14/10/2025
THE ROLE OF SAFETY COMMITTEE IN HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
The safety committee, often composed of both management and workers' representatives, is fundamental to ensuring the H&S policy is practical, relevant, and truly embraced by everyone. They act as a direct channel for concerns, suggestions, and real-world experience, helping to draft, implement, and review a policy that works on the ground, not just on paper.
ISO Clause Reference
The involvement of non-managerial workers and their representatives in the development, planning, implementation, evaluation, and action for improvement of the H&S management system is specified in ISO 45001:2018, under clause 5.4: Consultation and participation of workers.📝
The Essential Role of Workers' Representatives 👷♀️
The active participation of workers' representatives is the lifeblood that makes the H&S policy effective. They bring:
Ground-Level Reality: They offer firsthand knowledge of daily tasks, hazards, and the practical feasibility of safety procedures. A policy drafted solely by management might miss critical operational realities.
Commitment and Ownership: When employees feel they had a genuine say in creating the policy, they are far more likely to adhere to it and promote it among their peers. It shifts the perception from "rules imposed on us" to "safety standards we helped create."
Trust and Communication: Their involvement builds trust between management and the workforce, ensuring that safety issues are reported promptly and without fear of reprisal, leading to continuous improvement and a stronger safety culture.
Remember, Health and Safety is everyone's Responsibility 🤝