What is the main purpose of a Health and Safety Committee (HSC)?

• A. To enforce discipline and sanctions against employees
• B. To identify and resolve safety concerns (and to promote health and safety at the work site)
• C. To certify all training programs for managers
• D. To manage payroll and benefits

Answer: (B)

The main thing a Health and Safety Committee does is focus on preventing harm by identifying hazards and finding practical ways to reduce risk, while promoting health and safety at the work site. It serves as a collaborative forum for workers and management to raise safety concerns, review incident reports, conduct or coordinate inspections, and recommend corrective actions. The goal is to improve safety practices and ensure that improvements are put in place, rather than policing employees or handling unrelated tasks. That’s why identifying safety concerns and promoting safety at the site is the best fit. The other options describe duties outside the committee’s role, such as enforcing discipline, certifying training programs, or managing payroll and benefits.