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THE EFFECTIVE JHSC 17 140-002-07-IGOT © 2013, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Workplace Inspections – Section 9(23-30) The JHSC inspects the workplace. Monthly workplace inspections must be completed by a worker representative on the JHSC. It is best if they are certified because of the additional training they have had, but this is not mandatory. The inspections cannot be done by a management representative. The management representative can assist the worker representative during the inspection but this is only seen as a best practice. The same worker representative does not have to complete every monthly inspection - the task can be shared by the workers on the committee. If the workplace is extremely large, sections of the workplace are inspected each month until all areas have been examined at least once every year. The worker certified member identifies potential hazards during their inspection and reports these to the committee. The inspections must be conducted according to a regular schedule set out by the committee. Section 9(28) A helpful tool to use is a workplace inspection form which you can customize as necessary for your business. You can access a fillable workplace inspection recording form from http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca/Resources/Topics/Inspections---Investigations.aspx Investigation of Critical Injuries or Fatalities – Section 9(31) The JHSC must be advised immediately of critical injuries and fatalities. It is a best practice that the JHSC be notified of any injury of a worker regardless of its severity. One or more worker members are designated to investigate critical injuries and fatalities. Work Refusal and Bilateral Work Stoppage The worker representative of the JHSC has the duty to participate in work refusal and work stoppage situations. In a work refusal, the designated worker representative on the JHSC (certified if possible, but not mandatory) works with the worker who is refusing and the supervisor of that worker to try and come up with a solution that is safe. In a bilateral work stoppage situation, it is required that two designated certified members – one management and one worker – decide if it is a "dangerous circumstance" and can stop work in that circumstance. Recommendations The JHSC makes recommendations to the employer to control hazards identified. Define the process for making recommendations, who receives the recommendation and how the recommendation is to be followed up. Refer to Chapter 4: "Making Effective Recommendations" for information on making recommendations. WSPS.CA

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