Creating an organizational safety committee

Creating a safety committee benefits an organization by fostering a safe and compliant workplace. The commitment to safety often leads to lower employee turnover and fewer work-related accidents. Promoting a safe work environment shows the organization’s dedication to its employees’ well-being, which is invaluable compared to the risk of serious workplace accidents.

Benefits of a safety committee

• Reduces business interruption: Fewer injuries lead to less downtime and smoother operations
• Lowers your experience modification: Fewer injuries can reduce your insurance premiums
• Enhances customer relationships: Building a reputation as a trusted and safe brand can strengthen customer loyalty
• Boosts employee morale: Demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety shows employees that workplace safety is a priority
• Meets regulatory compliance: To maintain compliance with safety regulations, ensure that training and reporting requirements are met
• Facilitates employee control: Involving employees in safety procedures increases the likelihood of adherence
• Defines employee expectations: Helping employees understand the reasons behind safety measures clarifies expectations

Members of a safety committee

By including both employees and management, safety committees benefit from diverse insights. Management secures resources and provides strategic oversight, while employees offer practical, on-the-ground perspectives. Selecting genuinely interested members and valuing their contributions enhances engagement and effectiveness. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive safety strategy for the organization.

The structure of employees and managers on the safety committee should take several variables into consideration:

• Total number of employees: Consider the number of employees under the safety committee's supervision. For smaller teams, appoint a lead, but all employees might need to participate in the committee.
• Shift operations: Determine if the business runs on single or multiple shifts.
• Work locations: Identify whether the work is conducted at a single site or across multiple locations.
• Operational complexity: Assess the complexity of business operations and the unique knowledge required to evaluate and control hazards. This includes considering the diverse experiences and expertise of employees and managers.
• Time commitment: Ensure that committee members have sufficient time to dedicate to their responsibilities.

Commitee roles and responsibilities

To ensure the safety committee operates effectively, members must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities, allowing them to focus on safety improvements. While most committee members may not be from management, securing management's commitment is crucial. Management often responds to the profit-based benefits of safety initiatives, but it's equally important for employees to see that management is genuinely committed to their safety.

• Committee Chair: Leads the committee, sets the agenda, conducts meetings and hazard assessments, and assists members during onboarding and in fulfilling their responsibilities. This role should be stable, typically serving for a minimum of two to three years.
• Vice-Chair: Steps in when the chair is unavailable. This role may not be necessary for smaller committees.
• Secretary: Ensures meeting invitations are sent and posted, schedules meetings and rooms, takes and reviews meeting minutes, collects incident forms, submits safety recommendations and maintains records.

Committee members provide a consistent presence for the workforce. Becoming an effective committee member takes time, so it’s important for members to get acclimated to their responsibilities. Once established, stagger membership tenure to ensure experienced members can support the committee's objectives while newer members learn the ropes.

Committee focus

• Hazard assessment and evaluation: Conduct formal hazard assessments proactively to prevent injuries and losses
• Root cause analysis: Review incident reports to determine the cause and reveal what new procedures or work processes may be warranted to prevent future accidents
• Promote employee training: Coordinate employee training to promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with regulations
• Continuous improvement: Update and adjust safety procedures based on feedback, updates, and ongoing accidents or near misses
• Encourage employee participation: By the committee members’ actions, they should promote employee safety and encourage other working around them to do the same

Conclusion

A safety committee is essential for a safe and compliant workplace. By involving both management and employees, it effectively addresses safety concerns, promotes a culture of safety, and ensures regulatory adherence. Beyond compliance, a well-functioning committee enhances employee morale, reduces business interruptions, and strengthens customer relationships. With committed members and strong leadership, it significantly contributes to the overall well-being and success of the business.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Committee organization. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1960/1960.37
• SAIF Corporation. (n.d.). Safety committee resource guide. Retrieved from https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/topics/be-a-leader/safety-committees-and-meetings/safety-committee-resource-guide.html