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TOHSS

How to ... establish an OHS committee

Definition: An OHS Committee is a representative group of employer and employee representatives who meet in a cooperative way to improve systems for managing health and safety in the workplace.

There are four phases to the establishment of an OHS committee:

  • Lay the groundwork
  • Determine OHS Committee membership
  • Form OHS Committee
  • Evaluation
 Lay the groundwork:
  • Step 1: Become familiar with the OHS Act, the OHS Regulation and the Code of Practice: Occupational Health and Safety Consultation.
  • Step 2: Consider whether an OHS Committee is the correct consultative option
  • Step 3: Determine the composition of the workplace
  • Step 4: Identify and communicate with managers on the purpose of the OHS Committee
  • Step 5: Educate employees on the purpose of the OHS Committee.
 Determine OHS Committee membership:
  • Step 1: Determine the number of employer and employee representatives on the OHS Committee.
  • Step 2: Consider inviting contractors to observe the OHS Committee's meetings.
  • Step 3: Consider inviting a trade union delegate to observe and/or address OHS Committee meetings.
  • Step 4: Employees should consider the characteristics of their representatives.
  • Step 5: Explain to employees what is involved in being on an OHS Committee.
  • Step 6: Explain OHS Committee training.
  • Step 7: Appoint and notify employer representatives.
  • Step 8: Decide on an election process for employee representatives.
  • Step 9: Conduct election for employee representatives.
  • Step 10: Inform all employees of the names of the OHS Committee members.
  • Step 11: Ensure OHS Committee members have access to all relevant OHS information.
 Form OHS Committee:
  • Step 1: Conduct OHS Consultation training.
  • Step 2: Convene the first OHS Committee meeting as soon as practicable.
  • Step 3: Elect a chairperson and determine the arrangements for meetings.
  • Step 4: Discuss the role and responsibilities of Committee members and develop an OHS Consultation Statement.
 Evaluation:
  • Step 1: The OHS Committee should periodically evaluate itself.
 Reference:

Code of Practice: Occupational Health and Safety Consultation. WorkCover NSW Calaogue No. 311.