Introduction

The primary purposes of the University Safety Committee is to assist in defining the goals and objectives of the employee Environmental, Safety & Health program, increase employee awareness of safety, and monitor the effectiveness of safety program activities.

The safety and health committee could be described as the "eyes and ears" of a good employee safety and health program. Positive results such as the following may also be achieved:

• Provide a feedback mechanism for organizational safety issues,
• Develop alternative operational solutions for complex safety problems,
• Consider employee safety suggestions and concerns,
• Reduce loss exposures, 
• Enhance worker satisfaction and well-being through participation on the committee,
• Reduce loss control costs. 

Composition of the Safety and Health Committee

The committee membership represents the general make-up of the Univesity to provide a well-balanced mix of both classified employees and management. Obtaining input and ideas from various departmental personel who have first-hand knowledge of potential hazards can contribute to an effective employee safety and health program. Representation by management and employees can help achieve continuous improvement in the employee safety and health program.

Safety and Health Committee Meetings

The following are suggestions for conducting a successful safety and health committee meeting:

• Follow an established agenda
• Determine the priority of items introduced for discussion
• State specific objectives
• Establish a direction to proceed
• Delegate responsibilities to individuals
• Set target dates
• Develop proposals for submission to management
• Record information
• Have the meeting minutes approved or reviewed by the agency head.

How often a committee meets will depend on the content and scope of the agenda. Members should demonstrate their active support of the committee with regular attendance.

Accident Review Sub-committee

All accident causes and contributing factors should be identified. Potential corrective actions associated with each factor should also be identified. Corrective actions should be evaluated, with those that appear to provide the best solutions for the agency and its employees should be recommended for implementation by management.

Safety inquiry

Email your questions or topic of concern to the Safety Committee.