Dear Friends,
Point 1
Sec.21 to 41 of the factories Act,1948 explains the safety provisions to be taken care by the organisations.
Further regarding forming the Safety Committee , the Act explain under Sec. 41-G as “ The occupier shall ,in every factory, where a hazardous process ( as explained under Sec.2cb) takes place or where hazardous substance are used or handled, set up a Safety Committee consisting of equal number of representatives of workers and management to promote co-operation between the workers and the management in maintaining proper safety and health at work and to review measures taken in that behalf.
As we know that every plant requires manpower, tools and machinery to work with. Even though it is not mandatory for every factory to form Safety Committees. But it is in the interest of the organization and the employees to form such committees to maintain health and safety conditions and overall morale of the employees .
It should be the moral responsibility of the employer to provide safe and accident free environment in the organization.
Point 2
Regarding the safety meeting agenda and points , all points may be discussed which affects the safety and health of the employees. Any member may raise the point or give his/her idea in the meeting. The following are the some of the points but not limited to :
1 Increase safety awareness
2 Build enthusiasm for safety programs
3 Reduce and prevent injuries
4 Regulatory compliance
5 Emergency planning
6 Training
7 Ergonomics
8 Safety surveys
9 Job hazard analysis
10 Accident investigation reviews
11 Employee safety promotion
12 Reduces accidents and lost work time
13 Positively impacts a safety program.
14 Touches all levels of the organization
15 Liaison between Safety agencies
16 Promotes staff involvement at all levels
17 Creates a safer work environment.
18 Increases productivity
19 Improves communication.
20 Increases safety awareness.
21 Enhances employee morale.
Point 3
In spite of our best efforts we have experience that we may not get intended results. The following may be some hindering points:
1 Lack of support from the top management
2 Wrong selection of the committee members
3 Lack of Leadership to hold Safety meetings
4 Lack of Teamwork.
5 Lack of proper Follow-up because of financial and non financial resources
6 Lack of Focus on specific issues
7 Non rotation of the members
8 Change of management priorities
9 Any other reason
The members must voluntary participate in the committees for the noble cause. The Top Management must also support the employees to hold the safety meetings and get the desired results by financial and non-financial support system.
Regards
RB