When managing an organization, decision-makers often evaluate costs against potential benefits. While employers may question the value of investing in Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) training due to budget constraints, it’s crucial not to underestimate its importance in the organization’s health and safety program. Despite initial expenses, JHSC training offers a remarkably high Return on Investment (ROI) that shouldn’t be disregarded.
By reframing this perspective and recognizing the long-term benefits, organizations can prioritize JHSC training as a fundamental element of their operational strategy, ensuring a safer and more productive workplace environment for all stakeholders.
Merely establishing a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) within an organization is insufficient to fully harness its potential benefits. For the JHSC to effectively contribute to the organization’s success, its members must undergo proper training. This training is essential for enabling committee members to operate efficiently, exert a positive influence across the organization, and ultimately demonstrate a tangible Return on Investment (ROI) in comparison to the costs incurred for their training.
By recognizing the critical role of training in maximizing the effectiveness of the JHSC, organizations can ensure that their investment yields significant returns in terms of improved workplace safety and overall operational performance.
Benefit 1: Compliance
The primary and most apparent advantage of JHSC training lies in its alignment with legal requirements. As outlined in Section 9(12) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act), it mandates that organizations must have certified members on their Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), representing both the employer and the workers.
By investing in JHSC training, companies ensure compliance with this statutory provision, thereby mitigating the risk of legal repercussions and penalties. This aspect underscores the importance of JHSC training as a proactive measure to uphold legal obligations, safeguarding the organization’s reputation and promoting a culture of adherence to regulatory standards.
Benefit 2: Positive Impact on Safety Culture
JHSC training serves as a catalyst for revitalizing workplace safety culture, particularly in environments where complacency may have taken hold. By participating in JHSC training sessions, employees gain fresh perspectives, insights, and skills that reignite their dedication to fostering a positive safety culture. They return from training with a heightened awareness of safety practices and a renewed sense of responsibility towards promoting and maintaining a safe work environment.
This renewed commitment infuses the workplace with energy and enthusiasm for safety initiatives, creating a ripple effect that positively influences colleagues and reinforces the organization’s overall safety culture. Thus, JHSC training acts as a transformative tool, empowering employees to champion safety excellence and drive continuous improvement within the organization.
Benefit 3: Worker Buy-in Increases
Encouraging workers to fully engage with safety processes and programs can pose challenges at times. However, JHSC training offers a valuable opportunity to address this issue effectively. Through participation in JHSC training, employees gain a deeper understanding of the significance of workplace safety processes. This heightened awareness fosters a greater sense of ownership and commitment to safety initiatives among participants. When fellow workers witness the dedication of their peers who have undergone JHSC training and observe their active support for safety measures, they are more inclined to follow suit.
The visible endorsement and advocacy of safety initiatives by trained workers serve as compelling examples that inspire broader buy-in across the workforce. Consequently, JHSC training plays a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of safety where all employees actively embrace and champion safety practices and protocols.
Benefit 4: A More Effective JHSC
Providing JHSC members with the necessary training to obtain certification is paramount for enhancing the committee’s effectiveness in the workplace. Given the crucial role they play, equipping JHSC members with the requisite knowledge and skills is imperative. Training serves as a cornerstone for their success by imparting the competencies and understanding needed to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
By investing in training, organizations ensure that JHSC members are well-prepared and equipped to navigate their roles with confidence and proficiency. This proactive approach not only bolsters the capabilities of the JHSC but also contributes to fostering a safer and healthier work environment overall.
Benefit 5: Safer Workplaces
While it may appear evident, JHSC training plays a pivotal role in cultivating a committee that effectively identifies and manages workplace hazards. Additionally, trained JHSC members assume the critical function of making recommendations and serving as an advisory body within the Internal Responsibility System (IRS). By undergoing comprehensive training, JHSC members are empowered to take an active role in ensuring workplace safety. Through their heightened awareness and expertise, they contribute significantly to hazard mitigation efforts, thereby promoting a safer and healthier work environment for all.
Benefit 6: An Increased Bottom Line
In 2016, Ontario recorded 57,368 lost-time claims, reflecting the substantial impact of workplace injuries on businesses. With the direct cost of a new lost-time injury averaging $21,300 and indirect costs surpassing $80,000 per worker, the financial ramifications are significant. Indeed, a single lost-time injury has the potential to exceed $100,000 in costs for a business. However, investing in JHSC training offers a proactive solution to mitigate such expenses.
By equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and address workplace hazards, JHSC training can effectively reduce the occurrence of lost-time injuries. This, in turn, translates into tangible cost savings and a positive impact on the bottom line. Therefore, prioritizing JHSC training is not only a sound safety practice but also a strategic business decision that yields considerable financial benefits.
Best Safety Training Can Help
Best Safety Training is a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)-approved provider of JHSC training. We offer in-house and on-site JHSC Part One, Part Two, and Refresher training. Let the Best Safety Training company take care of your training needs.
To learn more, contact us. Or, call (226) 777 – 7385.