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Insights on the laboratory safety committee

Lab Safety Advisor, February 13, 2007

A safety committee is a key component in making the laboratory a safe place in which to work. The safety committee won't survive, however, without management support that encourages employees to become involved and follow through on committee recommendations.

The chair of the committee can rotate among the group with another member serving as the recorder of the minutes. Ground rules for meetings should include:

• Keep the discussion to safety topics
• Listen to input from all committee members
• Follow a written agenda
• Start and finish the meeting on time
• Welcome new members on the committee
• Take accurate notes and write a summary of key points discussed during the meeting for members who may be unable to attend

Employees should be encouraged to interact with members of the committee and report hazards and unsafe work practices. The committee should focus on identifying hazards and unsafe working conditions that may lead to injuries. There should be a mechanism for reporting to management and follow up with employees.

Procedures for investigating accidents should be established. The committee should review accident reports as part of their ongoing agenda and determine how to avoid similar situations in the future.

The safety committee should meet at least once a year specifically to identify achievements, review activities, and set the agenda for the next 12 months.

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