Every day in B.C.’s accommodation sector, thousands of workers keep hotels, resorts, and inns running — ensuring rooms are clean, maintaining buildings, preparing food, and supporting guests. But who’s looking out for them? Behind the scenes, Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs) and worker representatives play a vital role in protecting the workers who keep the industry running.
“A Joint Health and Safety Committee brings workers and employers together to identify issues, and come up with solutions together,” explains Tim Pryde, Industry and Program Specialist at WorkSafeBC.
Who needs a committee—and why it matters
In B.C., workplaces with 20 or more employees are required to have a JHSC. Smaller workplaces with 10 to 19 employees must have a worker health and safety representative.
These committees or representatives meet with workers and employers — usually once a month — to identify hazards, address concerns, and drive continuous improvements in workplace health and safety.
Key functions of health and safety committees and worker representatives
- JHSCs and worker representatives have several important duties to help maintain a safe workplace, including:
- Making recommendations to the employer on education programs to protect workers and support compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation .
- Promptly raising concerns to the employer.
- Consulting with workers and the employer on OHS issues.
- Advising the employer on programs and policies and monitoring their effectiveness.
- Advising the employer on proposed changes to the workplace that may impact safety, including significant changes to equipment and machinery, or processes.
- All JHSC members and worker representatives are entitled to eight hours of leave per year to attend occupational health and safety training.
Continuous improvement through evaluation
Employers in B.C. are required to evaluate the effectiveness of their JHSC once a year. The intent of the evaluation is to determine whether the JHSC is in compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and to assess whether it has been effective in fulfilling its role. Evaluations should also identify potential improvements.
To assist in the evaluation process, committees can use WorkSafeBC’s Joint Health and Safety Committee Evaluation Tool.
How committees improve safety
In the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels, musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are a concern. Housekeeping staff are especially affected, accounting for approximately 54% of all injury claims. About 42% of these claims are for MSIs.
“A committee can review first aid records and consult with workers to identify MSI risk factors in their jobs and develop solutions together to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries,” says Pryde.
By fulfilling these roles and responsibilities, committees don’t just meet WorkSafeBC requirements — their efforts help prevent injuries and foster a positive environment where workers feel heard and supported.
Free expert support for JHSC meetings
Go2HR is a free resource for B.C. hospitality employers, serving as the industry’s human resources and health and safety association. It provides programs, tools, and consulting services to support safe and successful workplaces.
As part of its services, go2HR offers a drop-in program where a health and safety specialist can attend JHSC meetings to lead focused discussions and provide practical, workplace-specific safety guidance.
“This is a great opportunity for committees to receive expert guidance, run more effective meetings, and strengthen their overall safety culture,” says Pryde.
Building a safety culture that supports worker engagement
JHSCs and worker representatives are a key part of what makes a workplace safe, respectful, and productive. By participating in inspections, investigating incidents, and reviewing workplace changes, these representatives bring real-world insight to safe work planning. Their work ensures that policies aren’t just written — they’re lived.
“Involving workers directly in health and safety discussions and decisions strengthens the overall safety culture,” says Pryde. “It sends a message that every voice matters when it comes to creating safe workplaces.”
When committees are active and supported, they help build trust between workers and employers, injury rates may decrease, and communication improves across teams. Most importantly, they help ensure that the people who keep the industry running — from housekeeping and maintenance to food and beverage services and guest relations — go home safe at the end of the day.
Resources
Visit worksafebc.com for resources to help you manage a healthy and safe workplace. Additional sources of information include:
– Joint health & safety committees
– Joint Health and Safety Committee Evaluation Tool | WorkSafeBC
– go2HR Services