Many times, safety committee meeting conversations focus on reviewing incidents and near misses, suggested policy implementation, and necessary improvements to the EHS program in place. Remember to add an agenda item focused on sharing success stories related to your EHS program!
Safety committee meeting agendas can become over-packed with to-do list items, leaving very little room to share what has been accomplished in the EHS program. Successful regulatory inspections should be discussed, and highlights of the most successful interactions with the regulator should be shared. A scientist proactively reaching out to safety personnel to request a risk assessment or a review of hazardous materials being proposed for use could be exemplified to encourage others to do the same. A near miss that resulted in implementation of modified work practices which prevented an actual incident or injury from occurring might encourage increased reporting of near misses. Discussing an annual training session that was interactive and resulted in increased compliance with established procedures would remind everyone that training is more than just checking off a box for compliance.
Safety committee meetings should be positive and upbeat. Having a placeholder on the agenda for every meeting to share success stories will help members recognize all of the accomplishments that have been achieved rather than all of the improvements that need to be made.
We should be thankful for the successes we experience with our EHS program, and remember to discuss them during safety committee meetings! Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!