Safety Committee Formation Introduction How to Use this

Safety Committee Formation

Introduction How to Use this Presentation This presentation contains base material for use in an instructor-led training setting. You may modify this presentation to satisfy the specific training needs of your organization. On some slides, the display text is supplemented with additional material in the slide notes. This content is licensed for modification and use in a classroom setting. You may not redistribute this material in any form. DISCLAIMER This training material presents very important, pertinent information. It should not be assumed, however, that this program satisfies every legal requirement of every state. Some states require the training be developed and delivered by an individual with specific training and experience. This training is AWARENESS LEVEL and does not authorize any person to perform work or validate their level of competency; it must be supplemented with operation and processspecific assessments and training, as well as management oversight, to assure that all training is understood and followed. Your organization must do an evaluation of all exposures and applicable codes and regulations. In addition, establish proper controls, training, and protective measures to effectively control exposures and assure compliance. This program is neither a determination that the conditions and practices of your organization are safe, nor a warranty that reliance upon this program will prevent accidents and losses or satisfy local, state, or federal regulations.

Introduction All employees have a responsibility for health and safety. When workers and management are aware of hazards and work to improve them, fewer accidents occur. Safety committees promote employee involvement in workplace safety programs and initiatives. Often comprised of management and members from multiple departments, safety committees provide a link between the employees who do the work and the managers that direct it. The objective of this course is to assist in establishing and maintaining an effective safety committee.

Introduction Course Outline 1. The Safety Committee’s Purpose 2. The Safety Committee’s Responsibilities 3. Forming the Committee 4. Safety Committee Meetings

Safety Committee Formation The Safety Committee’s Purpose Safety committees are required in many industries and states. While safety committee formation is not required in every state or industry, having a safety committee as part of your organization is best practices. It is invaluable when performing safety-related tasks, such as creating or promoting trainings, assessing workplace conditions, or investigating incidents.

Safety Committee Formation The Committee’s Responsibilities • Scheduling and overseeing safety inspections and audits • Identifying hazardous conditions in the workplace • Investigating injuries, property damage, and near-miss incidents • Reporting findings from audits, inspections, and investigations to supervisors as necessary • Addressing employee concerns regarding safety and health conditions • Developing and promoting organization-wide safety programs • Coordinating safety training for employees • Maintaining and improving upon existing safety policies • Evaluating and continually improving the safety culture

Safety Committee Formation Forming the Committee 1. Check your state’s regulations for needed criteria. 2. Consult OSHA’s guidelines and materials. 3. Determine the appropriate committee size. States may have requirements based on the number of employees or the industry. 4. Determine a process for deciding committee membership. This could be employer selection, employee elections, or volunteers. 5. Establish equal representation. Represent both management and employees from all departments as equally as possible. 6. Establish a charter. Assure that all members understand the committee’s purpose and core functions. 7. Designate leadership. Designate officer positions, identify each position’s roles and responsibilities, and fill the positions by committee election.

Safety Committee Formation Safety Committee Meetings Hold safety committee meetings on a regular basis to: • Discuss employee concerns. • Investigate recent incidents. • Plan for upcoming safety programs and trainings. Specific requirements: Check your state’s laws to assure that your meeting procedures are in compliance in regards to frequency, recordkeeping, etc.

Safety Committee Formation Safety Committee Meetings Best practices: • Require the attendance of all committee members. • Maintain and publish the minutes from each meeting. • Designate a facilitator to prepare an agenda for the meeting and to assure that conversation is kept on-task. • Perform safety observations, report findings in the meetings, and provide and discuss solutions to prevent incidents. • Communicate the findings and areas for improvement to all staff. • Follow up on all corrective actions, and assure their completion.

Summary • Safety committees are required in many industries and states. Even if they are not required, they are best practices. • Safety committee formation may be subject to state requirements regarding size, makeup, and structure. • Typical safety committee responsibilities include maintaining policies, addressing employees’ health and safety concerns, and administering training, inspections, audits, and incident investigations. • Meetings should be held by the safety committee on a regular basis to review recent employee concerns and incidents.