Summer 2021 changes

On June 30, 2021, changes to the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Provider Standard came into effect. These changes do not affect the approval status of existing training providers.

The changes allow training providers to apply to deliver JHSC training through distance learning. Under the new standards, training providers who:

  • deliver face-to-face training may apply to deliver the same program through distance learning
  • do not yet deliver face-to-face training can apply for Chief Prevention Officer approval to deliver both distance and face-to-face training

These changes replace the JHSC Distance Learning Standard. Training providers that were approved under that standard do not need to reapply for approval.

Changes have also been made to the JHSC training program standard.

Scope

Section 7.6 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) gives the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) the authority to establish training and other requirements that a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) member must fulfil in order to become a certified member. The CPO has the authority to certify a committee member who fulfils those requirements, to amend those requirements, to establish conditions to maintain certification, to establish a validity period and to amend certifications.

Section 7.2 of the OHSA provides the CPO with the authority to establish standards a training provider must meet in order to be approved to deliver one or more approved training programs.

Section 7.1 of the OHSA provides the CPO with the authority to establish standards for training programs required under the OHSA and its regulations, and to approve training programs that meet those standards.

As part of the approval process, potential training providers applying with face-to-face, distance, or blended learning programs will be required to conduct an “in-classroom” demonstration for the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in order that an assessment of program delivery can properly be evaluated.

This assessment will be conducted through a process described in the standard and the Training Provider Application Guideline including a mandatory in-person or virtual field visit which will be conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development prior to provider approval being granted.

Training providers submitting programs delivered via eLearning will be required to submit the entire program for approval. Training providers submitting distance learning programs will be required to submit information detailing how the requirements of the JHSC Program Standard will be met in the distance learning format.

This Standard outlines the minimum standard that must be met by training providers who are seeking approval by the CPO to deliver an approved JHSC certification training program. It should be read in conjunction with the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard which outlines the minimum standard that a program must meet in order to be approved by the CPO.

In order to be approved by the CPO as a JHSC certification training provider delivering an approved JHSC Certification Training Program, providers must be able to demonstrate both that they meet the JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard and that the program they are delivering meets the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard.

1. Introduction

This Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Provider Standard sets out the minimum standards that must be met by training providers seeking approval by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) to deliver an approved JHSC certification training program. This Standard will be reviewed by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development at least every five years.

This Standard applies to all individuals, sole proprietors, employers, corporations or not-for-profit organizations who seek to be approved as a training provider by the CPO to deliver approved JHSC certification training programs.

Only a CPO approved training provider may deliver a CPO approved training program.

Employers have two options. They may apply to become an approved training provider themselves, to deliver training of an approved program that meets the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard, or they can have the members of the JHSC trained by an approved training provider delivering an approved training program.

2. Purpose

The purpose of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Provider Standard is to establish a mandatory minimum standard for consistent and high-quality delivery of approved training programs for certified members.

The goal of the JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard is to improve JHSC certification training delivery to:

  1. ensure certified members receive high quality and consistent training
  2. reduce the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities
  3. strengthen occupational health and safety culture

3. Training provider requirements

This Standard establishes minimum standards for those seeking to become approved training providers of approved training programs.

3.1. Legislative and insurance requirements

Training providers must comply with all relevant provincial workplace legislation, including, but not limited to, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997Occupational Health and Safety ActEmployment Standards Act, 2000Labour Relations Act, 1995 and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

In addition, the training provider must have all necessary and appropriate commercial liability and errors and omissions insurance that a prudent person, carrying out activities similar to those of the training provider would maintain.

