March 28, 2023
Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSCs) bring employers and workers together to identify hazards, prevent injuries, and support a healthy, safe work environment. A JHSC is more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s a practical way to involve your team in identifying hazards, preventing incidents, and improving your safety culture. For smaller workplaces, a Worker Health & Safety Representative plays a similar role.
Whether your team is seasonal or year-round, involving workers in safety activities leads to better awareness, more effective solutions, and stronger collaboration across all levels of your business.
WorkSafeBC requires worker health and safety representation in most workplaces, based on the number of workers regularly employed, regardless of whether they full or part time.
Note: In some cases, WorkSafeBC may require a JHSC even in smaller workplaces if warranted by risk.
The main purpose of a JHSC or representative is to support communication and cooperation between employers and workers on all health and safety matters. Key activities include:
In short, they help you keep your safety program active, inclusive, and up-to-date.
To be effective and meet regulatory requirements, your JHSC must be properly structured. It must have at least 4 members with half or more representing workers. The committee must have two co-chairs: one selected by the worker representatives and one by the employer representatives.
JHSCs are required to meet at least once a month, with official minutes being recorded and posted in a location accessible to all workers for at least 3 months.
Strong employer support plays a crucial role in making your committee effective and engaged. This includes:
When your committee is structured intentionally, empowered to participate, and supported by leadership, it becomes a powerful driver of safety culture; helping to prevent injuries, improve communication, and build trust across your team.
New JHSC members must complete 8 hours of mandatory training within 6 months of joining the committee. go2HR offers an online, self-paced course that fulfills this requirement (see link below).
Worker H&S Reps are required to complete 4 hours of training, available through the WorkSafeBC website (see link below).
Both JHSC members and Worker H&S Reps are entitled to 8 hours of additional education leave each year to support ongoing health and safety learning and development.
Customizable Templates
Additional Information
Online Training
We’re here to support you at any stage of the process. Contact us for guidance, templates, or one-on-one support tailored to your business.
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