Campus unions have been working with the University of Ottawa since 2022 to review and restructure the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). The JOHSC is a collaborative committee made up of workers from each campus union and employer representatives who work together to enhance workplace health and safety.
The new JOHSC structure was recently approved by the Ministry of Labour and is now being implemented. The APUO is seeking members interested in making our workplace a healthier and safer environment. Members wishing to join and represent the APUO on the JOHSC or one of its sub-committees can write to christine@apuo.ca. You can also read on for more information.
What is the JOHSC?
As an advisory body, the JOHSC raises awareness about health and safety, identifies and assesses workplace risks and develops recommendations for the employer to address the risks.
The new JOHSC structure is comprised of a University Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (UJOHSC) supported by seven (7) sectoral occupational health and safety committees (SOHSC).
The University Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee is responsible for:
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- Policy recommendations,
- Occupational health and safety management system,
- Institutional-level programs and procedures,
- Activities concerning several SOHSCs,
- Coordination of information received from the SOHSCs, and
- Provide assistance as requested by sector and ad hoc committees.
The APUO has two (2) seats on the UJOHSC. One (1) seat is currently vacant and must be filled soon. The union also has seats on the seven (7) sectoral committees, as outlined below.
What are the sectoral occupational health and safety committees?
These 7 sub-committees represent different sectors of the university, as outlined below. They are predominantly concerned with local issues affecting their designated zones. They will focus on, and review matters arising more specifically from their respective areas of responsibility / sector, such as:
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- New legislative requirements, University policies, procedures, guidelines or directives,
- Health and safety concerns and complaints,
- Investigations and review of accidents and/or incidents (including critical injuries and occupational illnesses),
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development orders and reports received,
- Inspections and review of their progress, and outstanding matters,
- Review and discussion of the minutes of the UJOHSC,
- New business or matters affecting the health and safety of workers in the committee’s area of responsibility, and
- Matters arising out of the activities conducted by the members.
Please click here to see a table outlining all seven (7) sectoral committees, their respective mandates, and the campus areas for which these committees are responsible.
If you would like to represent the APUO on any of these committees, or have any questions about the available positions, please write to christine@apuo.ca.