Establishing Ground Rules
Ground rules tell safety committee members about the procedures and behaviors that are acceptable and those that are not.
Ground rules must be developed by the members so that they "own" the rules. Ground rules should be written and clearly understood by all members.
You may want to write the ground rules along with the safety committee agenda. Members can review the ground rules as they prepare for the meeting. Below are two basic types of ground rules.
- Procedural ground rules: These ground rules establish proper procedures for conducting the meeting.
- Timelines for the length of the meeting.
- Timelines for individual presentations.
- Meeting will start and end on time.
- The flow of business will follow the agenda.
- Focus on meeting safety-related agenda items only.
- Every member has an opportunity to speak.
- Decisions will be based on consensus agreement.
- One person, one vote.
- Behavioral ground rules: These ground rules guide behaviors of individual members during the meeting.
- Arrive on time.
- Don't interrupt while another person is speaking.
- Raise your hand to be recognized.
- Don't make negative comments about another person or their ideas.
- Focus on what you think does or does not work and give reasons.
- Ask questions. There are no stupid questions.
Old Business
Start by reviewing any old business from the last meeting. Warning, don't let old business build up, as it will send the message that the safety committee is a "do nothing" group. Don't get in the habit of "revisiting" too much.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-6. "Do not interrupt while another member is speaking," is an example of a _____.
You forgot to answer the question!