Results on Joint Study of Occupational Health & Safety Committee - Learning Needs in the Federal Public Service
Information Note
Further to the June 14, 2017 Memorandum of Understanding between the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the Joint Learning Program (JLP) carried out a study to identify the learning needs of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committees in the Federal Public Service. The JLP retained the services of an external consultant, Tom Rankin from Mansell, Rankin and Associates, to lead the project.
Throughout 2018, a large consultation, which reflected the philosophy of union-management collaboration, took place to ensure that all key stakeholders had an opportunity to actively participate in the needs’ assessment process. The consultation confirmed the consensus that there is a need for in person, high quality, comprehensive and common learning program for OHS representatives and Committees in the federal public service.
The outcome of the study provided clear direction on the key learning areas. It includes building a strong understanding of the legislative framework, the three fundamental rights and the responsibilities of the various stakeholders who have a role in OHS. Enhancing skills and confidence in implementing a hazard prevention program and building further capacity in the area of meeting skills was also identified as keys to the success of Committees.
In April 2019, the following recommendations were presented to the JLP Steering Committee:
- Develop two (2) pilot workshops
- Basic workshop for OHS committee members - two-day workshop targeted at members of policy, regional and workplace committees from various departments to equip participants with the basic knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to make a positive contribution.
- OHS Committee Relationship Improvement Workshop - two-day workshop targeted at intact OHS Committees to explore challenges, to assist in clarifying expectations, and to take stock of Committee functioning in order to identify areas for improvement and related action plans.
- Assign the JLP the responsibility to design and deliver the two workshops because of its joint governance structure, delivery model and well-earned reputation.
- Make both workshops accessible but not mandatory for departments/agencies.
- Consult with the National Joint Council Joint Employment Equity Committee to ensure that the workshop reflects equity and human rights considerations.
The JLP would require additional resources to implement these recommendations which will be determined by the outcome of the bargaining process between the PSAC and TBS.
If you have any questions about this initiative, we invite you to contact the JLP Co-directors, who can be reached at the following coordinates: Catherine Gilbert – gilberc@psac-afpc.com and Roxanne Lépine – lepiner@psac-apfc.com.