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In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) (external link)  requires every employer with more than 20 workers to establish and maintain a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) in the workplace. In addition to our buildings and grounds, the workplace can include any other locations, equipment or vehicles where workers carry out tasks for the university. 

Toronto Metropolitan University’s three JHSC committees provide a key opportunity for workers to participate meaningfully in matters that impact health and safety in the workplace.

Each committee consists of management representatives and worker representatives and together they function as advisory bodies. They work collaboratively to identify health-and-safety risks, develop recommendations for the university to address them and help raise awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace.

The role of the JHSC

The JHSC has the following functions:

  • Identify situations which may be a source of danger or hazard to workers.
  • Make recommendations on establishment, maintenance and monitoring of programs, measures and procedures respecting the health and safety of workers.
  • Make recommendations to improve the health and safety of workers.
  • Investigate work refusals and serious accidents.
  • Obtain information from the employer regarding potential or existing hazards.
  • Inspect the physical condition of the workplace.

For more information on the roles and responsibilities of a workplace Joint Health and Safety Committee, review the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Guide for Joint Health and Safety Committees and Health and Safety Representatives in the Workplace (external link) .

TMU is obligated to establish the JHSC, support their operation, provide time for workers to perform their committee functions, and respond to the recommendations of these committees. 

If you are interested in joining a JHSC, please contact the following: