Committee functions

Health and Safety Committees have a number of functions.

1. Encourage co-operation between management and workers.
2. Help resolve health, safety and welfare issues that arise at the workplace.
3. Develop, review and distribute health, safety and welfare policies, practices and procedures for the workplace.
4. Consult workers on any proposed changes to the workplace or any policies, practices or procedures that could affect the health, safety or welfare of workers.
5. Review developments in the field of rehabilitation and the employment of workers who have some form of disability.
6. Help workers who have suffered from work-related injury or illness to return to work.

It is important committees develop terms of reference to prevent disputes over the purpose, composition and operation of the committee.