What is JHSC Certification Part 1?

JHSC Certification Part 1 is the mandatory foundational training for Joint Health and Safety Committee members in Ontario. It covers workplace health and safety legislation, duties, and responsibilities of committee members.

Who needs JHSC Part 1 training?

Workers selected to become certified Joint Health and Safety Committee members in Ontario are required to complete Part 1 training before participating in workplace safety committees.

How long is JHSC Part 1 training?

JHSC Part 1 training typically takes 3 to 5 days depending on the provider and delivery format. It includes classroom-based theoretical instruction.

Is JHSC Part 1 mandatory in Ontario?

Yes. In Ontario, at least two members of a Joint Health and Safety Committee must be certified, and JHSC Part 1 is a mandatory requirement for certification.

What topics are covered in JHSC Part 1?

Topics include occupational health and safety legislation, hazard recognition, duties of employers and workers, and the roles and responsibilities of JHSC members.

What is the difference between JHSC Part 1 and Part 2?

Part 1 focuses on theoretical knowledge of health and safety laws and responsibilities, while Part 2 focuses on practical application based on workplace hazards.

How long is JHSC certification valid in Ontario?

JHSC certification does not expire in Ontario, but members must stay active in their role and may require additional training if workplace conditions change.

JHSC Certification Part 1



Overview

A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is made up of worker and management representatives who are mutually committed to enhancing health and safety in the workplace. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, workplaces with 20 or more employees are required to have at least two certified JHSC members.

JHSC Part 1 is the first of two mandatory courses required to become a certified JHSC member. This course gives students the knowledge to fulfill the duties of a certified member and to support the workplace parties in understanding their roles as part of the Internal Responsibility System in preventing occupational injuries and illnesses.

Once you’ve completed Part 1, the next step is JHSC Part 2, which covers workplace-specific hazard assessment. Together, both courses make up full JHSC certification.

STS Group is approved by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer to provide Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) training.

What You’ll Learn

This course provides members with a proper understanding of how to recognize, assess and control workplace hazards, the rights and duties of certified members, and how to conduct effective workplace inspections and incident investigations.

Who Should Attend?

Health and Safety Committee Members (including both worker and management representatives), Supervisors, Health and Safety Managers.

Topics

Topics included but not limited to:

Introduction to JHSCs
The Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
Health and Safety Programs and Policies
JHSC Members Powers and Rights
Duties and Responsibilities of Workplace Parties
Hazard Assessments – Recognition, Assessment and Controlling Hazards
Workplace Inspections and Reporting
Investigations Processes

Delivery Options

In-class or Blended (Online + In-class)

Certification

On successful completion of a Written and Practical Assessment, participants receive a wallet card valid for 3 years. Part 1 certification is the first step toward becoming a fully certified JHSC member, Part 2 is required to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 representing workers and one representing management. Certification requires completing both Part 1 and Part 2 training through a provider approved by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer, such as STS Group.

What is the JHSC certification in Ontario?

JHSC certification qualifies an individual to serve as a certified member of their workplace’s Joint Health and Safety Committee. It requires completing JHSC Part 1 and JHSC Part 2 training and passing a written and practical assessment. Certified members are responsible for hazard recognition, workplace inspections, and incident investigations.

What are the four steps to becoming JHSC certified?

The four steps are: completing JHSC Part 1 training, completing JHSC Part 2 training, passing the required written and practical assessment, and receiving your wallet card and wall certificate. See the full JHSC certification process for more detail.

How long is JHSC Part 1 valid on its own?

Part 1 alone doesn’t expire on a fixed timer, but must be followed by Part 2 (this is also where the 12-month rule fits — see below).

How long do I have to complete Part 2 after finishing Part 1?

JHSC Part 2 training must be completed within 12 months of successfully completing JHSC Part 1 training to achieve full certification. If Part 2 is not completed within this timeframe, you may need to complete additional training or restart the certification process, depending on the requirements of the approved training provider.