Top 3 things to know about Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification training in Ontario
Essential certification with flexible learning options for Ontario workplaces
Mandatory for most workplaces:
Workplaces with 20 or more employees must have a JHSC, including at least one certified worker and one certified employer representative.
Three-Part Certification training:
Part 1: Available as instructor-led (virtually or in-person), or self-paced e-learning. Covers health and safety laws and responsibilities. (Ontario Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) participants earn 2.1 continuing education units (CEUs) upon completion.)
Ce cours est aussi disponible en français
Part 2: A minimum two-day course focused on hazard recognition and control, tailored to specific industries. (Select course completion awards 1.4 to 2.1 CEUs to those holding OWWCO certification.) Industry options include general, mining, manufacturing, pulp, paper, printing and converting.
Ce cours est aussi disponible en français.
Refresher: One day of training every three years to maintain certification, with a one-time extension option for up to six years.
Completion requirements and extensions:
Parts 1 and 2 must be completed within twelve months of each other. Failure to do so requires retaking Part 1. Certified members can apply for a one-time exemption if they cannot complete Refresher training within the three-year period.
For more detailed information, please download the JHSC Certification Training information sheet.
Training Delivery Methods
JHSC Part 1
All sectors - English
- Self-paced e-learning: 13 hours completed within 30 days
- Instructor-led virtual training: Six half days
- Instructor-led in-person training (hybrid option allows in-person or virtual attendance): Three days
All sectors - French
JHSC Part 2
General sector - English
- Instructor-led in-person training (hybrid option allows in-person or virtual attendance): Two days
- Instructor-led virtual training: Four half days
General sector - French
- Instructor-led in-person training (hybrid option allows in-person or virtual attendance): Two days
- Instructor-led virtual training: Two days
Manufacturing, Pulp, Paper, Printing, and Converting sectors - English
- Instructor-led in person training: Two days
Mining sector – English
- Instructor-led in-person training: Three days
JHSC Refresher
All sectors - English
- Instructor-led in-person training (hybrid option allows in-person or virtual attendance): One day
- Instructor-led virtual training: Two half days
All sectors - French
Approved training for workplaces with fewer than 20 employees
Smaller workplaces with 6 to 19 workers are legally required to have a worker Health and Safety Representative with Basic Training, also available in French.
Extension requests
Certified committee members can apply for a one-time exemption if they cannot complete a JHSC Refresher course within three years. Requests must be approved by the Chief Prevention Office before certification expires.
Steps to apply for an extension:
- Log into the Ministry’s Prevention Certification Management System (CMS)
- Click on ‘Check worker eligibility’
For more information, contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.