Health And Safety Committee learning object ;Understand the role and functionality of a Health And Safety Committee
WORKPLACE Health And Safety Committee
Technical Assistance Manual
www.dli.state.pa.us
Click on “Workers’ Compensation” icon
Click on “Health & Safety Division
Click on “HandS” System
Click on “Workplace Safety Committee
Technical Assistance Manual”
Learning Objectives
Understand the role and
functionality of a safety committee
Understand basic hazard
detection and inspection methods
Understand (and apply) basic accident
& incident investigation techniques
Gain basic awareness of
how drug & alcohol abuse/addiction impacts the workplace
Program Purpose
• Educate new committee members
• Refresher training for existing members
• Most important:
Help prevent accidents &
illnesses in the workplace!
Hidden
Costs of Accidents
• Total Costs = Direct + Indirect
Expenses
• Direct (insured) = e.g. wage loss,
medical
• Indirect (uninsured, cost to company) =
e.g.
downtime, property damage, morale of injured
worker and others in department, hiring,
training, possible OSHA citations
downtime, property damage, morale of injured
worker and others in department, hiring,
training, possible OSHA citations
Workplace Safety Committees
Role
and
Functionality
Safety Committee Purpose
•
Improve safety & health in the workplace
•
Involve employees in the safety function
•
Generate ideas for improving safety & health
•
Improve employee/management relations
•
Stimulate interest among employees
Health
and safety committee
Safety
Operations and Effective Safety Committee Operations
Safety
& Health Management – The Basics
Also read
these Course
Health
and safety committee
Safety
Operations and Effective Safety Committee Operations
Safety
& Health Management – The Basics
Safety Committee Pitfalls
• Busy supervisors can refer problems
they
should solve themselves to the committee
• Only a small percentage of employees
participate on the committee
participate on the committee
• Timeframe from when problem discovered to
meeting may be lengthy
meeting may be lengthy
Also read
these Course
Safety
Operations and Effective Safety Committee Operations
Safety
& Health Management – The Basics
Safety Committee Pitfalls
• Members may not be qualified to handle
complex
issues and may only address superficial problems
issues and may only address superficial problems
• Recommendations may be expensive or time-
consuming, and as a result may be overlooked
consuming, and as a result may be overlooked
• May create large workloads for the “management
representative” if only identification of hazards
occurs
representative” if only identification of hazards
occurs
Health And Safety Committee Authority
Extent should be determined and
communicated to all employees; e.g.:
ü Empowered and endorsed by top management
ü Acts as a recommending body
ü Investigate accidents/incidents
ü Implement changes
Safety Committee Structure
Single - One workplace, one committee
Centralized – More than one workplace
→ One committee in a central location
with representation for each outlying
workplace location
Multiple - More than one workplace → Separate individual
committees at each workplace
Safety Committee Structure
Committee Member Composition
- Minimum of 2 employer and 2 employee
representatives
-
Number of employer representatives CANNOT
exceed number of employee representatives
exceed number of employee representatives
-
Quorum = ½ Plus 1
Safety Committee Structure
Committee Members
Employer – Authority to do one or more:
Employer – Authority to do one or more:
▪ Select or hire an employee
▪ Remove or terminate an employee
▪ Direct the manner of employee performance
▪ Control the employee
Employee
– Does not possess any authority or
responsibility described for the employer
responsibility described for the employer
A person cannot function as both of the above
Safety Committee Function
• Purpose: to detect hazards and
prevent accidents
& illnesses
& illnesses
• Must have formal (documented) monthly
meetings with Agenda & Minutes:
meetings with Agenda & Minutes:
- Review & update safety training
- Develop safety work practices
- Recommend use of safety
equipment/devices
- Accident/incident report reviews
- Action items from reports &
safety inspections
- Avenue for employee safety-related
issues
Members’ Responsibilities
• Attend meetings
• Notify all employees in your area that
you
are their representative on the committee
are their representative on the committee
Be
watchful for unsafe conditions and acts
and report them
and report them
• Be responsive to people’s concerns; follow up
• Ask employees for safety suggestions and
concerns
concerns
• Discuss safety issues with employees
• Offer solutions not just problems
Management’s Responsibilities
Provide support (time, effort, money)
Resolve
scheduling and personal conflicts
Provide
realistic dates for correcting safety and
