Rights, Duties, and Functions of JHSCs
The rights, duties, and functions of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) are intertwined. The committee's function is to support the IRS and ensure it functions effectively. To do this, the JHSC has several duties that it can perform under the rights afforded to it by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The following duties and rights ensure that the JHSC functions successfully.
JHSC Key Responsibilities
- Identifying workplace hazards. A worker member of the JHSC inspects the workplace monthly to identify hazards that could endanger workers' health or safety.
- Making recommendations to the employer. The JHSC recommends ways to improve workplace health and safety, such as additional protective devices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), or safety training programs.
- Investigate work refusals. A worker member of the JHSC must be present at work refusal investigations to ensure that the health and safety of the refusing worker is the top priority.
- Investigate critical injuries or fatalities. A worker member of the JHSC must be present at investigations of fatalities or critical injuries.
- Consulting. The JHSC has the right to be consulted prior to any workplace testing that is related to occupational health and safety. A worker member also has the right to be present for the testing sessions.
- Obtaining information. The JHSC can ask the employer for health and safety information, including information about potential or actual hazards, workplace safety practices, and workplace testing. The JHSC can also obtain information from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) if the workplace is subject to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
For more information on Joint Health and Safety Committees and training requirements, click here.