The Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) plays a critical role in workplaces in Ontario. The JHSC assists employees and employers in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. JHSC Certification training is divided into Part 1 and Part 2, each serving a distinct purpose in equipping committee members with the necessary knowledge and skills.
What is Covered in JHSC Part 1?
JHSC Part 1 is the foundational course that introduces participants to key workplace health and safety processes. Topics covered include:
- Roles and responsibilities of JHSC members: Understanding legal duties and how to contribute to workplace safety effectively.
- Hazard recognition and control basics: Learning to identify common workplace hazards and implement basic control measures.
- Workplace inspections and incident investigations: Developing skills to conduct assessments and investigate incidents to prevent future occurrences.
This course provides a broad overview of workplace safety and must be completed before taking Part 2.
What is Covered in JHSC Part 2?
JHSC Part 2 builds on the fundamentals learned in Part 1, offering a deeper dive into workplace-specific hazards and how to identify the legislation and standards applicable to the hazards in question. Key topics include:
- In-depth focus on six workplace hazards: Safety, musculoskeletal, physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards.
- Hazard assessment and control measures: Recognizing, assessing, controlling, and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented controls.
- Case studies: Applying the knowledge of hazard management tools through practical exercises.
- Preparing Recommendations for the employer: Action plans and the preparation of recommendations.
Part 2 is required for the JHSC Certification process to be completed successfully, and it must be completed within 12 months of completing Part 1.
Course Structure: JHSC Certification Part 1 vs. JHSC Certification Part 2
| JHSC Part 1 | JHSC Part 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Topics | Foundational principal | Workplace-specific hazards and controls |
| Duration | 1–3 days, depending on whether it’s instructor-led or a self-learn option | 2 days (or equivalent) |
| Prerequisites | None | Must complete Part 1 first |
| Completion Goal | Required before Part 2 | Achieve full JHSC certification |
Why Complete Both Parts?
Full JHSC Certification (Part 1 + Part 2) is essential for workplaces to comply with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. Certified members are better equipped to identify hazards, recommend solutions, and foster a culture of safety. However, JHSC Certification Part I training can be completed without doing Part 2. Organizations can assign the Part I course for general learning. This is ideal for building worker/manager awareness of health and safety and provides an overview of the JHSC’s role in the workplace.
Ready to Get JHSC Certified?
Our expert-led JHSC Part 1 and Part 2 training courses provide learners with the knowledge and hands-on experience to participate successfully in workplace health and safety.