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About Occupational Health & Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets out specific requirements for the establishment, structure and function of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSCs) in Ontario workplaces. A JOHSC is an advisory body that is made up of both worker and management members who work together to address and promote health and safety in the workplace. It is intended to provide a forum in which health and safety issues within an organization can be brought forward for discussion and resolution. The Committee is responsible for identifying workplace hazards and making recommendations to the employer for the improvement of health and safety.  The Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the functions of the Committee which include:  

  • meeting regularly to discuss health and safety issues
  • conducting monthly workplace inspections
  • obtaining information from the employer on matters related to workplace issues such as hazards, work-related injuries and illness, health and safety-related reports, standards and practices
  • being consulted about workplace testing
  • investigating fatal or critical injuries and work refusals
  • accompanying a Ministry of Labour inspector during inspections of the workplace

Humber College JOHSCs

Humber recognizes the important role of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees have in ensuring and promoting a healthy and safe working and learning space for our Humber community. As Humber is a large educational institution with two campuses and many satellite facilities, we, in consultation with our OPSEU locals, have established seven JOHSCs to ensure that local health and safety issues are identified and addressed in a timely and effective manner. The seven JOHSCs are:

  • North Campus JOHSC (including the Centre for Trades and Technology and the Education Training Solutions building)
  • Lakeshore Campus JOHSC (including the Humber Arts and Media Studios, Arts Commons, the Fashion Institute and the Centre for Justice Leadership)
  • International Graduate School JOHSC (coming soon)
  • Four Humber College Community Employment Services (HCCES) JOHSCs: Central Etobicoke, North Etobicoke, North York, and St. Clair West

Each of these local JOHSCs are made up of worker (Faculty and Support Staff) and management (Administration) members who work together to improve health and safety.