A workplace health and safety committee is a company’s way to work with employees on safety matters, and is important for many large businesses. The role of WHS committee members is to create health and safety standards within the company, including rules and procedures for risk management. The committee will also facilitate those measures being put in place across the board through measures such as WHS training. 

So at what point should a business establish a WHS committee? 
 

Do you need to consult?

Consultation with workers about work and safety matters is a requirement of the WHS Act, however, it can be undertaken in a range of ways. It does not need to be a formal process, but it may be convenient and effective to undertake consultation through health and safety representatives, health and safety committees or both.

The WHS Act does not require the establishment of these consultation mechanisms unless workers ask for them.  

Part 5, Div 4 of the WHS Act sets out requirements relating to the health and safety committee: A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must establish a health and safety committee for the business or undertaking (or a part of it) within two months of being requested to do so by a health and safety representative or by five or more workers at the workplace, or if required by regulation to do so. The PCBU may establish an HSC of their own accord, without any request being made. 

For more information, read “Safety committees” SafeWork NSW.