Policy Statement & Safety Committees

Along with creating a culture of safety, another common thread in companies with successful safety programs is the safety committee. These committees are responsible for making periodic safety surveys and finding hazards and unsafe work practices that are often overlooked.

Safety committees meet to review accident reports and make recommendations to management for the elimination of hazards or correction of unsafe work habits. Committee meetings are also an opportunity to introduce new safety ideas through visual education, demonstrations of safety equipment, and safety talks.

Who should be included on a safety committee?

How does a safety committee remain effective?

How may NYSIF help?

How may small businesses replicate the work of a safety committee?

Who should be included on a safety committee?

The safety committee should include key members of the management team, the maintenance supervisor, general supervisors and the manager responsible for the safety program.

Larger organizations may require more than one committee. A management committee can decide matters of policy, while other committees serve specific functions, such as accident investigations and plant inspections. Labor-management, supervisory, or department head committees are often effective.

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How do safety committees remain effective?

It is essential that a safety committee have authority. The level of authority will depend on a committee’s membership and the extent of its responsibilities. Committees that lack management support very often are ineffective.

Safety committees must meet regularly, preferably not less than once a month. Infrequent meetings lead to a loss of interest and deterioration of the safety program. Meetings should have an agenda and be brief. Smaller committees, where all members are able to participate, are usually most effective.

Membership rotation is important because a self-perpetuating group tends to stagnate. A rotating membership makes best use of knowledgeable and talented workers. By staggering tenure, the committee will always have some experienced members.

Safety committees should never become involved in labor-management matters unrelated to safety. This can be very destructive. The safety committee should limit involvement to safety matters.

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How can NYSIF help?

Establishing a new safety committee or reactivating a dormant one may require some assistance from the outside. A NYSIF loss prevention specialist can assist you in organizing your committee by providing consultant service during the early, difficult stages, and supplying educational materials.

Remember, that it will be your committee and you should never rely on any outsider for its continuing operation and growth.

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How may small businesses replicate the work of a safety committee?

Smaller businesses may utilize a less formal approach. Depending on the total number of workers, several employees – representing labor and management – may meet periodically to discuss relevant safety issues.

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