Skip to the content of the web site.

Joint Health and Safety Committee Inspections

Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) members conduct inspections under the Occupational Health & Safety Act according to a schedule approved by the JHSC. A Safety Office resource person may attend and inspection upon request of a JHSC member.

During inspections by JHSC members, the department/supervisor shall provide internal inspection reports for the past 12 months and records of health and safety training. A review of this information identifies trends as part of the overall monitoring of the health, safety and environment program's effectiveness and may indicate:
•           priorities for corrective action;
•           need for improving safe work practices;
•           insight as to why injuries are occurring in particular areas;
•           need for training in certain areas; or
•           areas and equipment which require more in-depth hazard analysis.

JHSC members’ inspections focus on reviewing hazards identified, corrective actions taken, worker health & safety concerns and unresolved issues. A visual inspection will generally be conducted by the JHSC member in areas of concern, and/or in areas of higher hazard, such as technical and maintenance shops and research laboratories.

High priority hazards must be resolved immediately. If unresolved the Safety Office should be contacted.

Reports

An inspection report approved by the JHSC is used to record hazards identified and recommended action.

The inspection report is left with the department safety co-ordinator, and copies should be provided to the area supervisor and department chair for response within 14 days.

The Safety Office will receive a copy of the inspection report from the JHSC member upon its completion by the department. The member reports the inspection results to the JHSC.

Follow-up

Where a response has not been received for an inspection item, the JHSC member should notify Safety Office resource person who will then forward a follow up inspection report to the Department Head and Dean’s Office as appropriate.

If a response is not forthcoming the Director of Safety will address the concern with the senior University administrator accountable for the area according to uWaterloo Policy #34, Health, Safety and Environment.

Updated: April 20, 2012