Even though management is represented on the health and safety committee, there may be the perception by other managers that their individual responsibility and authority on safety matters have been taken away, resulting in confrontation, or worse still, abandonment of responsibility. Fortunately, the solution to this problem is relatively simple. Safety committee responsibility and authority should be clearly defined in writing, known to all, and followed by committee members. Managers should recognize that health and safety are legitimate concerns of both labour and management, and joint committees can play an important role in achieving greater worker participation in this vital issue. In most Canadian jurisdictions, the legally recognized communication channel on safety matters is between worker and supervisor.
Workers are to report unsafe acts and conditions initially to their immediate supervisor.
She is responsible for acting on such reports and for directing safe work procedures. Committee members should not interfere with this process, except under special circumstances, such as cases of imminent danger, where immediate corrective action is necessary. After such direct intervention, the member should advise the supervisor as soon as possible. Of course, there should be no restriction on a committee member discussing safety problems with the supervisor or on the supervisor seeking advice or assistance from the Committee. In some instances, labour opposition to health and safety committees has stemmed from the belief that these committees reduce or remove management's overall responsibility for safety in the workplace.