Health and safety committees or representatives – Know the facts
Official title: Health and safety committees or representatives – Know the facts
Alternate formats
Health and safety committees or representatives [PDF – 167 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code aims to prevent workplace-related accidents and injury.
Workplace health and safety committees or representatives are required in all federally regulated workplaces, and comprise worker and management representatives who meet regularly to ensure safe and disease-free workplaces.
Who does Part II of the Canada Labour Code cover
Part II applies to interprovincial and international transportation, banks, telecommunications, broadcasting, shipping and related services, the grain industry, most Crown corporations, the federal public administration and more.
New: As of July 29, 2019, the Parliamentary Precinct will benefit from the same occupational health and safety protections as other federally regulated workplaces.
A list of federally regulated businesses and industries can be found at canada.ca/regulated-industries.
Role and responsibilities
- Respond to workplace health and safety concerns
- Conduct workplace inspections
- Investigate and report on all accidents and incidents
- Assist in resolving workplace issues, including work refusals
Workplace requirements
Number of employees up to 19 is required Health and Safety representative.
Number of employees 20 and up is required Workplace Health and Safety committee.
Number of employees 300 or more is required Policy Health and Safety committee
Where to start
Fact sheets, legislative services, courses/e-learning, publications, posters and additional resources about these committees are available in the Health and Safety Committees Section of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.
Other tools and resources
- Reports and publications : Workplace health and safety
- Summary of Part II of the Canada Labour Code
- Workplace Health and Safety (new fact sheet)
- Hazard prevention program guide
- Internal Responsibility System
- Right to refuse dangerous work
- Internal complaint resolution process
- Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
To learn more about workplace health and safety consult
Workplace health and safety or contact the Labour Program
1-800-641-4049 Teletypewriter (TTY) 1-800-926-9105
#HealthAndSafety @Labour_ESDC