What is a "Certified Member"?
A certified member is a worker or management member of a Joint Health and Safety Committee who has successfully completed a special health and safety training program that meets the standards established by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Certified members have the power to investigate complaints that "dangerous circumstances" exist and can direct the employer to stop work in specific circumstances. Certified members have the right to be paid for time spent fulfilling certification requirements and time spent exercising their stop-work powers and carrying out their other duties.

Why should I have Certified Workers?
The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act requires certified members to be present in a workplace where a Joint Health and Safety Committee is required.

Who should be certified?
At least one management member and one worker member must be certified members.

Who can provide this training?
Certification training can only be given by individuals who have received special training and use a training package that has received accreditation by WSIB. Certification trainers may be self-employed or work for a Safe Workplace Association. The Education Safety Association of Ontario is one of the sector specific Safe Workplace Associations that offer this training.

When and where is it offered?
Pre-scheduled certification training sessions are provided by certification trainers. Please look in the Calendar of Events to find the session closest to your organization. Depending on the circumstances and the needs of clients, this training can also be held "on request". If you have special training needs, please contact your ESAO Field Consultant or ESAO Head Office.

After passing the exam for Basic Certification:

• the employer receives a letter  from the WSIB stating the person has attended Basic Certification

• the participant receives a letter from the WSIB , "Dear Participant" congratulating him/her on passing the Basic Certification exam and providing him/her with a certificate number

• no certificate is issued by WSIB for Basic Certification

Pricing for all of our Training Packages is on a two-tier scale. ESAO sector clients are charged at cost for the materials that are used in the course.  We recognize that sometimes it is difficult for some clients to receive the training in a timely manner due to their location. If joining a scheduled session, the following fees will be charged.

If requested to do training at non-clients worksite the following pricing schedule will be followed.