health concerns
health concerns
Support
training for committee members
Provide
leadership and direction
• Attend committee meetings
Management’s Responsibilities
• Promote positive effects of committee
activities
on individual basis or at group meetings
on individual basis or at group meetings
• Respond to recommendations in a timely manner
• Promote safety within the organization
Employees’ Responsibilities
Identify safety and health hazards
Report
all unsafe conditions and practices
Make
suggestions for improving workplace
safety
safety
Participate in committee
activities/initiatives
Follow
safe practices/procedures
Cooperate with committee members
Consider becoming a committee member
Committee Chairperson
• Accountable to top management
• Sets the agenda
• Coordinates meetings
• Facilitates meetings
• Ensures agenda is followed
• Ensures everyone is heard
Committee Chairperson
Options:
• Safety person serves as chairperson
• Management and union co-chairs
• Rotating chairperson (yearly; each meeting)
Safety Committee Certification
Can be done online using HandS system
• Initial certification:
- After 6 months of functional
committee
operation
operation
- Within 30-90 days of insurance
policy renewal
-
Submit Form LIBC-372
• Annual re-certification:
- Within 15-90 days of insurance
policy renewal
- Submit Form LIBC-372R
Successful Safety Committees
• Competent -- dedicated
• Support goals and objectives
• Demonstrate team effort
• Develop mutual trust, respect and support
Objectives
Objectives should be: SMART
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-limited
Workplace Safety Committees
Hazard Detection
and
Identification
Hazard Detection & Identification
• The following list shows the main ways
to
identify hazards:
identify hazards:
→ Walkthrough Surveys
→ Inspection Checklists
→ Past Records
→ Accident Investigations
→ Consultation
→ Documentation
Risk vs. Hazard
Risk: The measure of the probability and severity
of an adverse effect caused by a hazard
Hazard: What causes the risk; administrative
or physical (causes or has the potential to cause a loss)
Purpose of Safety
Inspections
• Identify potential hazards so they are
corrected before an injury occurs
• Implement or improve safety
programs
programs
• Increase safety awareness
• Display concern for workers’ safety
• Communicate safety standards of
performance
Inspection vs. Audit
Are you INSPECTING or AUDITING?
Safety Inspections examine
physical facilities – looking for unsafe conditions, unsafe acts, housekeeping
issues, etc.
Safety Audits examine
procedures & policies
Hazard Detection &
Inspection
• What is a hazard?
• What should I look for?
• What standards do I reference?
• How do I perform the inspection?
• How do I document the inspection?
o Also Read These Programs
What is a Hazard?
An act or a condition in the workplace
that has
the potential to cause injury,
illness, or death to
a person and/or damage to company
property, equipment and materials
What to Look for
High Hazard Areas: Equipment and operations
that involve energy transfer including:
chemical, mechanical, pneumatic, physical, electrical, gravitational, etc. (Unsafe
Conditions)
Procedures and behaviors, including: Use of protective equipment, safe
operating speeds, following proper procedures, horseplay,
inattentive behavior, etc. (Unsafe
Acts)
Standards to Reference
• OSHA
- Federal Regulations (29 CFR 1910)
-
Available at www.osha.gov
-
PA Department of Labor & Industry
– www.dli.state.pa.us
• PA Department of Environmental Protection
– www.depweb.state.pa.us
• Other technical standards
(NFPA, ANSI, ASTM, ASME, etc.) – get
help if necessary!
How to Conduct an
Inspection:
• Observe processes, equipment and work
locations for unsafe conditions
locations for unsafe conditions
• Obtain comments and suggestions from
employees
employees
• Review records such as training, Safety
Data Sheets, Accident Reports, etc.
Data Sheets, Accident Reports, etc.
• Formulate recommendations
• Report findings to management
• Follow-up for implementation
Any Problems Here?
Chemical storage underneath cabinet
Not all chemicals properly labeled
Are chemicals compatible?
No lip on shelf
What About Here?
Fire door held open by fire extinguisher
Location of extinguisher could be
trip & fall hazard
Is This Okay?
No shoring in trench
Working below unstable rock
Unstable soil in trench
What About This?
Storage
next to hot water heater
Combustible
storage in “mechanical room”
Unsafe
storage – could fall on somebody
Any Issues Here?
Cord across walkway – trip & fall
hazard
Door possibly closes on cord – damage
to cord
What About Here?
Exit blocked/obstructed
Exit access/aisle blocked/obstructed
Storage creates trip & fall hazard
Access to fire extinguisher blocked
Do You See Any Problems?
Electrical cord frayed, insulation
missing
How to Document the
Inspection
In Writing, In Writing, In Writing!
