WHAT IS OSH?
OSH is an acronym for the Occupational Safety and Health committee.
Who are we?
OSH is an active joint committee made up of labour and management representatives, the numbers of each type of representative are equal. Do we still meet if numbers are not equal – absolutely – we would not have a quorum and would be unable to make any binding decisions but follow our agenda and review all reports as needed.
When do we meet?
Monthly - the 3rd Wednesday of each month, head office at 1:15pm precisely.
What do we do?
We follow a set agenda, review all WorkSafe BC claims, review accident and incident investigations, and follow up on unsafe practices, make recommendations as needed.
Why do we meet?
Our focus and energy is on improving employee safety in the workplace – working collaboratively with senior support workers, supervisors, team leaders and directors – by identifying and reducing workplace hazards.
Why would you be invited to an OSH meeting?
Senior support workers, supervisors and team leaders are invited on a rotational basis to the monthly OSH meetings, you are provided with an opportunity to actively participate in the meeting, provide input and comments and review all reports, we hope this will provide all employees with a better understanding of the committee and its work.
Why are you hearing about OSH now?
MAPCL has had an active safety and health committee for many years; we are trying to raise the profile of the committee, its work and how it plays an important role in creating a safe and healthy work environment at MAPCL. To achieve this, the Occupational Safety and Health Committee will work to ensure all employees of the MAPCL community are knowledgeable of the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Program.
How can you get in touch with OSH?
There are many ways you can correspond with the OSH committee – we have an internal mailbox at head office – drop us a note; there is a link to on the Employee Resource section of the MAPCL website, or you can send correspondence via the Key Safety Representative at your program.
The faces of OSH
You can find the names, pictures and program locations of your friendly OSH representatives on the employee resource section of the MAPCL website. On the website you will also find minutes of all the OSH meetings.
The road ahead
What does the coming year look like for OSH? We will continue to share information about the OSH committee and its work via the MAPCL newsletter – look for articles on a quarterly basis as well as contests to win gift cards and other goodies. We will also be conducting program safety inspections throughout the 2009 calendar year.
Submitted by the OSH Committee.
