Ontario has updated its Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program and Provider Standards, with the revised requirements taking effect July 1, 2026. The changes are intended to modernize certification training, improve consistency across training providers, and ensure committee members continue receiving practical, high-quality health and safety education.

For most employers, these updates do not require immediate action. Existing JHSC certifications remain valid, and employers are not required to have current committee members complete certification again simply because the standards have changed.

However, organizations planning future certification training should be aware of the new requirements when selecting a training provider.

What’s Changed?

The updated standards introduce several improvements to how JHSC certification training is delivered throughout Ontario.

Key changes include:

• Updated program standards that reflect current workplace health and safety practices.
• Greater flexibility in how certification training may be delivered, including expanded hybrid learning options.
• Enhanced learning outcomes related to workplace violence, workplace harassment, and hazard recognition.
• Updated expectations and quality standards for approved training providers.
  
  

These revisions are designed to help ensure workers and employers receive consistent, high-quality certification training regardless of who delivers the program.

What This Means for Employers

If your organization already has certified Joint Health and Safety Committee members, there is no requirement to repeat their certification because of these changes.

The new standards primarily affect future certification training. Employers scheduling new JHSC certification should confirm that their selected provider is approved to deliver training under Ontario’s updated standards.

This is also a good opportunity to review your organization’s health and safety training records and identify committee members who may require certification in the future.

Recommended Next Steps

Ontario employers should consider taking the following steps:

• Confirm your JHSC training provider meets Ontario’s updated certification standards.
• Review upcoming certification requirements for committee members.
• Maintain accurate records of JHSC certifications and training.
• Continue supporting ongoing health and safety education throughout the workplace.
  
  

Taking a proactive approach today will help ensure future certification training remains compliant while supporting a strong workplace health and safety program.

How DriveHRIS Can Help

Keeping health and safety training organized becomes more challenging as organizations grow.

DriveHRIS helps employers centralize employee training records, assign required health and safety training, monitor certification completion, maintain supporting documentation, and provide managers with greater visibility into workforce compliance. Having one centralized source of truth makes it easier to stay organized, prepare for audits, and ensure training requirements don’t fall through the cracks.