Email……
• Checklists………
• Memoranda………
• Written inspection reports………
Safety Inspection Checklist
Workplace Safety Committees
• Accident/Incident Investigation and
• Reporting
Incident Investigation &
Reporting
What is an accident?
• What are the causes of an accident?
• How do I investigate an accident?
• What should I put in my report?
• What’s next?
Incident Investigation &
Reporting
What is an accident?
An
uncontrolled and/or unplanned release of energy
that causes or contributes to illness, injury,
death and/or damage to property, equipment
or materials.
All accidents have a cause and effect!
What are the causes of an accident?
There are two basic causes of
accidents:
Unsafe Acts
and
Unsafe Conditions
Unsafe Acts vs. Unsafe
Conditions
• Behaviors
- Account for
the vast
majority of injuries
• Won’t
• Encourage & Enforce
|
•
Environment
– Represent only
a small fraction of injuries
•
Can’t
•
Recognize & Remedy
|
Unsafe Acts - Unsafe
Conditions
• Inadequate
Ventilation
• Failure to Warn
• Defective
Tools, Equipment or Materials
• Inadequate
Guards
• Horseplay
• Using Defective
Equipment
|
•
Operating at Improper Speed
•
Congested Area
•
Noise Exposure
•
Improper Lifting
•
Inadequate PPE
|
Unsafe Acts - Unsafe
Conditions
• Temperature
Extremes
• Influence of
Drugs or Alcohol
• Fire/Explosion
Hazard
• Operating
Without Authority
• Poor
Illumination
|
•
Improper Loading
•
Inadequate Warning System
•
Failure to Secure
•
Removing Safety Devices
•
File Drawer Left Open
|
Unsafe Act or Unsafe
Condition?
Act: No guarding on scaffold; unsafe set-up for scaffold; no PPE
Condition: Items stored in exit access,
obstructs exit width
Unsafe Act or Unsafe Condition?
Act: Unsafe ladder set-up; no PPE
Unsafe Act or Unsafe
Condition?
Condition:
Excessive sawdust on floor
No guard on blade
Unsafe Act or Unsafe
Condition?
Act: Unsafe set-up; individual in unsafe position
Unsafe Act or Unsafe
Condition?
Condition:
Exposed wires
Unsafe Act or Unsafe
Condition?
Act;
Man standing on moveable stairs being
raised by forklift
Accident/Incident
Investigation
•
Review
all reported incidents causing injury, damage or a “near miss”
•
What
happened?
•
Identify
the root cause
•
Recommend
corrective measures
Who Should Do the
Investigation?
• First Line Supervisor
• Safety Committee
• Safety Director/Safety Person
• All of the above
• A combination of the above
Incident Investigation &
Reporting
HOW DO I INVESTIGATE AN ACCIDENT/INCIDENT?
1. Call for first aid/emergency
response
2. Secure the scene
3. Photograph the scene
4. Interview witnesses
5. Collect physical evidence
Investigation “Go Bag”
Some suggestions:
ü Camera
ü Flashligaht
ü Tape Measure
ü Surgical Gloves
ü Necessary PPE
ü Note Pad/Tablet
ü “Sticky Notes”
ü Pens
Goal
of the Investigation
Is NOT
to:
• Exonerate individuals or management
• Satisfy insurance requirements
• Defend a position for legal argument
• Assign blame
Remember, fact-finding
not fault-finding
Interviewing
Victims & Witnesses
• Interview
as soon as possible after the incident
• Do not interrupt medical care to interview
• Interview each person separately
• Do not allow witnesses to confer prior to
interview
The
Interview
•
Put the person at ease
•
People may be reluctant to discuss the incident
particularly if they think someone will get in trouble
•
Reassure them that this is a fact finding process only
•
Remind them these facts will be used to prevent a recurrence of the incident
•
Take notes!
•
Do not make suggestions:
•
If the person is stumbling over a word or concept, do
not help them out
•
Ask open ended questions:
•
What did you see?
•
What happened?
•
Summarize what you have been told
•
Correct misunderstandings of the events between you
and the witness
•
Ask the witness/victim for recommendations to prevent recurrence
•
These individuals will often have the best solution to
the problem
Incident Investigation
& Reporting
WHAT SHOULD
I PUT IN MY REPORT?
1. All the
facts, statements, documents, photos, etc. that were obtained during the
investigation
2. Remember,
no opinions (e.g. “I think that, I believe that”…)
3. Analysis of
the cause
4. Corrective
actions
Corrective Action
• “Told to be
more careful”
• “Explained
safety rule on lifting”
• “Instructed
employee to read Safety Data
Sheet (SDS)”
• “Had
co-worker review proper procedures”
ARE THESE EFFECTIVE
MEANS OF CORRECTIVE ACTION? WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Hint: Not
really! These actions do not really correct
anything.
