Health and Safety Health and Safety Committees Committees
RENZO BERTOLINI
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Health and Safety CommitteeHealth and Safety Committee
A health and safety committee is a joint worker-management team
that assists the employer in creating and maintaining a safe
workplace. The goal of the committee is to enhance the
ability of workers and employers to resolve safety and health
concerns reasonably and co-operatively.
HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWHEALTH AND SAFETY LAW
Employee and Employer Jointly Responsible
Employer Accountable for Non-Compliance
PHILOSOPHY OF OHS LAWPHILOSOPHY OF OHS LAW Internal Responsibility SystemInternal Responsibility SystemRecognizes
– you know your work Best– Safety is Work
Promotes – Self Reliance– Safety Culture– Best Practice– Sharing Responsibility
Conforms with Modern Standards
Rights Of WorkersRights Of WorkersThree Important RightsThree Important Rights
Right to know
Right to participate
Right to refuse unsafe work
Responsibilities of JHSCResponsibilities of JHSC Recognize Workplace Hazards. Evaluate the Risk of Accidents, Injuries and
Illness. Develop a Prevention Program Implement the Program. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Program. Recommend Changes for Continuos
Improvements.
Accountability of JHSCAccountability of JHSC
The committee’s role is to make recommendations for action to prevent accidents,injuries and
illness.The authority for action and hence the accountability for non-
compliance,stays with the employer/management.
Establishing a JHSCEstablishing a JHSC The employer is responsible for establishing a
committee. In most Canadian jurisdictions legislation sets guidelines for :
The Organization and Structure of the Committee
Meeting Frequency Roles and Responsibilities of Committee
Members.
Terms of Reference for JHSCTerms of Reference for JHSC Employers establish terms of reference applicable
to the formation,structure and functioning of the committee in their workplace.Such terms of reference must ensure:
Compliance with Legislation Effectiveness of the Committee in Meeting
Workplace Specific Needs Widest Possible Employee Involvement Provision of Resources, Equipment, Facilities
Tips for Establishing Terms of Tips for Establishing Terms of Reference JHSCReference JHSC
State Senior Management Commitment Define term of Service for Com.Members Establish Committee Member Selection
Procedure Specify Duties & Responsibilities of co-
chairpersons Provide for Appropriate Training of
Committee Members
Terms of Reference Terms of Reference Cont..Cont..
Seek the Committee’s Advice on the Health and Safety Process
Require JHSC to Make Recommendations Based on Objective Evidence such as New Information,Incidence Rates,Legislative Requirements,Employee Health Conditions
State that the Role of JHSC is to Make Recommendations to Management
Terms of ReferenceTerms of ReferenceCont.Cont.
Provide the Committee Resources to do their Work
Establish Guidelines for Reporting and Follow-Up Procedures
Review Terms of Reference PeriodicallyEstablish Procedures and Conditions for
Dismissal of Committee Members
Is a JHSC Required by Law ?Is a JHSC Required by Law ?
In general, a committee is required if the number of employees exceeds a certain number-20 in most jurisdictions and 10 in some.The appointment of a worker representative is required when the number of employees is less than needed for a committee but more than a minimum set by the law-5 in some jurisdictions.
How are JHSC Members How are JHSC Members Appointed ?Appointed ?
Typically,management members are appointed by the employer.In a unionized workplace,employee members are selected by the union.If not specified in the legislation,selection is to be made according to the terms of reference developed by your workplace.
How are Committee Members How are Committee Members Appointed Cont.Appointed Cont.
The legislation generally states that a committee must :Be composed of at least one-half worker representatives Meet regularly.Be co-chaired by a manager and an employee member of the committee.
•How many People Should be How many People Should be on a JHSC ?on a JHSC ? The legislation or collective agreement may
specify the number of committee members. In deciding the committee size,consider these factors :
Total number of employees Number of different trades or unions Complexity and hazardous nature of work Knowledge of conditions,processes
•Do Members Need to be Do Members Need to be Trained or Certified in OH&S ?Trained or Certified in OH&S ? Members should be adequately trained in
health and safety in order to contribute fully to all committees activities.In some jurisdictions,safety training or certification is required by law for employer and employee members.
Training may cover the following aspects : Committee responsibilities/authority
•Do Members Need to be Do Members Need to be Trained or Certified in OH&S Trained or Certified in OH&S
Cont.Cont. Occupational health and safety law Hazards recognition and control methods Job safety analysis Occupational hygiene Methods of raising safety awareness Workplace inspections Accident investigation Effective oral communication
Making the JHSC Effective Making the JHSC Effective and Efficientand Efficient
Demonstrating Management Commitment
Defining Roles,Responsibilities and Procedures
Establishing Procedures and Guidelines for Committee Meetings
Measuring the Effectiveness and Efficiency of a Committee
Demonstrating Management Demonstrating Management CommitmentCommitment
A policy is a statement of management’s commitment to health and safety.It states the principles and general rules that will serve as guide for action.The policy should state :
Management’s commitment to protect the safety and health of employees.
Demonstrating Management Demonstrating Management Commitment Cont..Commitment Cont..
The organization’s basic health and safety philosophy
Accountability for occupational health and safety programs
Roles and responsibilities of JHSCThe general responsibilities of all
employees
Defining RolesDefining Roles
The JHSC’s role is to recommend action.Management has the authority and resources to take an action.Employers,managers and supervisors are responsible for the health and safety of employees and are personally accountable for non-compliance
Defining ResponsibilitiesDefining ResponsibilitiesCarry out /participate in workplace
inspectionsParticipate in accident investigationsParticipate in resolving work refusal
casesMonitor compliance with regulationsHold regular meetings
Defining ProceduresDefining Procedures
The committee reports its recommendations to an individual within management.This person must be fully knowledgeable about the committees duties, and about health and safety issues.It is necessary to appoint a specific person to ensure proper follow-up on recommendations.The best choice is usually a member of senior management.
Establishing Procedures for Establishing Procedures for JHSC MeetingsJHSC Meetings
The success of the JHSC depends on the conduct of regular and efficient meetings.
Meeting frequency.Attendance policy.Reaching decisions at meetings.Recommendation for action.Keeping minutes.
Measuring the Effectiveness Measuring the Effectiveness and Efficiency of JHSCand Efficiency of JHSC
Management supportUnion supportEmployees support
Recognizing Workplace Recognizing Workplace HazardsHazards
JHSC responsibilitiesTypes of hazardsMethods of hazard recognitionHazard reportingWorkplace inspection
Accident InvestigationAccident InvestigationThe accident investigation processDetermining the cause(s)Recommendations
Joint Health and Safety Joint Health and Safety CommitteeCommittee
Equal employer-employee membersDeal with worker h&s concernsParticipate in identifying risks Recommend changesDevelop and promote health and safety
information,training
Where to get OH&S Where to get OH&S InformationInformation
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Inquiry Service
Phone(905)572-4400
Fax(905)572-4500
E-mail:[email protected]
OSH Answers Web Site:
www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers