JHSC FAQs

Updated January 6, 2023

Each JHSC is required to meet at least once every three months. EHS offers a template for Agenda and Minutes
Each JHSC should establish an inspection schedule at the beginning of the year and inspect at least part of the physical condition of the workplace each month such that their whole workplace is completed by the end of the year. The JHSC Workplace Inspection Report template can be found here and the checklist can be found here.
The union reserves its right to appoint or elect its JHSC worker members from the workplace in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Each workplace is represented by a particular JHSC. Requests for new JHSC worker members shall be forwarded to their respective union by the co-chair of the committee or JHSC Manager. Management members are selected by the University. Please note, JHSCs are comprised of worker and manager members ONLY. Guests may attend meetings as per JHSC specific guest/visitor guidelines but would not be considered members of the JHSC unless selected as a management member by the employer or a worker member selected by the applicable union. The JHSC should not have volunteers on the committee such as non-employees, and/or anyone who is not a worker member or management member of the JHSC.
JHSCs are encouraged to follow their specific committee level guest/visitor procedures. The following language may be considered: Non-members interested in addressing the JHSC should contact both JHSC co-chairs with their request at least one week before the next scheduled meeting. The non-member/guest or the JHSC member requesting the attendance of the non-member/guest will discuss the request with both co-chairs. It is anticipated that in most cases both co-chairs will agree to add a guest to the agenda of the next committee meeting. However, after discussing with both co-chairs, a guest may be added to the agenda with the agreement of one co-chair. Co-chairs are expected to discuss the request collaboratively and advise the guest of their decision including what portion(s) of the meeting the guest may attend and to send agenda items/questions in advance of the meeting. If you have any questions regarding guest requesting to attend a JHSC meeting, please contact the JHSC co-chairs.
Each workplace is required to have a health and safety board in a conspicuous place along with the following required postings:
  1. Occupational Health & Safety Act
  2. University of Toronto Health & Safety Policy (PDF)
  3. University of Toronto Workplace Harassment Policy (PDF) & Workplace Violence Policy (PDF)
  4. JHSC Membership List (Name/Location/Contact Information)
  5. JHSC Minutes of the Last Meeting
  6. WSIB In Case of Injury Poster
  7. Ministry of Labour (MOL) Health & Safety at Work Prevention Starts Here Poster
  8. Ministry of Labour Documents (Field Visit Reports, Orders, Compliance Forms) – MOL compliance orders can be removed after 14 days, per the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  9. Type 3 Asbestos Abatement Information
For more information, please see the EHS JHSC Listing and Resources under “JHSC Bulletin Boards – Required Items”. For a listing of Health and Safety boards located on our campuses, please click here.
For more information regarding JHSC Part 1, Part 2 and/or Refresher Training, please click here.
For a list of areas/buildings that each JHSC covers, please click here.
EHS now has a listserv for JHSC members! All members are automatically added to the listserv however, if you are a new member and would like to subscribe, please click here for instructions.
JHSC Newsletter can be viewed on JHSC Listings and Resources here.
JHSC members may receive reports, etc. that contain personal information such as home addresses or medical information related to the injury. JHSC members should maintain records (e.g., incident reports, notices of injury, minutes, inspections, etc.) for the period of time necessary to conduct the business of the JHSC (e.g., reviewing information, follow up on issues, recommendations where applicable, etc.). Note: EHS maintains JHSC records and incident-related information per policy. All JHSC members also have access to JHSC records on the JHSC electronic module.

For any questions, please contact ehs.jhsc@utoronto.ca.