The value of a safety committee

Safety has been a top-of-mind agenda item for workers for centuries.  Similarly, employers have pushed the safety boundaries in order to extract greater productivity.  But finally, both parties realise the importance of working together to maximise workplace safety.

Management of workplace safety is the responsibility of all parties.  The establishment of a safety committee dedicated to reviewing and auditing workplace safety standards and procedures is the fundamental step towards group ownership of safety.

New laws came into effect in Victoria on 1 July 2007 which give employers a stronger reason to establish a safety committee.  There are now specific legal requirements regarding consultation with employees and how safety issues are to be resolved.

Whether the law insists on it or not, it makes good sense to get employees involved in ensuring safety.  They can often identify hazards the boss might miss.  Some hazards are as plain as the nose on your face.  But others might be lurking undetected because they seem insignificant or go unreported.

Workers need to routinely and systematically audit their workplace.  Examine all the tasks involved in the job:

• Is plant and machinery operating correctly?
• Are moving parts guarded?
• Are vehicle and pedestrian areas separated?
• Do workers handle dangerous materials appropriately?
• Do noise levels pose a risk?
• Is there sufficient ventilation and lighting?

Remember, no risk is too small or insignificant to at least discuss.  It may not require immediate action, but by assessing the risk the potential for injury can be monitored.

By including workers in a safety committee, under-the-radar safety issues are more likely to be flushed out.  Workplace bullying, stress factors, the misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs are risks that affect everyone.  It is up to everyone to eradicate the risk.

And it’s not just a matter of making the workplace safe for workers.  Employers also have a duty of care which extends to the general public in the vicinity of the workplace.  Employers need to ensure that debris, machinery, materials or operations do not pose a risk to those near or visiting a workplace.

A safety committee is also a good place to formulate your return-to-work policies and strategies.  Designated workers can keep in touch with injured workers, help them with their return-to-work issues and keep management informed of any special requirements.  Not only does this boost the morale of an injured worker, it reinforces the importance of safety to all workers.

State and national agencies have raised the importance of workplace safety over the past decade.  Australia has experienced a 36% decrease in workplace fatalities since 1996 and 13% reduction in compensated workplace injuries and diseases.

This is a significant improvement.  But everybody should make it home after work.  Workplace safety is a culture that must be nurtured and fiercely defended by employees and employers.  Get a safety committee established in your workplace because no amount of money is worth life or limb.