Becoming a certified Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) member is a legal requirement for many Ontario workplaces, and the process involves two mandatory training courses approved by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). STS Group is a CPO-approved training provider, delivering both JHSC Part 1 and JHSC Part 2.
What Is JHSC Certification?
A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is made up of worker and management representatives who work together to identify and address health and safety concerns in the workplace. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), workplaces with 20 or more employees must have at least two certified JHSC members, one representing workers and one representing management.
JHSC certification means an individual has completed both required training courses and passed a written and practical assessment, qualifying them to fulfill certified-member duties, including hazard recognition and assessment, workplace inspections, and incident investigations, as part of the workplace’s Internal Responsibility System.
Is JHSC Certification Mandatory?
Yes. Ontario’s OHSA requires it for any workplace with 20+ workers. Even smaller workplaces are required to have a health and safety representative, and many choose to pursue JHSC certification voluntarily to strengthen their safety program.
Certification must come from a training provider approved by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer, STS Group is one of these approved providers.
The 4 Steps to Becoming JHSC Certified
Complete JHSC Part 1: Core training covering the OHSA, hazard recognition, assessment and control, member rights and duties, workplace inspections, and investigations.
Complete JHSC Part 2: Workplace and sector-specific hazard training that builds on Part 1 with a hands-on hazard assessment using the RACER methodology (Recognize, Assess, Control/eliminate, Evaluate, Reassess).
Pass the Written and Practical Assessment: Required at the end of training to demonstrate competency.
Receive Your Certification: You’ll receive a wallet card and wall certificate valid for 3 years from the date of certification.
Explore JHSC Part 1 → | Explore JHSC Part 2 →
How Long Does JHSC Certification Last in Ontario?
JHSC certification is valid for 3 years from the date it’s issued. To maintain your certification beyond that, you’re required to complete a one-day refresher course before it expires.
If certification lapses, you may be required to complete the full Part 1 and Part 2 training again.
JHSC Certification Cost
Training costs vary by provider and delivery format. Course pricing depends on factors such as training dates, location, and delivery options.
For the most accurate pricing information, contact STS Group or view the available course schedule to find the right JHSC certification option for your workplace.
JHSC Certification: STS Group vs. Other Providers
Several organizations are approved by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) to deliver JHSC certification training. All CPO-approved training providers meet the same regulatory requirements, so the certification is equivalent regardless of provider.
The main differences between providers include delivery format, scheduling flexibility, class size, pricing, and instructor experience.
Why Train with STS Group?
- Approved by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer
- Flexible training options
- Serving Ontario workplaces since 1992
- Experienced health and safety instructors
- Training solutions for a wide range of industries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is JHSC certification?
JHSC certification qualifies an individual to serve as a certified member of their workplace’s Joint Health and Safety Committee after completing Part 1 and Part 2 training and passing the required assessment.
How long is JHSC certification good for in Ontario?
JHSC certification is valid for three years. A one-day refresher course is required to renew certification before it expires.
Does JHSC certification expire in Ontario?
Yes. JHSC certification expires 3 years after the issue date unless it is renewed through a refresher course.
What are the four steps to becoming JHSC certified?
The four steps are completing Part 1 training, completing Part 2 training, passing the written and practical assessment, and receiving your certification card and certificate.
Is JHSC certification mandatory?
Yes. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, workplaces with 20 or more employees must have at least two certified JHSC members , one worker representative and one management representative.
How do you qualify for JHSC in Ontario?
You must complete both Part 1 and Part 2 training through a CPO-approved provider and pass the required assessment. There are no formal prerequisites to enroll, although employers typically select individuals who are already members of their workplace JHSC.
Can I take JHSC certification online?
JHSC certification training must meet the requirements set by Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). STS Group delivers JHSC Part 1 and Part 2 certification training in an instructor-led format to ensure participants receive the required knowledge, practical application, and assessment needed for certification.