Good Corrective Action
•
“Met with employee to discuss accident and reviewed
proper procedures and then...”
•
“Observed employee perform the procedure”
•
“Showed employee SDS, reviewed how to interpret and
how to use PPE appropriately”
•
“Checked for understanding”
• “Plan to
discuss with all employees in
department at next meeting”
Incident Investigation
& Reporting
What’s
next?
Follow-up!
Follow-up!
Follow-up!
Ensure that corrective actions are being
implemented
Incident
Investigation - Summary
•
Accident & Incident Investigations
– First Aid
& Emergency Response
– Secure
Scene
– Photograph/Document
Scene
– Interviews/Statements
– Review
Records
– Prepare a
Report:
•
Include Causes & Effects
•
Include Corrective Actions
– Follow-up!
Root Cause(s)
The cause
of a problem which, if adequately addressed, will prevent
a
recurrence of that problem
The
Unseen Reality
Think PA’s
workplaces are drug free? Think again.
• 75% of drug
users are employed
• Almost one
in ten employees has a substance abuse
problem
• 24% of
workers admit to drinking during the workday at least once in the past year
• 15% of U.S.
workers report using alcohol or being impaired on the job in the past year
The Cost of Substance
Abuse
• Increased
Health Care Costs
• Increased
Workers’ Compensation Premiums
• Increased
Workplace Violence
Substance Abuse
• Individuals
who abuse drugs or alcohol are three and
a half times more likely to be
involved in a workplace
accident compared to individuals who do not abuse
drugs
or alcohol
• 47% of
industrial injuries are directly related to alcohol abuse or alcoholism
Reasons for Not
Implementing ESAAPs
•
Substance abuse is not a problem
•
Insufficient time to develop & maintain a policy
•
The policy would be too costly
•
Too much uncertainty about liability
•
Lack of information
REALITY =
Incentive
to Implement ESAAPs
•
Only 1 out of every 5 Pennsylvania employers plans to
address substance abuse in the workplace
•
The number increased to 2 out of every 3 when workers’
compensation premium discounts were mentioned*
*While PA presently has no
provisions for granting financial consideration for implementing an ESAAP, this
may be legislatively addressed in the future
ESAAP
is an Effective Solution
• Southern
Pacific Railroad reported that accidents dropped by 71% after they implemented
an ESAAP
• One
electric supply company documented a 39% decrease in absenteeism after
implementation of an ESAAP
Substance Abuse
When someone has an addiction or
abuses alcohol and other drugs it affects themselves as well as other people around them:
•
Emotionally
•
Behaviorally
•
Physically
Emotional Effects
• Aggression
• Burnout
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Denial
Aslo Read These Programs
Behavioral Effects
§ Slow
reaction time
§ Impaired
coordination
§ Slowed or
slurred speech
§ Irritability
§ Excessive
talking
§ Inability
to sit still
§ Limited
attention span
§ Poor
motivation or lack of energy
Physical Effects
Common performance problems mayinclude:
l Poor attendance
- Tardiness
- Unexplained absences
- Long lunches
l Co-workers or customer complaints
l Mistakes
l Missed deadlines
Drugs of Abuse
•
Alcohol
•
Marijuana
•
Inhalants
•
Stimulants
•
Depressants
•
Narcotics
•
Hallucinogens
•
Designer Drugs
•
Over-the-counter
(OTC)
Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Accomplishes
two major things:
1. Sends a clear message that use of
alcohol and drugs in the workplace
alcohol and drugs in the workplace
is prohibited
2. Encourages employees who have problems with alcohol and otherdrugs to
voluntarily seek help
Elements
of ESAAP’s
A
Safer, Drug-Free Workplace
•
Recognize the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on the
workplace
•
Understand and follow the Drug-Free Workplace Policy
•
Know the types of assistance available
•
Visit www.samhsa.gov, the website for the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), maintained
by the US Department of Health and Human Services
Additional Resources
To assist
you in your program development, you can
contact us
for your own PowerPoint copy of:
1. “Drug &
Alcohol Awareness-Employee” and
2. “Drug &
Alcohol Awareness-Supervisor”
PATHS
PA Training
for Health and Safety
PATHS is a “no
fee” state-wide service providing Pennsylvania employers and employees with
coordinated Health and Safety resources through easy access and affordability
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