HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

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· HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

· WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS

· JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (JHSC)

Ø Members

Ø Duties

Ø Recommendations

Ø Meetings

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM

Prepare a written health and safety policy. Post the policy in a conspicuous place in the workplace. Review the policy at least once each year. Develop and maintain a health and safety program to implement the policy in the workplace. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 25(2)(j))

WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS

Joint health and safety committee (JHSC) members must inspect the workplace monthly and inform the committee of any dangers and hazards. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9)

JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE (JHSC)

Members

You must have a joint health and safety committee (JHSC) if you have 20 or more regular employees The JHSC must have at least two people, where at least one of them is not a manager.

Where there are 50 or more regular employees, the JHSC must have at least 4 members. At least half of the members must not be managers.

For all JHSC, there must be 2 co-chairs: one from management and one from non-management. Additionally, at least one worker and one management member must be certified. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9)

Duties

The duties and function of the JHSC include the following: identify dangers and hazards, recommend to the employer, programs, procedures and measures that will improve worker health and safety, be consulted about and be present during any workplace testing, keep minutes of all meetings, conduct monthly workplace inspections, and investigate accidents that result in a worker critical injury or fatality. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9)

Recommendations

Employers must respond to written recommend from the JHSC within 21 days. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9)

Meetings

The committee must meet at least once every three months. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9(33))

Members are entitled to the time that is necessary to prepare for and attend each meeting, as well as the time they need to carry out their duties. The employer must pay members for the time they spend on committee activities. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 9(34))

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