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707 Effective OSH Committee Meetings
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Plan the Next Meeting

Proactive planning ensures the next meeting is well-organized, relevant, and focused on advancing safety goals. Early preparation helps address ongoing issues and emerging concerns efficiently.

  • Set Logistics:
    • Determine the date, time, and location (or virtual platform) for the next meeting, considering members’ availability and workplace schedules.
    • Reserve meeting spaces or technology (e.g., Zoom accounts) in advance.
  • Draft the Agenda:
    • Include follow-up items from the previous meeting, such as progress on action items or unresolved issues.
    • Incorporate new concerns, such as recent incidents, upcoming inspections, or employee feedback.
    • Prioritize topics based on urgency and impact, ensuring time for discussion and decision-making.
  • Coordinate with Members:
    • Consult members to identify key topics or presentations needed, e.g., a training update from the HR representative.
    • Assign roles, such as note-taker or timekeeper, to streamline the meeting.
    • Share a draft agenda in advance to gather input and ensure alignment.

Communicate with Leadership

Keeping leadership informed builds trust, secures support for safety initiatives, and ensures alignment with organizational priorities. Regular updates help escalate issues requiring management intervention.

  • Provide Updates:
    • Share key outcomes from the meeting, such as decisions, action items, or progress on safety goals.
    • Highlight successes, like completed hazard corrections, to demonstrate the committee’s impact.
    • Flag issues needing leadership attention, such as budget approvals or policy changes.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Use concise formats, such as a one-page summary or bullet-point email, to respect leadership’s time.
    • Schedule periodic briefings (e.g., quarterly) to maintain ongoing dialogue.
    • Invite leadership to attend meetings occasionally to observe the committee’s work.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

7-6. Why is it important to limit the scope of a change made by the safety committee?