Workplace Safety and Health Committees and representatives play a major role in creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. It consists of worker and management representatives who meet regularly to discuss safety and health issues. By bringing workers and management together, committees enhance the workplace’s ability to resolve safety matters co-operatively and effectively. This makes the committee a key component to the internal responsibility system, ensuring everyone shares a responsibility for safety in the workplace.

The Workplace Safety and Health Committee helps with:

• Preventing workplace injuries

• Identifying dangerous situations

• Promoting safety and health discussions

• Encouraging regular inspections

• Enhancing safety culture

Section 40(1) of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act outlines the requirements of all employers with 20 or more regularly employed workers to establish a committee. Section 40 also outlines the committee’s duties and responsibilities, while Part 3 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation provides additional details on how committees are formed and how they function.

The checklist below may be used as a guide to ensure your committee is meeting its legislated requirements and is working effectively. The checklist may also be used to:

• Fulfill mandated duties (e.g., quorum, inspections, investigations)

• Plan and prepare for upcoming meetings

• Onboard new committee members

• Annually evaluate committee effectiveness and identify areas for improvement

Regularly reviewing this checklist can help your committee stay organized, consistent, and proactive in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Download the checklist here:

Workplace Safety and Health Committee Checklist

If your workplace needs support with building or improving your Safety and Health Committee, reach out to MASH at hello@mashmb.ca for training, resources, and guidance.

References

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act, Section 40

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Part 3