3.2. Advance course materials

Training providers must ensure the following course materials are provided to the learners in advance of taking the course:

  1. the purpose, format, and content of the approved training program, including the type and methods of evaluation and requirements to successfully complete the program
  2. rules and expectations for learners (for example code of conduct)
  3. the process whereby the learner can comment on the training they receive
  4. all costs involved for successful completion of the approved course
  5. the technological requirements required to complete the course through eLearning or distance learning
  6. a list of the personal protective equipment (PPE) or other equipment to be supplied by the learner, if applicable

3.3. Learning needs

To ensure the learning experience meets the specific needs of learners, training providers must:

  1. oversee the learner registration process
  2. request information about learners’ learning needs
  3. request information about learners’ specific accommodation needs, if any

3.4. Alternative delivery modes

For delivery modes of eLearning, blended learning and distance learning, the training provider must meet the standards for the provision of the program set out in the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program Standard. For delivery of programs with eLearning components, the CPO’s eLearning Instruction Design Guidelines must be met.

3.5. Eligibility

3.5.1 Eligibility to deliver eLearning

Only the JHSC Part One training program may be delivered via eLearning. Training providers applying to be approved by the CPO to deliver JHSC Part One eLearning training must:

  1. already be CPO approved to deliver a JHSC Part One and Part Two face-to-face training programs, or
  2. simultaneously apply for CPO approval to deliver JHSC Part One and Part Two as  face-to-face training programs

Training providers will need to maintain CPO approval for their face-to-face program in order to maintain CPO approval for their eLearning program.

3.5.2 Eligibility to deliver distance learning

All JHSC training programs may be delivered via distance learning. Training providers applying to be approved by the CPO to deliver training through distance learning must:

  1. already be CPO approved to deliver their existing, approved program through face-to-face training, or
  2. simultaneously apply for CPO approval to deliver the same program as a face-to-face training program

Training providers will need to maintain CPO approval for their face-to-face programs in order to maintain CPO approval for their distance learning program.

3.6. Program materials

Training providers must ensure all materials used for the approved training program are:

  1. legible and of good reproducible quality
  2. available in sufficient quantity (including all learning materials, equipment and learning aids)
  3. free of bias and discrimination, including but not limited to grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code
  4. free of preference, including but not limited to products and equipment
  5. compliant with copyright and intellectual property rules
  6. appropriate for targeted learner language and literacy level
  7. compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its regulations, as required

All training program materials must meet the standards set out in the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard and this Standard.

3.6.1. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment

Training providers must ensure all personal protective equipment and other equipment used for face-to-face delivery of an approved training program is:

  1. compliant with legislation and technical standards as applicable; and, where required, the equipment must indicate on a decal or through other means the technical standard it complies with
  2. maintained and in good working order as per the regulatory requirements and manufacturer’s specifications
  3. clearly identified and labeled as damaged or deficient if used only for training demonstration purposes

Any personal protective equipment supplied by learners must also meet the above criteria. In addition, all personal protective equipment and other equipment used in the approved training must meet the criteria set out in the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard.

3.7. Learning environment

To support the transfer of learning, training providers must ensure a safe, healthy and accessible learning environment regardless of location.

For eLearning, training providers are not responsible for the learner’s physical environment but must ensure that the eLearning content and interactive features are accessible and support transfer of learning.

For distance learning, training providers must set expectations of a healthy and accessible learning environment and must ensure that instructors create and maintain a healthy and accessible learning environment and hold learners accountable for their part in adhering to guidelines.  

3.8. Proof of training completion

Upon successful completion of an approved JHSC Certification Training Program training providers must provide learners with a record of successful completion of an approved training program that includes the following information:

  1. learner’s name
  2. name of the approved training program
  3. program identification number
  4. program delivery date and date of successful completion
  5. statement that the learner has successfully achieved the learning outcomes of the approved training program
  6. name of approved training provider
  7. name of approved training evaluator and instructor

For learners that have successfully completed an approved JHSC certification training program, training providers must provide the CPO with the following information within fourteen (14) business days of the date of completion, in the format required by the CPO:

  1. learner’s name
  2. learner’s address and contact information
  3. name of the approved training program
  4. program identification number
  5. date of successful completion
  6. name of approved training provider
  7. provider identification number
  8. other information as requested by the CPO

3.9. Support transfer of learning

Training providers must support the transfer of learning by evaluating the learner’s successful achievement of learning outcomes in the approved training program.

