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Essay / Occupational Health and Safety
Table of ContentsIntroductionSelecting MembersSelection of Co-ChairsIntroductionIn Manitoba, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the Act), employers, supervisors and workers all have a duty to help ensure workplace safety. It is obvious that everyone in the workplace is responsible for safety and health. However, those with higher authority, such as employers and supervisors, have greater responsibility because they have more power to control what happens in the workplace. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay According to Manitoba legislation, a safety and health committee is required in all workplaces with 20* or more workers. In addition, a worker representative must be designated if an establishment has between 5 and 19* workers. The only exception to the above requirements is that a committee is not required if the project/seasonal work is expected to last 90 days or less. Otherwise, the employer/main contractor must establish a committee for the project or seasonal work. Choose the members As I have already mentioned, a safety and health committee is required in all workplaces where 20* or more workers work. In the Occupational Safety and Health Act, it is stated that each committee must have a minimum of 4 members, but no more than 12 members. The employer/owner must discuss with the union(s) to decide the exact number of committee members, or if there is no union, then they can discuss directly with the workers themselves. It is also clearly stated in the law that the number of members representing management known as “employer members” must not exceed that representing workers. There should always be more committee members on the worker side who do not represent management. The worker members of the committee are either appointed by the union, or if there is no union, they must be elected directly by the workers. Any dispute regarding the committee process may be referred to a WSH Safety and Health Officer. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Selecting Co-Chairs Each committee must have two co-chairs. An employer co-president is chosen by the employer members of the committee and the worker co-president is chosen by the worker members. Mandate Committee members are elected for a mandate of two years (or for a period fixed in the union statutes). Members may continue to hold office until reappointed or re-elected, or until a replacement is appointed or elected. How are worker representatives chosen? Worker representatives are chosen in the same way as committee members. They must be appointed in accordance with the union statutes. If there is no union, they must be elected by the workers they represent.