Local Safety Committee There shall be established in each department and/or principal place of employment (for example: institutions, hospitals, colleges, transportation department areas, Department of Natural Resources regions, etc.) a joint Safety Committee composed of Appointing Authority representatives selected by the Appointing Authority and employee representatives selected by the Union, one from each bargaining unit represented by the Union but at a minimum, a total of two (2) representatives. If more than one (1) exclusive representative exists in the department or principal place of employment, the Union will attempt to work out an arrangement with the other exclusive bargaining representative(s) to insure their input to the Committee. The chair of the Committee shall be appointed by the Appointing Authority. The Appointing Authority may consider having co-chairs, one management and one labor. The Safety Committee shall meet at least quarterly or as may be legally required and meetings shall be scheduled by the Safety Officer. Additional meetings may be called by the Safety Officer or by the Local Union or Appointing Authority as the need may arise. All Safety Committee meetings shall be held during normal day shift working hours on the Appointing Authority's premises and without loss of pay. The function of the Safety Committee will be to review reports of property damage and personal injury accidents and alleged hazardous working conditions, to provide support for a strong safety program, to review building security issues, and to review and recommend safety policies to the Appointing Authority. Normally, the Committee shall acknowledge in writing receipt of reports of alleged hazardous working conditions within thirty (30) calendar days of their submission. A copy of the Committee's recommendations, if any, to the Appointing Authority regarding the disposition of such reports shall also be provided to the individual who filed the report with the Committee. In addition, the Safety Committee will provide the filing party with a copy of the Appointing Authority's response and/or proposed actions, if any. At the request of the Local Union or Safety Committee, hazard assessments will be made available for review. Each Local Safety Committee in a facility with a laundry and/or a kitchen shall perform a routine heat survey to check temperature, humidity, and exhaust and fan systems in the laundries and kitchens. The Employer agrees to coordinate technical assistance to the Local Safety Committee upon request.
