Topic > Workplace Health and Safety

IndexIntroductionChoose MembersSelection of Co-ChairsIntroductionIn Manitoba, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the Act), employers, supervisors and workers all have a duty to help keep the workplace safe. It goes without saying that everyone in the workplace is responsible for safety and health. However, those with higher authority, such as employers and supervisors, have more 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Under Manitoba legislation, a safety and health committee is required in all workplaces that have 20* or more workers. Furthermore, if workplaces have between 5 and 19* workers, a workers' representative must be designated. The only exception to the above requirements is that a committee is not required if the job/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 said, the safety and health committee is necessary in all workplaces where 20* or more workers work. The Health and Safety at Work Act states that each committee must have a minimum of 4, but no more than 12 members. The employer/owner must speak to the union(s) to decide on the exact number of committee members, or, if there is no union, they can discuss directly with the workers themselves. The act also clearly indicates that the number of members representing the management called "employer members" must not exceed the number of those representing the workers. There should be more and more committee members from workers who do not represent management. The worker members of the committee are appointed by the union. If there is no union, they must be elected directly by the workers. Any disputes regarding the committee process may be referred to a WSH Health and Safety Officer. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssaySelecting Co-ChairsEach committee must have two co-chairs. A management co-chair is chosen by the employer members in the committee and the worker co-chair is chosen by the worker members. Duration of mandate Committee members are elected for a two-year mandate (or for the duration established in the union's constitution). Members may serve until renominated or re-elected, or until a replacement is nominated or elected. How are workers' representatives chosen? Workers' representatives are chosen in the same way as committee members. They must be appointed in accordance with the union's statute. If there is no union, they must be elected by the workers they represent.