Characteristics of an Effective Safety Committee Meeting
Clear Communication Skills
Does the safety chairperson use all mediums effectively to communicate the meeting's details before, during, and after it occurs? Agendas, handouts, videos, guests, and ground rules can clearly communicate the message to members.
Member Commitment is Necessary
If the meeting is interesting, communication is clear, and if effective consequences are designed into the safety system, members will consistently attend. During the meeting, members actively participate.
Voluntary Involvement
Participation in meetings is voluntary and encouraged. Members should attend because they want to, not because they have to. Mandatory participation leads to ineffective safety committees.
Delegate Responsibilities and Duties
We know the safety committee chair can't do it all. Everyone must be involved in the meeting process. Active involvement will only happen if responsibilities are delegated to members.
Member Input and Interaction Promoted
A successful meeting invites everyone to participate. Interaction is expected; however, ground rules establish appropriate and inappropriate interaction. The most effective safety committee chairs tap into the creativity of each member.
Members Trained
The safety committee is a great training ground for "management wannabes." Some companies consider the safety committee a "management apprentice program" for prospective supervisors and managers.
As we learned in other modules, in addition to hazard identification and accident investigation, safety committee members will benefit from other topics as well. These include meeting management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and group communications.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-3. Which describes a safety committee that is likely going to be ineffective?
You forgot to answer the question!