Book clubs are cool. Fantasy football leagues deserve their moment. But do you know what the elite of all groups and clubs is? For us, it’s an OSHA safety committee. The US Department of Labor says, “the safety and health committee is an integral part of the safety and health program, and helps ensure effective implementation of the program at the establishment level.” 

We know firsthand that a group is always better together. So what does a safety and health committee even do? The committee helps improve the organization’s understanding of workplace safety and encourages co-workers to follow best practices in order to prevent workplace injury and illness. Additionally, they review current safety programs and recommend changes, as needed, to all safety and health procedures. Think of this committee as a soundboard for employees to voice their concerns and recommendations. Although practices cannot always prevent injuries or illnesses, implementing a safety committee is a significant step to help lower injury and illness rates. And we all know, lower rates equate to happier employees. 

The safety and health committee should meet regularly (we recommend a monthly cadence – quarterly at a minimum) and bring its findings to the OSO (OSHA Safety Officer). And because we like to give advice away for free ninety-nine, here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Keep a regular meeting schedule: when you make this a priority and meet regularly, you are not only stressing the importance of safety and health in your organization but you’re demonstrating good leadership 
• Delegate a notetaker: we aren’t all privileged to have an eidetic memory, so task someone with keeping ‘meeting minutes’ that you can record and file away for reference as needed 
• Follow up with your OSO: while it is their responsibility as OSO to implement and maintain best practices, your support will go a long way in helping them accomplish your goals 
• Rinse and repeat: just like washing your hands, make it a habit

Maintaining safety and health is very important, to say the least. And if the US Department of Labor hasn’t given you any indication of that, this is not a solo job. Now let’s get all hands in because it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment. On three… LET’S GO OSHA! Want more on state specifics guidance? Give us a call to discuss industry guidelines.