The secret to making a safety committee successful, in the U.S. or Canada, is to follow the four R's. The first R is representation and rightsizing; the second R is responsibilities. Now, let's discuss the third R: Rotation of committee members.

The Importance of Rotation

Rotation means replacing committee members on a regular basis. Giving other employees a chance to serve on a committee is important because it maximizes participation in committee functions. The greater the number of participants, the higher the level of awareness and responsibility throughout the organization.

Rotation is very important. In my experience working with committees, I have found that the companies that rotate committee membership are the ones that realize the greatest improvement in safety performance.

Striking the Right Balance

On the other hand, while rotating membership is beneficial, you don't want to overdo the amount of turnover. There needs to be some experienced and trained members on the committee at all times. In other words, there needs to be a balance between fresh blood and veteran leadership.

An effective approach is to have the most senior member of the committee rotate off every six months. Example : Under this system a committee of seven members would have the following mix of seniority at the start of each membership cycle:

• Member 1: 0 months;
• Member 2: 6 months;
• Member 3: 12 months;
• Member 4: 18 months;
• Member 5: 24 months;
• Member 6: 30 months; and
• Member 7: 36 months.

This system ensures a perpetual mix of experience and fresh ideas.

Editor's Note: Next week, in the final article of the series, Gary discusses the fourth R of committee success: Results.

SAFETY TRENDS & FASHIONS

Safe Doggie: Lab in lift-aid

Safety Goes to the Dogs

According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, Americans spent nearly $34.4 billion on pet products in 2004. And they didn't spend it all on dog chow, kitty litter and vets' fees. A big chunk of that sum went toward pet safety.

The pet safety market includes products like harnesses, lifting aids and ramps designed to facilitate moving. If you want to protect your pet against musculoskeletal injuries, you might be interested in an ergonomically correct raised feeding platform--available in walnut or neoclassical styles. If your pet's problems are above the collar, there are numerous pet psychologists trained to alleviate pet stress and depression.

Pet safety also extends to emergency services. The charitable organization Cause for Paws raises money to supply fire departments with oxygen masks designed specifically for pets. Last month alone, the program donated 408 sets of pet resuscitation masks to about 60 fire departments and emergency rescue teams in nine states.

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