Safety Committee Formation

Introduction

How to Use this Presentation DISCLAIMER

This training material presents very

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.
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

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not authorize any person to perform work or
validate their level of competency; it must be
supplemented with operation and process-
specific 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

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

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.