Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Requirements in Ontario: What Employers Need to Know
5 min read
If your Ontario business regularly employs 20 or more workers, you are legally required to establish and maintain a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The JHSC is one of the cornerstones of Ontario's internal responsibility system (IRS) — the idea that employers and workers share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Despite being a legal requirement, many Ontario employers — especially small and mid-sized businesses — are unsure of exactly what a JHSC must do, who must sit on it, and how to keep it functioning properly. Non-compliance can trigger Ministry of Labour orders and fines during workplace inspections. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
- 1
A JHSC is required when your workplace regularly employs 20 or more workers — this includes part-time and seasonal employees counted toward your regular complement
- 2
The JHSC must have at least two members: at minimum one worker representative (selected by workers or their union) and one management representative (appointed by the employer)
- 3
Workplaces with 50 or more workers must have a minimum of four JHSC members — at least half must be worker representatives
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JHSC members must complete the mandatory JHSC Certification training through a WSIB-approved provider — Part 1 and Part 2 certification is required for certified members
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The JHSC must meet at least once every three months — meeting minutes must be kept and posted in the workplace
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JHSC members have the right to inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once per month — they must submit written recommendations to the employer
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The employer must respond in writing to JHSC recommendations within 21 days — agreeing, disagreeing (with reasons), or providing a timeline for action
- 8
If a serious injury or fatality occurs, a JHSC member (or worker health and safety representative) must be notified and has the right to inspect the scene
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