The Role of Safety and Health Committees in Ensuring Workplace Safety Compliance

Workplace safety is not just the responsibility of the management; it requires collaboration between employers and employees. One of the most effective ways to ensure safety compliance is through the formation of Safety and Health Committees (SHC) in the workplace. In Malaysia, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) mandates the establishment of these committees in workplaces with more than 40 employees.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of Safety and Health Committees in promoting safety compliance, how they operate, and the benefits of having an active SHC in your company.

What is a Safety and Health Committee?

A Safety and Health Committee (SHC) is a team consisting of representatives from both the management and employee sides, working together to ensure a safe working environment. Their primary responsibilities include identifying workplace hazards, proposing safety improvements, and ensuring that safety measures are effectively communicated to all employees.In Malaysia, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994) mandates that workplaces with 40 or more employees must establish a SHC. The committee should consist of at least four members, with representation from both management and employees.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Safety and Health Committee

The main objective of an SHC is to foster collaboration between management and employees in maintaining a safe workplace. Here’s how they contribute to safety compliance:

1. Identify and Assess Workplace Hazards

The SHC is responsible for conducting regular workplace inspections to identify potential hazards. These inspections cover various aspects, such as machinery safety, chemical handling, ergonomics, and fire hazards. By identifying risks early, the SHC can recommend corrective actions to prevent accidents. For example, if employees are exposed to high noise levels, the SHC may propose implementing noise control measures, such as providing ear protection and conducting audiometric testing.

2. Develop and Recommend Safety Policies

SHCs play a crucial role in developing safety policies tailored to the specific risks of their workplace. These policies may include guidelines for:

• The safe operation of machinery and equipment.
• Chemical handling and storage.
• Emergency evacuation procedures.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage.

By involving both management and employees, the SHC ensures that safety policies are practical, effective, and understood by everyone in the workplace.

3. Promote Safety Awareness and Training

One of the key roles of the SHC is to promote safety awareness among employees. This includes organizing safety training sessions, distributing informational materials, and encouraging open discussions about workplace safety. SHCs also ensure that employees are properly trained on new safety procedures or when new equipment is introduced. Training topics might include the safe use of hazardous chemicals, proper lifting techniques to avoid ergonomic injuries, or the operation of fire extinguishers during emergency drills.

4. Investigate Workplace Accidents

In the event of a workplace accident, the SHC conducts investigations to determine the root cause. These investigations are not about assigning blame but about identifying any safety lapses or areas for improvement. Based on their findings, the SHC can recommend new safety measures or changes to existing policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. For example, if an accident occurs due to improper machine guarding, the SHC might suggest installing more protective barriers and conducting additional employee training on machine safety.

5. Ensure Compliance with DOSH Regulations

SHCs help businesses stay compliant with DOSH regulations by ensuring that all safety policies and procedures align with the requirements set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. They also keep track of any updates or changes to DOSH regulations and make sure the workplace remains compliant. For example, the SHC might review the company’s compliance with the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 or the Use and Standards of Exposure to Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulations (USECHH 2000), ensuring that machinery is regularly inspected, chemicals are safely handled, and workers are protected from harmful exposure.

How to Establish an Effective Safety and Health Committee

Forming a SHC is more than just fulfilling a regulatory requirement—it’s about creating an active, engaged team that champions workplace safety. Here are the key steps to establishing an effective SHC:

1. Select the Right Members

When forming a SHC, it’s essential to select representatives who are committed to safety. The team should include members from different departments or areas of the workplace to ensure that all potential risks are considered. The committee should have a balanced mix of management representatives and employees who are familiar with day-to-day operations.

2. Set Clear Objectives

The SHC should have a clear mission and set specific objectives, such as reducing workplace accidents, improving compliance with DOSH regulations, or increasing employee participation in safety programs. By setting measurable goals, the SHC can track its progress and make meaningful improvements.

3. Schedule Regular Meetings

The SHC should meet regularly to review workplace safety issues, discuss potential hazards, and propose new safety measures. Regular meetings ensure that safety remains a priority and that the committee stays proactive in addressing risks.

4. Conduct Workplace Inspections

Routine workplace inspections are a key responsibility of the SHC. These inspections allow the committee to identify hazards, evaluate the effectiveness of current safety measures, and recommend improvements. The findings from these inspections should be documented and followed up on to ensure that corrective actions are taken.

5. Foster Open Communication

An effective SHC encourages open communication between employees and management. Employees should feel comfortable reporting safety concerns or hazards without fear of retaliation. The committee should also provide regular feedback to management on safety improvements and follow up on any unresolved issues.

Benefits of Having an Active Safety and Health Committee

Having an active SHC benefits both the employer and the employees by creating a safer, more compliant workplace. Here are some key advantages:

• Reduced Workplace Accidents: By identifying and addressing hazards early, the SHC helps to prevent accidents and injuries, leading to a safer work environment.
• Improved Compliance with DOSH: The SHC ensures that the company complies with DOSH regulations, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.
• Increased Employee Engagement: Employees are more likely to take safety seriously when they see that their concerns are being addressed by the SHC. This creates a culture of safety and accountability.
• Cost Savings: Fewer workplace accidents mean lower costs related to medical expenses, compensation claims, and lost productivity. Investing in safety ultimately saves money in the long run.

Conclusion

Safety and Health Committees play a vital role in promoting workplace safety and ensuring compliance with DOSH regulations. By working together, management and employees can create a safer work environment where everyone is protected from potential hazards. Whether you’re forming a new SHC or looking to improve an existing one, fostering a proactive safety culture should always be a priority.