OHS Committee Enterprises

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee plays a vital role in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. The Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007 emphasizes the need for such committees to ensure that both employers and employees actively participate in safeguarding workers' well-being, preventing workplace injuries, and complying with health and safety regulations.

Purpose of Forming the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee:

1. Promote a Safe and Healthy Work Environment:

   • The OHS Committee helps to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes health and safety by identifying potential hazards and implementing preventive measures.

2. Ensure Compliance with Health and Safety Standards:

   • It ensures that the organization adheres to the standards set forth by the Labour and Employment Act and other OHS regulations in Bhutan.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:

   • The committee identifies potential hazards in the workplace, conducts risk assessments, and recommends solutions to minimize risks.

4. Monitor and Improve Workplace Safety Measures:

   • The committee reviews current safety measures and evaluates their effectiveness, suggesting improvements when necessary.

5. Develop and Implement Safety Policies:

   • The OHS Committee is responsible for developing health and safety policies tailored to the specific needs of the organization, ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities.

6. Facilitate Employee Participation:

   • It provides a platform for employees to voice their concerns regarding health and safety, enabling them to contribute to workplace safety discussions.

7. Incident Investigation:

   • In case of workplace accidents, injuries, or health issues, the committee is responsible for investigating the causes and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences.

8. Conduct Safety Audits and Inspections:

   • Regular safety audits and inspections are carried out by the OHS Committee to ensure that the workplace remains hazard-free and that safety protocols are followed.

9. Promote Health and Safety Awareness:

   • The committee plays an educational role, conducting training sessions and awareness programs to inform employees about safe work practices, emergency procedures, and the use of protective equipment.

10. Advise Management on Safety Investments:

    • The committee advises employers on necessary investments in safety equipment, facilities, and systems to improve workplace safety.

Who Should Form an OHS Committee?

As per the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007, the following provisions apply to the formation of an Occupational Health and Safety Committee:

1. Employers with 10 or More Employees:

   • Every employer who employs ten or more workers is required to establish an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee.

2. Representation of Both Employer and Employees:

   • The OHS Committee should consist of representatives from both the employer and the employees. This ensures a collaborative approach to addressing workplace health and safety issues.

   • The employer appoints management representatives, while employees select or elect their representatives to the committee.

3. Proportionate Composition:

   • The law encourages proportional representation of workers and management to ensure that employees’ voices are heard and that management's perspective on safety protocols is also represented.

4. Ongoing Safety Oversight:

   • The OHS Committee is expected to meet regularly to review safety performance, incidents, and risks. It should also make ongoing recommendations to the employer for continuous improvement of safety measures.

In summary, the OHS Committee is mandated for workplaces with ten or more workers under Bhutan's Labour and Employment Act, and its primary purpose is to create a safe and healthy work environment. The committee ensures compliance with legal safety requirements, promotes worker participation in safety management, and helps prevent accidents or injuries at the workplace.