The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador (WHSCC) has announced that it has revised oh&s training based on feedback from industry, training providers and safety associations.

The certification training program for Occupational Health and Safety Committees and Worker Health and Safety Representatives/Designates (WHSR/Ds) will come into effect on July 1. The new training program will be shorter, with a minimum of 14 hours, and has been condensed into one course for both oh&s committees and WHSR/Ds, the WHSCC reported in a statement on Feb. 2. The program content will also be updated to include a practical component, reflect new legislation, introduce case studies and use new training materials.

Once participants have completed this new program, they will be required to renew their certification every three years.

The WHSCC said in the statement that the training that many oh&s committee members have already completed will continue to be valid for a period of time. Through a phased-in approach, those who have already completed the existing training program have until June 30, 2018 to re-certify, and then must renew their certification every three years thereafter.

Tom Mahoney, executive director of worker services with the WHSCC, said that it is important to offer training to oh&s committees to make them aware of their responsibilities. Mahoney added that the number of oh&s committees in the province has more than tripled in the last decade, with over 3,800 committees as of the end of last year.

Oh&s committee training is now available province-wide from more than 95 training providers. Trainers are required to attend a curriculum orientation session in order to be ready to deliver the new program, with sessions beginning in March.

For more information on the revised training, visit www.whscc.nl.ca. To register for a session, contact the WHSCC at (709) 778-2926 or 1-800-563-9000.