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Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1317283
1 of 2 Purpose A Joint Health & Safety Committee comprises worker and employer representatives who work together to promote and support a safe and healthy working environment, with a focus on prevention. Composition a. Membership on the committee will consist of an equal number of worker and employer representatives, with the minimum number of members determined by the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), based on the number of people employed by the organization. Member Selection a. At least half the committee members must be workers, democratically selected by workers. b. If the workers do not select members, after being given the opportunity to do, the employer must seek out and assign persons to act as worker representatives. c. The employer selects the remaining members from the group of employees who exercise managerial functions, ideally at the work location so that they have knowledge of operations. d. All members must be active employees of the organization. Terms of Office a. Committees must be co-chaired by two members: one who represents workers, the other who represents managerial functions. b. Terms of both co-chairs and committee members will be staggered to allow continuity. c. A replacement member for a worker representative of the committee unable to complete a term of office will be selected by workers, and for employer representatives by the employer. Duties and Functions of the Committee a. Raise awareness of health and safety in the workplace, and identify situations that may be unhealthy or unsafe for workers. b. Develop written recommendations for the employer that address health and safety risks, and that improve policies, and training and awareness programs. c. Monitor the effectiveness of recommendations. d. Work with workers and the employer on changes that affect workplace health and safety. e. Ensure that workplace inspections and accident investigations meet regulation requirements. f. When appropriate, request information from the employer about: i. Known or reasonably foreseeable health and safety hazards to which workers in the workplace are likely to be exposed; ii. Health and safety experience, practices, and standards in similar industries. Records a. The committee will keep accurate records of all matters that are tabled, and will maintain a record of meeting minutes. b. The committee will post meeting minutes in the workplace or on the company's intranet. Training a. Committee members will receive training to help them effectively perform their duties, including workplace inspection and accident investigation. b. Certification training will be provided, according to the regulation, to designated worker and employer representatives as soon as practical. Recipe For An Effective JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (JHSC) Terms of Reference