What are some of the best practices for creating a safety committee?

2 Select the members and roles

A safety committee should have a balanced representation of employees and managers from different departments, levels, and backgrounds. This way, you can ensure that the committee reflects the diversity and needs of your workforce, and that it has the support and buy-in from all stakeholders. You should also assign specific roles and responsibilities to each member, such as chairperson, secretary, facilitator, or subcommittee leader. These roles should be based on the skills, interests, and availability of the members, and they should be rotated regularly to avoid burnout and promote participation.

3 Establish the rules and procedures

A safety committee should have a set of rules and procedures that guide its functioning and decision-making. These rules and procedures should be documented and communicated to all members and relevant parties, such as senior management, supervisors, and employees. For instance, you may want to include how to schedule and conduct meetings, with an agenda, minutes, and attendance. Additionally, there should be rules for communication and collaboration among members, such as using email, phone, or online platforms. Furthermore, the committee must have procedures for collecting and analyzing safety data such as incident reports, surveys, or audits. Moreover, it should have instructions for prioritizing and addressing safety issues through a risk assessment matrix or a problem-solving method. Finally, the committee needs to have a way of monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of their actions with key performance indicators or feedback mechanisms.

4 Provide training and resources

A safety committee should have the necessary training and resources to perform its tasks effectively and efficiently. You should provide your committee members with regular and relevant training on topics such as safety regulations, best practices, leadership skills, or conflict resolution. You should also ensure that they have access to the tools and materials they need, such as safety manuals, checklists, posters, or software. Additionally, you should recognize and reward your committee members for their contributions and achievements, such as giving them certificates, incentives, or public recognition.

5 Engage and involve the workforce

A safety committee should not work in isolation, but rather in collaboration with the rest of the workforce. To be effective, efficient, and engaging for everyone involved, you should engage and involve your employees in the safety committee's activities. This can be done by soliciting their input and feedback on safety issues and solutions, informing them of the committee's goals, plans, and results, inviting them to join or observe the committee's meetings or subcommittees, and encouraging them to participate in safety initiatives or programs. By offering incentives, recognition, or support for their involvement in safety initiatives or programs, you can create a safety committee that is beneficial for your organization's safety performance and culture.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?