JHSC Certification Training Program

In workplaces requiring a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), at least two members—one management and one worker—must be certified. JHSC certification consists of two parts with refresher training required every 3 years to maintain certification status.

To become a certified Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) member, follow these steps:

1) Eligibility: Check if your workplace requires a JHSC and if you meet the criteria for membership. Typically, workplaces with 20 or more employees are mandated to have a JHSC.

2) Enroll in Training: Enroll in a CPO approved JHSC Certification Training program such as the one from WSPS. This training equips you with the knowledge and skills required for your role as a JHSC member.

3)  Complete Training: Successfully complete all parts of the JHSC Certification Training program. This training covers essential topics related to workplace health and safety, hazard identification, risk assessment, and more.

4)  Certification: After completing the training, you'll receive a certificate that acknowledges your successful completion of the program.

5)  Apply Knowledge: Apply the knowledge gained from the training to actively participate in your workplace's JHSC. Collaborate with other members to identify safety hazards, assess risks, and make recommendations to improve workplace safety.

6)  Contribution: Actively engage in JHSC meetings and discussions. Contribute your insights to enhance safety policies, procedures, and practices in the workplace. Communication: Keep lines of communication open between management, workers, and the JHSC. Share your findings, recommendations, and concerns to collectively improve workplace safety.

7) Renewal and Ongoing Learning: Stay updated on changing regulations and best practices in health and safety. Renew your certification as required by participating in refresher training to ensure you maintain your status as a certified JHSC member.

In workplaces requiring a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), at least two members—one management and one worker—must be certified.

Part Two must be completed within 1 year of Part One.

If JHSC Part 2 training is not completed within 12 months of completing JHSC Part 1 training, JHSC Part 1 training must be completed again.

Refresher training must be completed every 3 years to maintain certification status. To be eligible for refresher training, you must have successfully completed both parts of an approved JHSC certification program.

JHSC Part One: This 3 day course is offered in 2 ways - classroom training or online eLearning.

JHSC Part Two is 2 days and is offered for the following sectors: Warehouse & Distribution, Services, Offices Manufacturing, or Agriculture.

JHSC Refresher training is a 1 day course.

When an employer receives suggestions from the JHSC or health and safety representative, they are required to provide a written response within 21 days. This response must outline a timeline for adopting agreed-upon recommendations and explain any reasons for rejecting any of the suggestions. Additionally, committee members or health and safety representatives have the option to inform the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development if they believe there is a safety concern within their workplace.

There are several ways to encourage someone to join a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC):

1)Highlight the Importance: Emphasize the critical role JHSC members play in ensuring workplace safety. Explain how their involvement can directly contribute to a safer and healthier work environment for all employees. Outline real-life examples of how the committee's actions have improved safety.

2)Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure that the roles and responsibilities of JHSC members are clearly defined. Explain how their input and decisions will directly impact safety policies, hazard assessments, and emergency preparedness. Provide a roadmap for their contributions to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of their participation.

3)Active Committee: Highlight that the JHSC is an active and engaged group. Mention the existing members who are actively involved, the ongoing discussions, and the collaborative problem-solving sessions that keep the committee vibrant and impactful. Emphasize the opportunity to join a proactive team.

If you were certified under the 1996 Certification Standards, you do not require re-certification

Your certification status does not expire and you are considered certified for life.

If you were granted certification status under the current standards, you will require refresher training every 3 years to maintain your certification status.

Certification under the Current and the 1996 standards are portable across workplaces or sectors.

WSPS offers our courses in classrooms throughout Ontario. We accommodate busy schedules with flexible onsite sessions - any shift, including weeknights and weekends - an ideal option for group training. Certification Part One is also available via Distance Learning as a virtual classroom solution. Simply chose the best fit for you and register on-line or call our Customer Care Team at 1 877-494-WSPS (9777) ext. 0

There are 3 ways employers can check that a worker's certification is valid.

1) Accept a certification record issued by the Chief Prevention Officer
2)Access a worker's proof of certification, with the worker's consent, by creating a free and secure account through SkillsPass™
3) With the worker's consent, contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, Skills and Development by email at JHSC.InquiryLine@ontario.ca.

Workers can also get a digital copy of their proof of JHSC certification by setting up a free and secure account through SkillsPass™.