Did you know that most businesses and entities in Pennsylvania are eligible for a 5% discount on your Workers Compensation Premiums?

Developing and managing a workplace safety committee is one way to help save money on your WC Premiums… while at the same time increasing employee engagement, improving your workplace safety culture. The information below outlines how you can start the process of building your workplace safety committee – reach out to EHD to help start the process of getting certified today!

First Step: Designate and Train Safety Committee Members

  • Safety Committee’s must be a minimum of 2 management and 2 non-management representatives.
  • Committee Members should be committed to safe work practices and feel empowered to express their views and share their thoughts with the committee.
  • Initial and annual refresher training is required for all committee members and must be completed by a qualified trainer. Contact EHD about scheduling safety committee training!

Second Step: Hold your first committee meeting.

  • Certified PA Safety Committees are required to meet monthly. Safety Committee’s must exist and meet for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months before applying for certification.
  • Committee records including meeting agendas, meeting minutes, inspection records, training records, and committee by-laws must be documented and kept available for review.

Third Step: Apply for Certification

  • The window to apply is between 90 and 30 calendar days in advance of the next workers’ compensation policy renewal date.
  • Apply through the PA Health and Safety (HANDS) System here! – Home (pa.gov)

Start Now! See below for additional resources and information.

Driving Member Engagement to Increase Effectiveness!

  • Ask for volunteers to join the committee.
  • Rotate members on and off the committee so that different ideas and perspectives throughout the company are heard.
  • Incentivize employees to report Near Misses and Safety Suggestions using rewards programs.