The Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee plays a vital role in promoting workplace health and safety. It is the forum where worker and employer representatives consult on safety issues, make recommendations to improve the Occupational Health and Safety program, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
In workplaces where a committee isn't required, a Worker Health and Safety Representative performs the same essential duties and functions.
A JOHS committee consists of both employer and worker representatives, with at least half of the members being worker representatives. The committee meets monthly to discuss health and safety issues, and meeting minutes are posted in the workplace—on the bulletin board or website—for all staff to review.
JOHS committees help build a strong safety culture by enabling representatives to actively participate in health and safety activities. Outside of monthly meetings, committee members:
Did you know that each JOHS Committee member is entitled to eight (8) hours of annual education?
If you want to spend this time on content that matters to you, explore our industry-specific workshops. These sessions are engaging and relevant, including examples and scenarios tailored directly to the continuing care sector.
The essentials. Perfect for new members or those needing a refresher on the fundamentals.
The deep dive. Ready to take your safety culture to the next level? This is for you.
A practical guide. Get practical advice, best practices, and templates to help your committee do its best work.
An annual review of your safety program does not need to be done simultaneously. Consider creating a road map by choosing 1-2 monthly topics to evaluate.
Keep it updated; make it worth checking out. Assign someone with a creative flair to keep it looking its best!
Safety is not just the responsibility of the employer or the safety committee; engage all workers!
Your bulletin board (physical or digital) is a valuable resource for providing information to all workers.
Want workers to join the health and safety committee or engage in health and safety?
Safety is not just the responsibility of the employer or the safety committee; engage all workers!
SafeCare BC offers two occupational health and safety refresher presentations tailored for your joint occupational health and safety committee. These free 30-minute presentations are offered in-person or virtually and can be integrated into your health and safety committee meeting. They are filled with practical advice on sector-specific safety topics and include an opportunity to ask one of our health and safety consultants site-specific safety questions.
Fill out the form below to schedule a presentation or for more information on the OHS Refresher presentation.
This refresher presentation is designed to strengthen your OHS confidence, sharpen your committee skills. It can be credited toward your eight-hour annual education requirement.
This SafeCare BC safety huddle provides guidance on how to utilize your Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee to improve workplace safety. Learn how to report safety hazards, understand the role of the JOHS...
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A joint occupational health and safety (JOHS) committee is an advisory group of employer and employee representatives working together to promote a safe and healthy workplace.
Have you integrated the new first aid requirements that came into effect on November 1? Join us on Thursday, November 7, from 11 a.m. – noon for a WorkSafeBC webinar on the new occupational first...
