707 Effective OSH Committee Meetings

More on Ground Rules

Ground rules are essential for running effective and productive meetings. They set clear expectations for how participants should conduct themselves, both in terms of behavior and meeting procedures.

Typically ground rules address procedural and behavioral do's and don'ts.

Without ground rules, meetings can easily become disorganized, off-topic, or dominated by only a few voices. When everyone understands and agrees to a common set of expectations, it helps foster respect, efficiency, and open communication.

Typically, ground rules focus on the do's and don'ts of both procedure and behavior. They guide how meetings should flow and how participants should interact with one another. Whether you are leading a safety committee meeting or a project planning session, well-established ground rules contribute to a positive and productive environment.

Procedural Ground Rules

These rules outline the structure and flow of the meeting. They ensure that everyone’s time is respected and that the meeting achieves its objectives. Common procedural ground rules include:

• Time lines for the length of the meeting.
• Time lines 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.

Behavioral Ground Rules

Behavioral ground rules define what kinds of behavior are expected and what is not acceptable. These rules promote a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing. Examples include:

• 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 works or does not work, and why.
• Ask questions. There are no stupid questions.

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