Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 3:HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTFOR WORKER HS&E REPRESENTATIVESBenefits of ajoint HS&EcommitteeWho shouldsit on theCommittee?A committee that encourages discussion between worker HS&Erepresentatives/workers and management on health, safety and theenvironment can be very helpful. But the measure of a goodunion/worker-management health and safety committee is whether or notit can secure change and improvements in working conditions. Acommittee that does not make decisions, or where the same items appearagain and again on the agenda is not helpful.Some of the key points you may have discussed are in the checklist. Addother important points that you have thought of.Checklist At least equal representation of worker HS&E representatives and management Management representatives that have the authority to make decisions andspend money The use of agreed specialists on health, safety and environment Worker HS&E representatives elected and accountable, to report back to otherunion representatives and members The role of the chairperson should be rotatedThe functionsof theCommitteeThe decision making process should be jointly agreed when the committeeis being established. The functions of the Committee will include: investigating injury and ill health reports, and relevant trends receiving reports of inspections developing risk assessment proceduresdetermining the type of occupational health and safety services that areprovidedreviewing information, training and communication with workersdeveloping new policies and safe systems of workingdeveloping environmental policieschecking on the implementation of CBA’sdiscussing work changes, new plans for buildings, equipment andprocessesmonitoring and follow-up77 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers