All employers must designate either an OHS Representative or establish a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). These roles and functions help the employer address health and safety concerns, develop training and procedures, and monitor worksite safety initiatives.
Workplaces with 1-19 Employees: OHS Representative
An OHS Representative may be designated by the employer, or decided on by fellow employees. Their role is to act as a liaison between workers and the employer on health and safety matters. Their duties include:
- Participating in identifying and controlling hazards.
- Promoting the health and safety of all workers.
- Performing any other duties related to health and safety as required.
Workplaces with 20 or More Employees: Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC)
The JOHSC collaboratively addresses health and safety issues by holding regular meetings, participating in hazard assessments, investigating incidents, conducting workplace inspections, and making recommendations to improve workplace health and safety. Their duties include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in identifying and controlling hazards.
- Investigating unsafe work refusals.
- Promoting the health and safety of all workers.
- Performing any other duties specified in the Safety Act or OHS Regulations.
- Maintaining health and safety documentation, such as: committee meeting minutes, hazard assessments, investigation reports, and investigations.