Union Approach to Health and Safety: - United Steelworkers

The “hierarchy of controls” should be used as the basis for determining
hazard control measures. This hierarchy supports the elimination of hazards
as the preferred way of addressing hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated
(for example, if a less or non-toxic chemical can not be substituted for a
toxic substance), then engineering controls (like enclosure of operations or
local exhaust ventilation) should be used. Warnings (like back-up signals on
trucks) and administrative controls (limiting the time that workers are
exposed to a certain hazard) should be considered if engineering controls
cannot be installed. Personal protective equipment is the most ineffective
control. In many cases, personal protective equipment should only be used
as a temporary measure, while hazard elimination or engineering controls
are being implemented.
h. Are timetables set for implementing hazard controls?
i. Are people identified to be responsible for implementing hazard
controls?
There should be timetables for implementing hazard controls, officials
identified to be responsible for hazard correction, and follow-up actions
identified if corrections are not made. Otherwise, even though committees
can become great places to discuss problems, elimination or reduction of
workplace hazards may not take place. Each meeting should end with an
action list of priority items to be addressed, the action to be taken, the date
by which the action will be taken, who is responsible for ensuring that the
action is taken, and an understanding of follow-up actions if timely
corrections are not implemented.
5. Other activities (in addition to meetings) engaged in by joint
committee: What are other activities engaged in by the joint
committee besides meetings?
All of the following activities can enhance a committee’s effectiveness in
identifying and addressing health and safety problems in a workplace:
regular inspections of the workplace,
accident/incident investigations, and