The training provider must ensure that:

  1. the learner’s identity is verified
  2. the evaluation activities meet the standards set out in the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard as well as this Standard
  3. the methods of evaluation are clearly communicated so learners understand the performance expectations and how they will be assessed
  4. the evaluation activities are bias-free, valid, reliable, and lead to appropriate decisions regarding the learner’s achievement of learning outcomes
  5. learners have the opportunity to receive feedback on their ongoing progress and evaluation results
  6. the instructor or the evaluator has an opportunity to review program content with learners who are struggling to meet learning objectives
  7. evaluation activities meet learners' language, literacy and accommodation needs

4. Training instructor standards

Training providers must ensure that their instructors meet the criteria set out in this Standard.

4.1. Instructor qualifications

Training providers must ensure an instructor’s qualifications are valid and current before he or she delivers an approved training program. Instructors must have the following qualifications:

  1. technical occupational health and safety knowledge and experience in the approved training program topic(s), obtained through at least one of the following:
    1. five years of recent occupational health and safety experience
    2. a professional occupational health and safety designation
    3. successful completion of at least 30 hours of occupational health and safety training over the past two years
    4. a degree, diploma or certificate in occupational health and safety from a recognized post-secondary institution
  2. a combination of adult education delivery experience and knowledge of adult education principles obtained through at least one of the following:
    1. more than 100 hours of adult education delivery experience in the last five years
    2. successful completion of an instructor training program based on adult learning principles
    3. a degree, diploma, or certificate in adult education principles from a recognized post-secondary institution
    4. a professional training and development designation
  3. knowledge of the approved training program and the mode of delivery (i.e. face to face, distance) obtained through at least one of the following:
    1. more than five years of recent experience delivering the approved training program topic(s)
    2. successful completion of a train-the-trainer session for the approved training program as evaluated by the approved training provider
    3. successful co-facilitation of a minimum of two sessions of the approved training program as evaluated by the approved training provider
  4. knowledge about the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations relating to joint health and safety committees.

In addition, for programs delivered via eLearning, blended learning or distance learning, training providers must ensure that the program will be delivered and supported by instructors with experience using this mode of training and who are proficient in the use of the software, platform, or other information technology that is to be used. For programs delivered entirely via eLearning, providers must ensure that qualified instructors are accessible.

4.2. Instructor delivery expectations for face-to-face and distance learning training

Effective instructors create positive learning environments, engage learners and assess the achievement of learning outcomes.

4.2.1. Create positive learning environments

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

  1. is knowledgeable about the content of the approved training program
  2. adheres to the instructional design of the approved training program
  3. communicates expected learning outcomes of the approved training program
  4. models positive attitudes towards learning
  5. creates a safe and positive learning environment
  6. asks learners for feedback
  7. employs a variety of instructional techniques
  8. uses personal protective equipment (PPE) or other equipment in accordance with legislative requirements and the approved training program
  9. models respectful and professional behaviour
  10. resolves and addresses any learner’s inappropriate behaviours promptly and respectfully

4.2.2. Engage learners

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

  1. links course content and learning activities with learners’ knowledge and experience
  2. links program content with learners’ workplace
  3. asks open-ended questions
  4. employs a variety of clarification and feedback strategies
  5. encourages group discussion

4.2.3. Assess learning and performance

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

  1. communicates learning evaluation criteria
  2. uses evaluation methods that are appropriate to learners' language, literacy and accommodation needs
  3. monitors and evaluates individual and group performance throughout the program delivery
  4. assesses achievement of learning outcomes in accordance with the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Training Program Standard
  5. reviews incorrect answers or assessments with the learners

5. Evaluator standard

Training providers must ensure their evaluators meet the criteria set out in this Standard. An instructor may also be the evaluator.

