JAFO Health and Safety Committee Training helps committee members turn meetings into a practical system for consultation, recommendations and follow-up. The programme explains statutory foundations while focusing on agendas, evidence, decisions and corrective actions that improve workplace controls.
Who should attend
- Health and safety representatives serving on committees.
- Employer-nominated committee members.
- Committee chairpersons, secretaries and coordinators.
- Managers and safety personnel who receive or implement recommendations.
When a committee is required
Section 19 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires an employer to establish one or more health and safety committees at a workplace where two or more health and safety representatives have been designated. Committee structure and meeting arrangements must reflect the Act and applicable regulations.
Membership and representation
Health and safety representatives must be appropriately included, and employer-nominated membership must remain within the statutory limit. Roles should be documented so that members understand voting, advisory participation, confidentiality and action ownership.
Core committee functions
The training covers recommendations to the employer, discussion of relevant incidents, recordkeeping and other prescribed functions. Members learn to distinguish a committee recommendation from an operational instruction and to escalate unresolved matters through appropriate channels.
Running an effective meeting
- Use a risk-based agenda and distribute evidence in advance.
- Review previous minutes and overdue actions first.
- Consider representative inspections, incidents, risk changes and employee concerns.
- Record decisions, dissent where relevant, responsible owners and due dates.
- Verify close-out rather than accepting verbal assurances.
The Act provides that committees meet as often as necessary and at least once every three months, subject to applicable directions and workplace needs. Higher-risk environments may meet more frequently.
Using inspections and incident information
Representatives’ inspections and incident findings should feed into committee priorities. Members practise identifying recurring issues, requesting suitable evidence and recommending controls aligned to the hierarchy of controls.
Related resources include the SHE Representative Training course and incident investigation guide.
Delivery and certification
JAFO can discuss scheduled, private-group and on-site delivery for Johannesburg, Gauteng and other locations by arrangement. Corporate sessions can incorporate the organisation’s committee terms of reference, sample minutes and action process. The proposal will state the course scope, assessment and certificate type.
Frequently asked questions
How often must the committee meet?
The Act states as often as necessary, but at least once every three months. Workplace risk or client requirements may justify more frequent meetings.
Can a manager chair the committee?
Committee procedures and roles should be agreed and documented within the applicable legal framework. Balanced participation and effective consultation are essential.
Should every issue wait for the next meeting?
No. Imminent dangers and urgent controls must be escalated immediately through operational and emergency channels.
Request a committee workshop: provide the number of members, workplace type, location and preferred training dates.