Joint Health and Safety Committee Responsibilities: Building Safer Workplaces

In British Columbia, having a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is not only a best practice—it’s a WorkSafeBC requirement for workplaces with 20 or more workers. These committees play a crucial role in maintaining a proactive approach to health and safety in the workplace. But what exactly are their responsibilities?

In this post, we break down the key duties of a JHSC and how they help foster a strong safety culture across industries.

What is a Joint Health and Safety Committee?

A JHSC is a group made up of employer and worker representatives who meet regularly to identify and address health and safety concerns. The goal is to collaborate on making the workplace safer and ensuring compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.

Core Responsibilities of a Joint Health and Safety Committee

1. Identifying Hazards in the Workplace

Committee members must regularly inspect the workplace to identify potential hazards, from physical dangers to procedural risks. These inspections should be documented and reviewed in meetings to prioritize corrective actions.

2. Making Safety Recommendations

After identifying risks, the committee suggests solutions and improvements to management. These could include new safety procedures, equipment upgrades, or additional worker training.

3. Conducting Workplace Inspections

A JHSC is responsible for monthly workplace inspections and ensuring that corrective actions are taken. Special inspections may also be conducted after an incident or when new machinery is introduced.

4. Participating in Incident Investigations

The committee plays a role in investigating serious workplace incidents or near misses. Their input helps determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.

5. Reviewing Health and Safety Programs

JHSCs review and provide input on the company’s health and safety policies, ensuring they remain up to date and effective in addressing current risks.

6. Promoting Health and Safety Awareness

Committee members help keep safety top of mind by sharing updates, reminding workers of best practices, and organizing events or safety meetings.

7. Assisting with Worker Concerns

Workers can bring forward health and safety concerns to the committee. It is the JHSC’s job to ensure those concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

8. Ensuring Employer Compliance

While the employer is responsible for health and safety compliance, the JHSC helps ensure that required training, documentation, and reporting are in place.

WorkSafeBC requires that all JHSC members receive 8 hours of health and safety training. This includes understanding the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, conducting inspections, and participating in investigations.

A well-functioning Joint Health and Safety Committee can:

• Reduce workplace incidents
• Increase worker engagement
• Improve compliance
• Boost overall morale and productivity

Need Help Establishing a JHSC or Training Your Team?

Irwin’s Safety offers certified JHSC training programs tailored to WorkSafeBC standards. Whether you're building a new committee or need a refresher for existing members, our expert instructors can help your team build a safer, more compliant workplace.

Contact us today to schedule your JHSC training and take the next step toward a stronger safety culture.