Four self-paced courses offer practical training for committee members
Workplace Safety North (WSN) is pleased to offer a new Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Effectiveness e-learning series designed to help committee members strengthen their knowledge and put effective health and safety practices into action.
The series includes four self-paced e-learning courses:
- Legislative Requirements
- Best Practices for Committee Functions
- Workplace Inspection Best Practices
- Work Refusals and Work Stoppages
Designed to go beyond foundational training in the form of Chief Prevention Office (CPO)-approved JHSC Certification courses, the series provides practical learning for committee members looking to enhance their effectiveness in key areas of JHSC work.
“Joint health and safety committees play an important role in identifying and addressing workplace health and safety concerns,” says Tiana Larocque, Manager of Integrated Solutions, Health and Safety Services. “This series gives committee members accessible training and useful tools to build their knowledge and strengthen how their committees function day to day.”
The courses can also provide valuable learning for other workplace parties who want to better understand JHSC requirements and practices. Each course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and can be taken individually, allowing participants to select the topics most relevant to their role or workplace.
“We encourage all JHSC members to take CPO-approved certification training as a best practice,” says Larocque. “Having said that, providing equal opportunity for every member to receive training on key JHSC functions is important. These courses aim to fill that need for certified and uncertified members alike.”
Legislative Requirements
The Legislative Requirements e-learning course builds awareness of the legislation that guides JHSC work in Ontario. Participants learn about the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Internal Responsibility System, duties of key workplace parties, JHSC powers and requirements, and how to navigate the OHSA and its regulations. The course concludes with an opportunity to identify committee strengths and areas for continuous improvement.
Best Practices for Committee Functions
The Best Practices for Committee Functions e-learning course focuses on strengthening JHSC collaboration and communication. Participants learn how to clarify their committee’s mandate through a mission statement and terms of reference, contribute to effective meetings, and use practical tools and resources to support role clarity and best practices.
Workplace Inspection Best Practices
The Workplace Inspection Best Practices e-learning course focuses on building effective inspection techniques. Participants learn about legislated inspection requirements, identifying workplace hazards, engaging workers to better understand workplace realities, and making recommendations to employers to help address hazards and reduce risk.
Work Refusals and Work Stoppages
The Work Refusals and Work Stoppages e-learning course focuses on legislated requirements and JHSC functions related to unsafe work situations. Participants learn about the three worker rights, the work refusal process, the definition of dangerous circumstances under the OHSA, and the processes for bilateral and unilateral work stoppages as outlined in the Act.
While the courses are designed to enhance JHSC knowledge and practices, they do not replace CPO-approved JHSC Certification training where certification is required under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Participants can register for individual courses based on their learning needs or register for all four courses in the JHSC Effectiveness series.
Related
JHSC Effectiveness Series: Legislative Requirements e-learning
JHSC Effectiveness Series: Best Practices for Committee Functions e-learning
JHSC Effectiveness Series: Workplace Inspection Best Practices e-learning
JHSC Effectiveness Series: Work Refusals and Work Stoppages e-learning