Training providers must ensure that the evaluator:

  1. has knowledge of the:
    1. Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations
    2. Rights, duties, responsibilities and functions of the Joint Health and Safety Committee and its members
    3. Hazard recognition, assessment, control and evaluation (RACE methodology)
  2. works under the direction of the training provider and is either the instructor or a subject matter expert
  3. uses evaluation methods that are appropriate to learners' language, literacy and accommodation needs
  4. assesses achievement of an approved training program’s learning outcomes in accordance with the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Training Program Standard
  5. reviews incorrect answers or practices with the learners
  6. does not tell, prompt, hint, or help learners except for reasons of accommodation (such assistance must be directly requested by the learner)
  7. upholds the integrity of the learning evaluation process

6. Code of ethics

The CPO is committed to maintaining a respectful workplace. Providers and everyone acting on their behalf (including Instructors, Evaluators and/or affiliates) are expected to maintain respectful conduct towards all individuals, including learners and MLTSD employees during all provider activities or assessments. Any behaviour that demonstrates harassment, discrimination, violations to personal safety, human rights and dignity of individuals will not be tolerated and could lead to rejection of the submitted application or revocation of the approved training provider by the CPO.

Training providers must adhere to high ethical standards of practice when providing approved training programs.

Training providers must, in carrying out their business, strive for a high level of professional and ethical conduct at all times. In particular, they must:

  1. comply with all relevant provincial workplace legislation
  2. maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, and trust
  3. ensure information is accurately represented, interpreted and communicated without bias
  4. respect the confidentiality of personal information
  5. treat learners fairly and without bias
  6. demonstrate compliant occupational health and safety practices within their own business operations
  7. adhere to occupational health and safety principles and contribute to a positive occupational health and safety culture
  8. avoid real or perceived conflict of interest, including:
    1. accepting a financial or non-financial advantage or award with respect to the training provider’s duties over and above regular compensation for work done
    2. giving preferential treatment to individual learners
    3. engaging in outside activities that conflict with their training provider duties
    4. other actions or activities that create a real or perceived conflict of interest

7. Administration

This section outlines the administrative standards for all applicants and maintenance criteria for approved training providers.

7.1. Approvals process

Each application must demonstrate how the training provider meets the criteria set out in this Standard and how the training program meets the criteria set out in the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program Standard as established by the CPO.

As part of the application process, the training provider must submit a written program delivery plan, consistent with criteria in this Standard and the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard, which includes (but is not limited to):

  1. copies of all program materials
  2. description of the learning environment
  3. template or example of proof-of-training completion document
  4. learning evaluation method(s)
  5. all providers who have met the preliminary requirements of the approval process will provide a date and location of the field assessment when so requested by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (if applicable).

7.2. Training records

Approved training providers must have a clearly documented records management policy, system and process that directs and provides guidance to instructors, evaluators and affiliates to ensure that all training records are maintained as required by the CPO.

Approved training providers must maintain and secure records for each approved training program in accordance with any applicable privacy legislation. Records must include:

  1. program delivery and completion dates, attendance list, instructor(s) and evaluator(s) for each session
  2. learner names, address, postal code, email or phone number and year of birth
  3. employer names and contact information
  4. confirmation of learners’ successful completion of the approved training program’s learning outcomes, including final test results and the results of any other tests or evaluations
  5. quality assurance and continuous improvement activities and results in accordance with the plan submitted during the application process, including feedback, complaints and follow-up action
  6. qualifications of current and past instructors and evaluators
  7. maintenance of qualifications of current and past instructors and evaluators
  8. the annual report as submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (see section 7.4)

Approved training providers must provide training records to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Development upon request.

Approved training providers must maintain the training records listed above for four years after creation.

