An Occupational Health Committee is intended to facilitate cooperative involvement between employees and management and allows workers to participate in decisions about health and safety practices in their workplace. The committee aims to combine workers' in-depth, practical knowledge of specific jobs and management's larger overview of job interrelationships, general company policies and procedures.

Committee members are responsible for (see the Act, section 19):

• participating in the control of workplace health and safety hazards in the workplace; 
• investigating work refusals; and,
• dealing with worker concerns about workplace health and safety.

An employer must consult and cooperate with the committee and take suitable action to deal with all health and safety concerns the committee identifies. While the committee can identify problems and suggest solutions, the final responsibility for decisions about health and safety procedures rests with the employer.

An OHS committee needs a good structure, a clear understanding of purpose and duties and standard procedures for meetings to work properly and effectively. Committee members should be active participants in the development, implementation and monitoring of all phases of the employer's health and safety activities. The employer must ensure the committee co-chairpersons are trained in the duties and functions of the committee. (See Regulation 46).

Committee training is available at no charge from our Occupational Health and Safety Division (see OHS Training Courses below) and other agencies approved by the division to deliver training.

If you have questions or require assistance, please contact:

Occupational Health and Safety Division
Head Office
6th Floor, 1870 Albert Street
Regina SK  S4P 4W1

Toll Free: 1.800.567.7233
Tel: 306.787.4496 (Regina) 
Fax: 306.787.2208

District Offices