A representative on the Joint Health and Safety Committee is needed for main campus. Staff representation on these committees is mandatory under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The work of JHSCs includes:
- identifying situations that may be a hazard to workers;
- making recommendations to improve the health and safety of workers;
- responding to employee complaints and suggestions; and
- participating in inspections and investigations.
Openings: 1
Term: May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028 (three years; eligible for reappointment for one subsequent three-year term)
Deadline: April 4
What’s involved
The total time requirement (without training) is approximately seven days.
Meetings
- Five meetings of 2.5-hour duration (January, March, June, September, November).
- One hour of preparation time for each meeting under OHS Act.
- Special meetings or subcommittees may be called depending on issues, but generally no more than the equivalent of one day annually.
- Fall term meetings will be held via Teams in September and November .
- Investigations, Hygiene Testing, and Accompanying the Ministry of Labour Inspector happen from time to time.
Inspections
- Three days annually.
- One day annually, determined by events and Ministry of Labour visits.
- Inspections will require a pre-inspection Teams meeting, and then arrangements are made to do the physical inspection of the workplace only if the worker member has been given the guidance on return to work from their departments and after completing the Return to Campus COVID training.
Training provided
- Health and Safety Member Certification: about five days
- Ongoing training: Approximately four days in three-year period
Please see the JHSC Guidelines for more information.
Qualifications
The Appointments Committee is particularly looking for staff members with some or all of the following characteristics:
- Interest in health and safety and a willingness to participate in ongoing training
- Ability to prepare for and attend all JHSC meetings
- Conscientious, collaborative, and equity minded
All UWSA members with an assigned USG will be considered, regardless of appointment type or contract end date.
Relationship with the UWSA
UWSA appointees on University of Waterloo committees are asked to keep in touch with the UWSA Operations Team regularly so we can work together to gather input, coordinate responses, and keep members informed. All appointees are also ex officio members of the Area Representatives Council and may have opportunities to share updates at meetings or on Teams.
Appointees will have access to general training provided to UWSA volunteers, support from the Operations Team, and a community of UWSA volunteers.
How to apply
Please submit the UWSA committee application form by April 4. Please direct any questions to the chair of the UWSA Appointments Committee, Carly Richardson.