7.3. Maintenance of instructor qualifications

Approved training providers must ensure that each of their instructors deliver at least two training sessions per year for each approved training program (Part One, Part Two, Refresher). Face-to-face and distance learning sessions can be combined (for example, instructors can meet the requirement by delivering one face-to-face session and one distance learning session). Instructors that support eLearning delivery must also deliver at least two face-to-face or distance learning sessions per year.

If two sessions have not been delivered, approved training providers must ensure that steps have been taken to maintain the instructor’s knowledge of the approved training program and topic.

Approved training providers must ensure their instructors remain current in their professional occupational health and safety and adult education knowledge and skills.

7.4. Maintenance of training provider approval

To maintain approval, the approved training provider must submit a report annually to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. The annual report will include the following information about the approved training program:

  1. a summary of any changes or revisions to the approved training program, with a declaration indicating the program continues to meet criteria set out in the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard
  2. a summary of training sessions delivered for approved training programs over the previous year, including the number of training sessions delivered, dates, instructor and evaluator names and number of learners per training session

In addition, the approved training provider must:

  1. maintain a list of current and past instructors and evaluators, including their qualifications and any upgrading activities that current instructors have undertaken
  2. establish a system to maintain instructor qualifications in accordance with this Standard (see section 7.3 above)
  3. establish a system to monitor and evaluate instructional delivery and to provide feedback to instructors for continuous improvement
  4. establish a system to monitor and evaluate learner evaluation activities
  5. establish a system for removing from their roster those instructors and evaluators who demonstrate poor performance or those who are no longer working for them
  6. comply with the CPO’s quality assurance process, including requests related to verification of approved program content and delivery
  7. deliver all approved programs at least two times per calendar year

Training providers delivering eLearning and/or distance learning must also maintain approval of their face-to-face programs.

If the approved training provider makes changes to its operation or business or decides to withdraw its services or cease operation, then the training provider must notify the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development within 30 days of the change.

The CPO may revoke the approval of a training provider under certain circumstances (e.g. an approved training provider fails to comply with the JHSC Certification Training Program Standard or JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard). Training providers who withdraw an approved face-to-face program may have their approved provider status revoked.  

All CPO revocation decisions are final. There is no appeal or reconsideration process. All revoked training providers seeking to become re-approved must resubmit a new application to the CPO after waiting the required revocation period.

Appendix A: glossary of terms

Affiliate

Any organization or individual that is a separate legal entity from a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) approved training provider (did not formally complete the five-step approval process) and performs any role in relation to CPO approved training for the CPO approved training provider.

Only a CPO approved training provider can deliver CPO approved training. The CPO approved provider has ultimate responsibility and must demonstrate oversight and control of the affiliate for the purpose of CPO approved training activities

Approved training program
A training program that has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer as meeting the standards set out in the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification Training Program Standard established by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO).
Approved training provider
A training provider who has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer as meeting the standards set out in the JHSC Certification Training Provider Standard established by the Chief Prevention Officer.
Blended learning
Describes the practice of using several training delivery methods in one curriculum. It typically refers to the combination of classroom instruction and any type of training that includes self-directed use of online capabilities (American Society of Training and Development [ASTD] definition).
Distance learning
An educational situation in which the instructor and learners are separated by location. Education or training courses are delivered to remote locations via synchronous or real-time instruction.
eLearning (electronic learning)
A term covering a wide set of applications and processes such as web-based learning and computer-based learning, typically delivered online through a computer or any other digital device.
Evaluator
A person who evaluates learners.
Face-to-face training
Usually refers to traditional classroom training, in which an instructor teaches a course to a room of learners. The term is synonymous with on-site training and classroom training and instructor-led training (slightly modified from ASTD definition).
Instructor
A person who delivers training programs.
Qualification
A skill, quality, or attribute that makes somebody suitable for a job, activity or task.
Subject matter expert
A person who has extensive knowledge and skills in a particular subject area (ASTD definition).
Training provider
An individual, sole proprietor, corporation or not-for-profit organization delivering training.