Site-Based Health & Safety Committees - Surrey Teachers Association

The Workers’ Compensation Act and Regulations, School Board Policy, and the Collective Agreement require that each district worksite have a Health and Safety Committee. These committees must include members of the STA, the CUPE, and the administration.

Where should the committee representation come from?

a) There should be no fewer than four regular members employed at the operation and experienced in the types of work carried on at the operation.

b) Membership should be chosen by and represent the workers and the employer. At least half the members must be worker representatives.

Committee Size

Number of employees
Number of departments
Number of places of employment
Number of unions or worker groups
Need to represent different shifts

The committee needs to be able to handle the needs of the organization and diversity of the work.

Description of what this Volunteer Job Entails

STA Policy regarding site-based Health and Safety committee members:

That site-based Health and Safety committee members be elected at a union meeting by the middle of September.
That site-based Health and Safety committee members attend training sessions.
That site-based Health and Safety committee members ensure the membership is well represented by adhering to the duties and functions of the joint committee as stated in the Workers Compensation Act:

A joint committee has the following duties and functions in relation to its workplace:

to identify situations that may be unhealthy or unsafe for workers and advise on effective systems for responding to these situations
to consider and expeditiously deal with complaints relating to the health and safety of workers;
to consult with workers and the employer on issues related to occupational health and safety and occupational environment;
to make recommendations to the employer and the workers for the improvement of the occupational health and safety and occupational environment of workers;
to make recommendations to the employer on educational programs promoting the health and safety of workers and compliance with this Part and the regulations and to monitor their effectiveness;
to advise the employer on proposed changes to the workplace and to monitor their effectiveness;
to advise the employer on proposed changes to the workplace or the work processes that may affect the health or safety of workers;
to ensure that accident investigations and regular inspections are carried out as required by this Part and the regulations;
to participate in inspections;
investigations and inquiries as provided in this Part and the regulations;
to carry out any other duties and functions prescribed by regulation.

For more information on school/site based committees including training, committee goals, and how to make recommendations, click here.

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