Click
on any of the following links for detailed information.
·
JOINT
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (JHSC)
Ø
Members
Ø
Duties
Ø Meetings
Click on any of the above items for details about the requirements.
For industries classified as C hazard in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, a health and safety program must be initiated and maintained in facilities where there are more than 50 employees. (Typical C hazard facilities include photo processors and picture framers.)
For facilities that have fewer than 50 employees, a less formal health and safety program must be initiated based on monthly employee meetings to discuss health and safety matters. For smaller workplaces, a record of the monthly meetings must be kept. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 3.1 – 3.2)
The
health and safety program must be designed to prevent injuries and disease. The
plan must include the following elements: responsibilities of the employer,
supervisors and workers, a plan for inspections and corrective actions, written
work instructions, a plan for management review meetings, a plan for accident
investigations, retention of records, and supervision of workers. (Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 3.3)
Workplace inspections are required at regular intervals to prevent unsafe conditions from developing. Tools and equipment must be inspected as recommended by the manufacturer. There must be a special inspection after an incident or malfunction. JHSC members must be included in the inspections. Inspection reports must be posted for at least 7 days. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 3.5 – 3.8)
JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (JHSC)
A JHSC is required in workplaces that have more than 20 workers. The committee establishes its own rules and meets at least monthly. (Workers Compensation Act, 125)
A JHSC must have at least 4 members, of which at least half must be workers. The committee must have both a worker and a management co-chair. (Workers Compensation Act, 127)
The duties and function of the committee includes the following: to identify unsafe conditions and advise management on corrective actions, deal with complaints, consult with both workers and management on health and safety issues, recommend improvements, recommend training, advise on regulatory compliance, ensure accidents are investigated, and participate in inspections. (Workers Compensation Act, 130)
The employer must respond to written recommendations and a request for a response within 21 days of the request. If the committee is not satisfied with the employer’s answer, the committee may report to the board. (Workers Compensation Act, 133)
Committee members are entitled to be paid for time spent preparing for and attending monthly meetings, and other duties. The committee must prepare a report of each meeting and provide a copy to the employer. The employer must retain the report for two years and ensure it is available to workers and members. (Workers Compensation Act, 134)
Each member is entitled to 8 hours paid time annually for health and safety education. Time from one member can be donated to another member. (Workers Compensation Act, 135)
Continue by clicking any item
on the menu bar on the left.