Occupational Health Committee - Inspections

One of the key duties of the OHC is to inspect the workplace. These inspections should complement inspections performed by managers, supervisors and workers. As a manager, you can expect to have your work areas inspected by OHC members on a regular basis. Inspections include members physically examining the work environment and engaging team members. During an inspection the OHC:

Will physically visit and examine the department/area
Will engage team members to determine if they have any concerns in relation to staff safety
May ask to review the records and logs
May follow up on recommendations made during previous inspections

Managers may receive communication from the OHC after an inspection. This communication may identify hazards or concerns identified during the inspection with recommended actions. As a manager, you must review this information and respond in writing to the OHC. If you agree that the inspection has identified an unmanaged hazard or unaddressed concern, you need to provide the steps you plan to take, including a target completion date. If you are not implementing the OHC recommendations, you must supply an explanation. It is possible you may not agree that the hazard or concern is not effectively managed. In this situation, you would respond by informing the OHC of your rationale and providing additional information that may be helpful.