What is a Safety Committee? (Overview, Roles, and Responsibilities)

A safety committee’s responsibilities help to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Although the specific responsibilities differ depending on the organization, the following are the general key responsibilities of a safety committee.

1. Develop a Safe Work Environment

The safety committee conducts regular workplace safety inspections to identify potential hazards. This includes inspecting equipment, facilities, and work processes to ensure they meet safety standards.

Also, the committee performs employee safety training, like how to properly use safety equipment, emergency procedures, and best practices for avoiding workplace hazards. 

The safety committee also monitors safety performance within the organization by identifying trends and patterns in safety incidents and recommending improvements to safety policies and procedures.

2. Craft Safety and Wellness Programs

The safety committee should assess the workplace to identify potential hazards and risks through safety audits, incident reports, and employee feedback. Based on the assessment, the committee members should develop wellness initiatives and safety programs promoting employee health and well-being, such as exercise classes, mental health support services, and healthy eating programs.

Then, to ensure the safety and wellness programs are effective, the safety committee should solicit employee feedback, involve employees in developing safety policies and wellness initiatives, and encourage participation in the programs.

3. Organize and Lead Safety Training

Committee members need to identify the specific training needs based on the nature of the work and the potential hazards and risks. Once the committee has identified the training needs, they develop a comprehensive training plan. The plan should include each training session’s objectives, content, and delivery methods. 

The safety committee also selects a qualified, experienced trainer to lead the training sessions. The trainer should have the expertise to deliver the training content effectively and engage participants.

To conduct the training, the safety committee should prepare all the necessary training materials, such as handouts, visual aids, and demonstration equipment. The materials should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. 

4. Conduct Workplace Safety and Inspection Checks

Workplace safety checks identify potential hazards and risks and ensure the workplace meets safety standards. The committee members should review the relevant regulations and guidelines that apply to the workplace. This strategy will help the committee understand workplace safety requirements and identify the areas that need inspection.

The safety committee should also systematically inspect each work area during the safety check. Committee members should look for hazards such as loose wires, equipment, machinery, and tripping or sharp objects.