How do We Set up an HSE Committee? Who Should be on the Committee?

Health and Safety Committee (HSC)

A health and safety committee (HSC) is a formal method of consultation that brings together the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and workers to discuss and develop strategies to improve workplace health and safety.

Establishing a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Committee is a proactive step toward creating a safer and healthier workplace. A Workplace Safety Committee ensures that employees feel comfortable raising safety concerns, knowing these concerns will be heard and addressed. An effective committee helps employees contribute to the workplace’s culture of safety, boosting morale and reducing incidents.

Here’s a guide on how to set up an HSE committee and who should be part of it.

Purpose of an HSE Committee

An HSE committee provides a formal platform for the PCBU and workers to engage in regular, structured discussions about health, safety, and environmental matters. This committee can be particularly effective in:

• Consulting Across Work Groups: Facilitating discussions on the same health and safety matters across different work groups or workplaces.

• Multiple PCBUs: Coordinating responsibilities among several PCBUs for the same health and safety issues.

• Reluctant HSRs: Encouraging worker participation in health and safety matters when some workers may be hesitant to take on the role of an HSR but are willing to join a committee.

Membership of the HSE Committee

The composition of the HSE committee is decided jointly by the PCBU and workers. The WHS/OHS Act outlines specific criteria for the number and positions of employee representatives in each jurisdiction. Additionally, the WHS Representative should be a member of the committee.

Key points include:

• Worker Representation: At least half of the committee members must be workers who are not nominated by the PCBU.

• HSR Membership: Any HSRs are automatically members of the HSE committee unless they choose not to participate.

Organisations must comply with legislative requirements when establishing WHS committees.

Functions of an HSE Committee

The HSE committee has several essential functions, which may vary depending on the size and complexity of the workplace. These functions include:

• Collaboration: Facilitating cooperation between the PCBU and workers to identify, develop, and implement health and safety measures.

• Standards and Procedures: Assisting in the development of health and safety standards, rules, and procedures to be followed at the workplace.

• Additional Functions: Performing any other agreed functions as determined by the PCBU and the HSE committee. Contributing to the organisation’s WHS business plan and training programs.

When to Establish an HSE Committee

As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you are required to establish an HSE committee if requested by a health and safety representative (HSR) or by five or more workers. However, you don’t have to wait for a request; you can also take the initiative to set up an HSE committee on your own. Doing so can help you meet your duty to consult under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws and better involve your workers in health and safety decisions.

Steps to Set Up an HSE Committee

1) Initiate the Process:

Decide to establish the HSE committee either in response to a request from workers or on your own initiative.

2) Engage Workers:

Discuss the formation of the committee with your workers and agree on the membership. It is important for all employees to be involved in the election of their representatives on the committee. To achieve this, voting should be accessible to all employees, including shift workers and those with variable hours.

3) Select Members:

Ensure that at least half of the committee members are workers not nominated by the PCBU and include any willing HSRs.

4) Establish Designated Work Groups Wherever Required

The legislation stipulates that in certain cases, such as when organisations have multiple worksites, designated work groups comprising employees from multiple employers can be established in addition to workplace-based groups.

These designated work groups can include:

1. Employees of an employer at one or more workplaces.
2. Employees of one or more other employers at one or more workplaces.
3. The specific composition and details of these designated work groups should be determined through negotiation between each employer and their employees.

If such a work group is established, managers should be informed of its particulars, including the powers of the health and safety representatives in the group, who may or may not be company employees.

5) Define Functions:

Collaboratively determine the specific functions and responsibilities of the committee based on workplace needs.

6) Schedule Meetings:

Set up a regular meeting schedule to ensure ongoing discussions and follow-ups on health and safety matters.

Thus, setting up an HSE committee is a strategic move to enhance workplace health and safety. By involving workers in a structured and regular consultation process, organisations can foster a collaborative environment that prioritises safety and compliance. Establishing an HSE committee not only meets regulatory requirements but also demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce.

For more information and assistance on setting up an HSE Committee, contact our team at 1300 802 163 or e-mail – sales@anitechgroup.com.

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