Safety and Health Committee Composition, Roles and Functions
Composition rules
- Workplaces with 20 or more employees must establish a safety and health committee under the committee rules.
- Membership balances employer and worker representatives. Workers choose their representatives; the employer appoints its own. The committee elects its chairperson and secretary as the rules provide.
- Meetings are held at least quarterly, with minutes and an action register. Committee members need training to perform inspections and investigations.
Functions
- Advise the occupier on OSH matters and review safety and health policies.
- Conduct workplace inspections and investigate incidents and complaints.
- Review risk assessments, training needs, PPE provision and welfare arrangements.
- Promote worker consultation and monitor corrective actions until closed.
- The committee recommends; the employer must respond and remains accountable.
Worked example
A 24-worker laundry forms a committee of four managers. Two worker representatives are named by the owner. This fails because worker representatives must be elected by workers and representation should be balanced. Reconstitute it with two elected worker representatives and two employer representatives, elect the chair and secretary, and minute the first meeting.
Traps that cost marks
Treating the committee as a social club; letting management chair by default; failing to keep minutes; assuming a union steward is automatically a committee member; letting the committee carry the employer’s duty.
Exam focus
Know the 20-employee trigger, balanced membership, worker election, meeting rhythm and the advisory nature of the committee.