Ontario Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Training Program Updated

On October 1^st 2015, the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) has established a new Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program Standard, new JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard, and new “training and other requirements” for JHSC learners.   The Standards and the “training and other requirements” for JHSC members will become effective March 1, 2016, which means that after that date: any JHSC members wishing to become certified must meet the new “training and other requirements” in order to be certified; and, training providers must be approved to provide JHSC Certification programs that meet the new Standards. To become certified under the new programs, a JHSC member will need to complete both Part One and Part Two of a CPO-approved JHSC certification training program delivered by a CPO-approved JHSC certification training provider; and will be required to take a Refresher training program every three years to maintain their certification.  Members who have been certified under the 1996 Standards continue to be certified and will not be subject to additional requirements to maintain their certifications, including Refresher training.  The 1996 Certification Standards will remain in effect until February 29, 2016. Also, as of March 1, 2016, JHSC members who have completed only Part 1 under the 1996 Standard will have to complete Part 2 under the new Standards in order to be certified, and will be required to take Refresher training every 3 years to maintain their certification. Detailed information about the new programs can be found at the Ministry website: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/certification.php