On this episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast, IHSA’s Deb Moskal and Doug Heintz discuss the role of health and safety representatives (HSRs) in Ontario small businesses. Deb and Doug explain when a workplace requires a health and safety representative, how they are selected, and their functions according to workplace health and safety legislation.

There are similarities between federal and provincial legislation regarding health and safety representatives, but there are also differences. Within provincial legislation, a health and safety representative is required in a workplace with six to 19 employees, with no requirement for a joint health and safety committee (JHSC). From a federal perspective, a health and safety representative is required for less than 20 employees in a workplace, with additional requirements depending on the nature of the work.

The process for selecting and electing a health and safety representative is the same for both provincial and federal legislation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) does not set specific formal qualifications or certifications for a health and safety representative, but there are several key requirements:

· The individual must be a worker at the workplace, but not an employer, supervisor, or manager.

· They are typically elected by workers through an open and transparent election process.

· They must be willing to learn about health and safety issues, regulations, and workplace hazards.

The duties of a health and safety representative include, but are not limited to, identifying any actual or potential workplace hazards, inspecting the workplace at least once a month, and making recommendations to the employer about health and safety concerns or initiatives.

Free Resources

Guideline for Health and Safety Representatives

JHSC/Health & Safety Representative

Legislative Requirements and Best Practices

Health and Safety Representative eCourse

JHSC Certification Training

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