Background: Certification Review Committee The WSIB is reviewing its Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Standards. This review will ensure certified members receive the highest quality health and safety training and contribute to strengthening the internal responsibility system in Ontario workplaces. In early 2009, the WSIB developed a plan for the review of the Certification Standards and the Certification Program. The plan includes three phases: 1. Establishment of a Certification Review Committee (CRC) to provide advice to the WSIB regarding the review and implementation of improvements to the Certification Program. 2. External consultation on the issues as outlined in the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Program Consultation Paper. 3. Incorporation of the consultation results into a final revised Certification Standard for implementation. Mandate of the Certification Review Committee: to provide advice to the WSIB regarding the review, and the implementation of improvements to the Certification Program Objectives: To review the Certification Program with a view to improving it and ensuring the highest quality training is being delivered. To develop recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the Certification Program and its Standards. To reach out to stakeholders for input on program enhancements through the formation of the Certification Review Committee and through a formal consultation process. To review current technologies utilized by the Certification Program and provide guidance for future enhancements that would ensure a positive impact on the delivery and administration of the program, the training participants and their employers. The committee is co-chaired by the Workers Health and Safety Centre and the Ontario Service Safety Alliance. The committee review will help ensure that the highest quality training is being delivered using the most current principles in adult learning, health and safety, and legislation. Committee members The committee members represent: Workers Health and Safety Centre – Co-Chair Ontario Service Safety Alliance - Co-Chair Also representing Farm Safety Association and Industrial Accident Prevention Association Pulp and Paper Safety Association of Ontario, also representing Mines and Aggregates Safety and Health Association and Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association Education Safety Association of Ontario, also representing Ontario Safety Association for Community and Health Care and Municipal Health and Safety Association Construction Safety Association of Ontario, also representing Electrical and Utilities Safety Association and Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario Pockele & Associates Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council United Steelworkers Canadian Auto Workers Ontario Hospital Association Canadian Foundry Association City of Toronto Ontario General Contractors Association Ministry of Labour Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Graduate Student Workplace Safety & Insurance Board The CRC first met March 3, 2009 and continued to meet until June 10, 2009. Each meeting focused on one or two deliverables from the CRC Terms of Reference. Meeting highlights The following are highlights from the meetings: Learning Objectives for Part 1 Basic training: Discussed skills and knowledge necessary for certified members to carry out their duties. Generally, it was felt that the present learning objectives in the Certification Standard were comprehensive. However, suggestions were made to include further opportunities for practical application of knowledge and to have enhanced training on skills such as problem-solving and communication. Certification Model: Discussion on the Part 1 Basic Training, Hazard Assessment, and Part 2 Workplace Specific training structure for obtaining certification status. The standard needs to be enhanced and improved regarding the hazard assessment and Part 2 Workplace Specific training. Training Delivery Methods: Discussion on the various training delivery methods such as classroom, e-learning, and correspondence including the question of whether certification training should only be delivered through classroom training, or if other methods should be accepted. Assessment of acquisition of knowledge by the student: Presently, certified members must pass a WSIB multiple choice test in order to complete Part 1 Basic training. Discussions held on whether the test should remain and alternate methods of assessment that may be used. Quality Assurance of Training Providers and instructors: Discussions held on ways to improve the WSIB quality assurance process for training providers and who should ensure quality assurance on the instructors – WSIB or the training provider?