Collaboration is key to effective Joint Health and Safety Committees

Group of people working together around a table

Teamwork and practical tools help keep workplaces safe

A Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is more than a legal requirement – it’s a powerful tool for building safer workplaces. A JHSC is an advisory body made up of worker and management representatives, working together to identify hazards in the workplace, raise awareness of health and safety issues, and make recommendations to the employer on how to address safety concerns. 

An effective JHSC relies on open communication, strong collaboration, and shared responsibility. This is needed for a committee to effectively perform its functions during all JHSC activities, including inspections, investigations, and meetings.

Best practices for effective JHSC meetings include:

  • Come prepared. Members should review relevant information in advance to actively contribute to discussions and decisions.
  • Work as a team. A strong committee relies on collaboration, mutual respect, and balanced participation.
  • Communicate clearly and often. The co-chairs should summarize the proceedings along the way to ensure everyone understands and agrees with what is being discussed or decided upon.
  • Make thoughtful and inclusive decisions. Consider all perspectives and communicate outcomes to all workplace parties, including supervisors and workers.
  • Use clear processes. Establish guidelines for resolving conflicts, making decisions, and solving problems. These processes should be documented, implemented and followed during meetings.

A printable information sheet on best practices for effective JHSC meetings is now available.

During workplace inspections, a key area where collaboration is essential is hazard identification. The hazard wheel is a useful tool for identifying hazards, which categorizes common workplace hazards into six major categories:

  1. Safety hazards (falls, pinch points, stored energy)
  2. Physical hazards (noise, heat, radiation)
  3. Chemical hazards (cleaning products, fumes)
  4. Biological hazards (viruses, mold)
  5. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards (repetitive strain, awkward postures)
  6. Psychosocial hazards (stress, harassment, workload)

Recognizing these types of hazards ensures a comprehensive approach to prevention.

To help support these committees, WSN has developed a sample JHSC inspection checklist – a practical tool for conducting effective inspections. Stay tuned for more JHSC tools and resources coming soon.

For more information, contact your local WSN Health and Safety Specialist. 

Related

Joint Health and Safety Committee – Sample Workplace Inspection Checklist – WSN 

Joint Health and Safety Committee –  Best Practices for Effective Meetings –  WSN

Joint Health and Safety Committees: Role and requirements – WSN 

Joint Health and Safety Committees: What they are and what they do – WSN

Learn more about the JHSC certification process – WSN

Upcoming JHSC training – WSN

Guide for health and safety committees and representatives – MLITSD

Training for joint health and safety committee members – MLITSD