Is your joint health and safety committee functioning as it should? Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) wants to know. 
 
The MLITSD is currently undertaking a related compliance campaign. Ministry inspectors are visiting workplaces province-wide to verify that a joint health and safety committee (JHSC), or worker health and safety rep, is in place where required, that they understand their roles, and that inspections, documentation and other activities mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) are being undertaken. According to the Ministry this includes whether the appropriate number of members are certified, meeting mandatory training and retraining obligations. 
 
GET AHEAD OF ANY MINISTRY HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTOR VISIT! Register Today for JHSC Certification Training.

 

Employer duties for JHSC certification

In Ontario, most workplaces with 20 or more workers—or those using designated substances—must establish a JHSC. At least two members, one worker and one manager, must become and remain certified by completing:

● Certification Part I Training – through a variety of engaging learning exercises participants will gain a through understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation, including rights and responsibilities of certified reps and other workplace parties, along with general hazard identification, control and prevention strategies. 
● Certification Part II Training – participants will attain skills focused on their application for sector- and/or workplace-specific hazard identification, assessment, and control.
● Certification Refresher Training – required every three years to maintain certification, certified  members who successfully complete this program will remain current with  recent changes to legislation, standards, new best practices, emerging hazards and associated research.

Get certified, and empowered

Certification training equips JHSC members—both worker and management—with the knowledge, skills and confidence to act on their legal obligations and powers. This includes reviewing whether relevant OHS legislation is applied in the workplace, leading inspections, investigating incidents, identifying hazards, observing hygiene monitoring, and recommending practical solutions aimed at eliminating or limiting harmful exposures.   
 
When empowered through training and functioning effectively, JHSCs support employers in meeting their extensive health and safety obligations. This is particularly the case when employers embrace and implement measures recommended by JHSCs to protect workers. 

Ready access to certification, with the WHSC

Certification training programs and those who deliver them must be approved. By “approved” the law means approved by the MLITSD’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). 
 
Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is a leading provider of CPO-approved JHSC Certification training and Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre.
 
In recognition of the diverse training aims of all workplace parties, WHSC Certification training—including Part I, Part II, and Refresher—is available across Ontario in the coming weeks and months in both in-person and virtual classroom formats. For virtual training, all that is required is a high-speed internet connection, and a computer or tablet with a functioning camera, speakers and microphone.
 
Regardless of delivery mode, training is facilitated in real-time by a WHSC-qualified instructor, ensuring meaningful engagement with all training participants and ensured learning.  

Ready to take the next step to create a safer, healthier workplace and avoid MLITSD inspector orders, convictions and penalties? Review your training options and register today.
 
Don’t see what you need? Contact any one of our Training Services Representatives located in communities across Ontario.

Do you need Certification or other OHS training in French? Visit our dedicated web site or contact WHSC training services representative, Christopher Gervais at cgervais@whsc.on.ca or 613-407-2187.
 
Need other essential and legally mandated training such as GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, working at heights, worker health and safety awareness, and supervisor awareness and competency? We can help with these training requirements too. 
 
We are also currently offering special pricing on all WHSC ergonomics training in support of International RSI Awareness Day, held annually on the last day of February. Register now for in-person and virtual training at $40/participant. With this special pricing, each registrant can save up to $80 on courses when booked by February 28, 2026.

Register for specially priced ergonomics training today.

Need more information? 
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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