Research summary: Effectiveness of workplace health and safety committees

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Why this study

The basis for this study comes from a recommendation by the 2019 Expert Panel on Modern Federal Labour Standards. The Panel recommended research on the barriers to effective performance of health and safety committees in non-union businesses in federally regulated industries. It also recommended looking at how those barriers could best be removed.

What we did

First, we used existing research to identify factors that make workplace health and safety committees (WHSCs) effective. We then surveyed 233 employer and employee members of WHSCs about committee processes and the effectiveness of their committee.

Lastly, we interviewed 34 of those survey respondents to confirm and further examine the survey findings and the factors underlying committee effectiveness identified in the research.

What we found

Most study participants reported that their committees were very effective and followed practices identified in existing research on effective committee performance. There was also no evidence that committees in workplaces without unions were less effective in reducing injuries or illnesses.

The study also provided some insight into what makes an effective committee. For example, committee members reporting that their committee was “very effective” in reducing injuries or illnesses were much more likely to report that their committee has clear and consistent processes.

What it means

Results of the study will help to determine ways for government to further support WHSCs.

Contact us

Labour Program, Strategic Policy, Analysis, and Workplace Information Directorate, Research and Innovation Division

Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca