seasonal hazards. Most importantly, it demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to keeping health and safety front and centre.

How to put together a JHSC newsletter

The JHSC newsletter can be either print or digital, says Tova. “It can be posted in a communal spot in the workplace and/or distributed to all employees through email, with pay stubs, or other means.” If you prefer to put your newsletter on the company’s digital health and safety notice board, be sure all employees have computer access and know how to find the board.”

Tova offers some general guidelines:

• Keep articles short. Be clear, concise, and engaging to capture attention quickly.
• Use punchy headlines with verbs and bullet points in the text. Highlight key info upfront.
• Avoid jargon and use plain language. Provide explanations for acronyms.
• Include photos, charts and graphics to support content.
• Add white space. Prevent clutter by spacing out sections for better readability.
• Choose a frequency that works for your committee. Monthly, quarterly, or yearly are options for your JHSC to consider.

What content to include in the JHSC newsletter?

“Create a balance between what’s working well in the workplace and what can be improved,” suggests Tova. “Unlike meeting minutes, which can feel procedural, newsletters give the JHSC plenty of editorial and design latitude to inject some fun.” Add facts, safety tips, and lighter elements that pique interest.

The possibilities for content are endless, says Tova. Here are some suggestions to choose from:

• Inspection snapshot. List the top six inspection findings, three illustrating strengths and three areas for improvement. Consider including actionable tips or reminders on how to address frequently spotted issues or hazards.
• Key recommendation made to management. Explain how it will improve health and safety, and what workers need to know to stay safe. Report on management’s response to the recommendation in a later issue.
• Legislative changes. Workers may not be aware that the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) changes frequently. Highlight legislative changes that may impact the organization and how the JHSC is engaging with the employer to support compliance.
• Polls and quizzes. “These boost engagement, provide feedback, and reinforce health and safety knowledge,” notes Tova. Questions can be open-ended or multiple choice. A quiz might test legislative knowledge, awareness of workplace hazards, or even take the form of a scavenger hunt of your safety data sheets. “Make sure to include an email for readers to submit their answers, and consider offering a prize for participation, even if that’s only bragging rights in the next issue.”
• Short profile of committee member with photo. Introduce a new member, or a different member in each issue. Ask them three questions, such as ‘why did you join the JHSC?’ ‘what’s your favourite part of being on the JHSC?’ and ‘what do you like to do outside of work?’
• Results of incident or near-miss investigations. Summarize what happened, what the root causes were, and how it will be prevented in future. Be sure to redact personal or identifying information. 
• Seasonal or household safety. Extend safety messaging beyond the workplace by sharing practical guidance on topics such as:
  • building a household emergency kit
  • decorating safety for the holidays
  • heat stress and drowning prevention tips during summer
  • Lyme disease awareness from your local public health department

“This can help empower workers to take safety culture home,” says Tova.

• Upcoming safety days or weeks. Examples include Safety and Health Week, May 4-9, 2026, Fall Prevention Awareness Week, September 21–25, Global Ergonomics Month in October, and World Mental Health Day, October 10. Outline what your workplace is doing to mark the occasion, include prevention tips, and consider theming the newsletter on the topic, allowing for a deeper dive.
• Results of hygiene testing, surveys, or audits. For example, key findings on noise testing, the results of the latest Great Place to Work survey, or success with a recent audit.
• Safety champion spotlight. Highlight the individual’s name, role and specific safety contributions. Include a brief quote or statement from the champion to showcase their passion for safety. Add a photo. Encourage others to nominate a safety champion in their area. 

How WSPS can help

Training

• JHSC Certification Part 1 - Available as a 3-day instructor-led training—virtual or in person. or as self-paced online learning.
• JHSC Certification Part 2 by sector (2-day instructor-led virtual or in-person training) -  Offered as a 2-day instructor-led training, virtual or in person, in the following sectors:
  • Warehousing and Distribution
  • Service
  • Offices
  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture
• JHSC Refresher (1-day instructor-led virtual or in-person training)

Resources

• JHSC Toolkit (PDF)
• JHSC Notice Board Form (PDF) - Use this form to post the names of your joint health and safety committee members.
• JHSC Notice of Recommendation (PDF) 
• Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC): An Overview
• How can a JHSC conduct effective workplace inspections on-site? (video)
• JHSC Meeting Minutes Template Recording

The information in this article is accurate as of its publication date.