Guides & Toolkits

Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Toolkit

This Stream includes all of our Guides & Toolkits Flipbooks.

Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1317283

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 4 of 9

Frequently Asked Questions LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES? Check out these four companion pieces: Terms of Reference, Diagnostic Tool, Troubleshooting Guide and Checklist Don't want to journey alone? Call 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) The information contained in this reference material was produced by Restaurant & Food Services Advisory Committee and is distributed as a guide only. It is current to the best of our knowledge as at the revision date. No guarantee is made by WSPS as to the absolute correctness and WSPS assumes no responsibility in connection therewith. Q - What is a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)? The word "joint" refl ects that membership must include both workers and management. The purpose of the JHSC is to improve health and safety in the workplace. The committee does this by identifying hazards and recommending how to control them. The JHSC is an integral part of the company's Internal Responsibility System (IRS). Q - What is the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)? When it comes to health and safety, there are never too many cooks in the kitchen. The IRS means everyone in the workplace is responsible for identifying risks, solving problems, and making improvements on an ongoing basis. Q - Who is responsible for establishing a JHSC? Employers must establish a JHSC, depending on the number of employees. Successful JHSCs often rely on Terms of Reference so that members know what is expected of them. Q - What are Terms of Reference? Terms of Reference set out committee goals and objectives, how members are selected, how long they serve, how often they meet, and what defi nes a quorum. The Terms also establish what the committee needs to do, who will do it and how, and how agendas and minutes will be prepared and distributed. Q - What is the role of co-chairs? Each JHSC selects two co-chairs: one to represent workers and one to represent management. The co-chairs ensure that meetings run smoothly, agendas are followed, and recommendations made and tracked. Q - How does a JHSC member get certifi ed? The process of being certifi ed is like learning the skills every cook should know. It involves completing the Basic Certifi cation and Workplace-Specifi c Hazard Training, Part 1 (generic to all workplaces) and Part 2 (hazard recognition, assessment, and control). Note: certifi cation training di– ers from everyday, job- specifi c health and safety training that employers are required to provide to workers. Q - Do all JHSC members have to be certifi ed under the Ministry of Labour standards? No. A minimum of one worker member and one manager member must be certifi ed under the Ministry of Labour standards. Q - Do I have to pay JHSC members for their time? Yes. Employers must cover the cost of time required to prepare for a JHSC meeting, attend the meeting, and carry out duties as assigned. Q - How often do JHSC meetings have to be conducted? Formal meetings must be held once every three months, documented, and the minutes posted. Q - Where can I fi nd more information about a JHSC? Ministry of Labour (MOL): www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/jhsc/ Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS): www.wsps.ca Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS): www.ccohs.ca WSPS.CA Successful JHSCs achieve their goals by understanding their role within the law, and consistently following a reliable process. Here's a glimpse of how they do it.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Guides & Toolkits - Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Toolkit