Understanding Joint Health and Safety Committees: Why Your Workplace Needs One
A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is a vital component of a safe and compliant workplace, designed to bring together employer and worker representatives to identify and address health and safety issues. Mandated in British Columbia, these committees play a key role in promoting a culture of safety, reviewing incidents, conducting workplace inspections, and making recommendations to improve safety practices. Their goal is to ensure that all workers have a voice in the ongoing effort to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
According to WorkSafeBC, any workplace with 20 or more regularly employed workers must establish a Joint Health and Safety Committee. Workplaces with 10 to 19 workers are required to have a worker health and safety representative instead. These committees must meet at least once a month and consist of at least four members, with equal representation from both management and workers. Committee members must also receive eight hours of training annually, to stay up to date on their responsibilities and evolving safety standards.
Training is a crucial part of running an effective JHSC. Without proper training, committee members may not fully understand their roles or be equipped to contribute meaningfully to workplace safety. ProSafe Training School offers comprehensive Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Training, which covers legal responsibilities, hazard identification, workplace inspections, and effective meeting practices. This training ensures members are fully prepared to fulfill their duties and support a strong safety culture.
If your workplace needs a Joint Health and Safety Committee—or if your existing committee requires up-to-date training—don’t wait. Enrol today in ProSafe Training School’s JHSC Training Course and take a proactive step toward ensuring a safer, more compliant workplace: