Information Bulletin
January 28, 2002
See also: A Guide for Joint Health and Safety Committees
and Representatives in the Workplace
New Requirements for JHSC Certification Training
As of December 31, 2001, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act mandates new requirements for "certified" members of a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
The Act requires the employer or constructor and workers to each be represented by at least one certified JHSC member. This applies to workplaces that regularly employ 20 or more people. It also applies to construction projects on which 50 or more workers are regularly employed and which are expected to last three months or more.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act gives the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) the responsibility to develop standards for certification of JHSC members, to approve certification training programs, and to certify persons who meet these standards.
To be certified, a JHSC member must have completed Part Two "workplace-specific hazard" training. This training is in addition to Part One "basic certification" training.
The WSIB's deadline for completion of Part Two Certification training was December 31, 2001. The employer is responsible for ensuring this training has been conducted. JHSC members who have only completed Part One Certification training will no longer be considered certified by the WSIB.
The Ministry of Labour enforces OHSA requirements for certified members of JHSCs. When a contravention is found, the inspector will issue an order to the employer or constructor to comply with the requirement.
Information regarding certification training requirements can be found on the WSIB's website at www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/CertificationTraining or by calling the WSIB at 416-344-1016 or 1-800-663-6639.
