Duties and Responsibilities of Workplace Committees
Workplace Health and Safety Committees (WHSC)
Each workplace that has 20 or more employees must establish a WHSC to participate in addressing workplace health and safety matters at the local level.
The WHSC:
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complies with section 135.(7) the Canada Labour Code, Part II; the Safety and Health Committees and Representatives Regulations; the Treasury Board Secretariat/National Joint Council OHS Directive, Part XVIII; and the committee’s Terms of Reference;
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consults the Regional OHS Advisor on local OHS related matters;
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makes recommendations to the Regional Health and Safety Advisory Committee co-chairs on matters that cannot be resolved at the local level or have a regional impact;
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maintains adequate records and completes reports, in accordance with OHS Reporting Process; and
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makes recommendations to Managers/Supervisors and to management on matters that are related to the workplace.
In addition, WHSC members may be asked to:
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ensure that OHS tools are available to all;
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assist and support with the implementation of departmental OHS initiatives;
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verify whether preventive and corrective OHS measures are being implemented;
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participate in the review of emergency and/or evacuation plans;
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monitor whether adequate records are being maintained and reports completed, in accordance with the OHS Reporting Process; and
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report back to management on OHS related matters.
For additional information on Workplace Health and Safety Committees, visit the Labour Program site.