Meritor OHS Committee

Entry summary

The Meritor OHS Committee (HSC) meets on a monthly basis and comprises of representatives from two Victorian Sites, one interstate site and international representation.

This is achieved via a unique Designated Work Group (DWG) Structure which we believe to be industry best practice.

The HSC is the forum where all DWG's from all sites come together to communicate progress, share ideas and solutions and develop effective OHS systems.

The key HSC achievements are the ability to provide OHS guidance to all DWG's, encouraging OHS ownership within these groups, promoting communication nationally and internationally, and escalating or resolving issues if required.

Originality

The unique DWG structure is the key quality of the Meritor HSC.

OHS consultation and communication across all levels of the business is a key component to producing the best possible OHS outcomes. The DWG structure encourages involvement and ownership for all employees across the entire business.

The HSC supports this DWG structure by monitoring and reviewing the progress within each DWG as well as communicating key OHS updates and legislative changes.

This has been particularly useful in preparing all sites for the upcoming harmonisation of OHS legislation, as well as keeping international facilities and directors updated.

Resources

Meritor is committed to a sustainable and effective approach to OHS.

A dedicated EHS Leader has been employed to facilitate this ongoing dedication to OHS.

The HSC is comprised of equal employee (HSR) and management representation from each DWG. The HSC encourages each DWG to identify hazards and resolve them. The HSC, via the DWG structure, in turn promotes ownership, communication and cooperation at all levels, providing OHS sustainability as this process is not dependant on individual people but rather a commitment from all levels at Meritor.

Specific projects are considered by the entire HSC on a case by case basis.

Consultation/Representation

A monthly HSC meeting is held where all DWG representatives meet with senior management and international directors to share progress and ideas, and to seek guidance where necessary

The unique DWG Structure is supported and guided by the HSC, empowering all areas of the business to have OHS ownership and effective HSR and management representation for all matters OHS.

This results in all employees within each workgroup not only working with elected HSR's but also consulting and communicating daily with management representatives.

This promotes ownership, consultation, effective communication and OHS commitment from all levels and throughout all Meritor national sites.

Achievements

Achievements have been made possible across all sites due to the leadership within the HSC actively promoting DWG representation.

Achievements include:
- Immediate priorities/concerns addressed (including traffic management and manual handling).
- Employee OHS ownership and consultation through DWG structure.
- Streamlined hazard identification, reporting and investigation, including effective risk control measures, outcome monitoring, reviews and audits. This results in effective injury and disease prevention.

It is this DWG representation within and promoted by the HSC that ensures that projects are effectively implemented. This structure can be used as a template throughout similar workplaces, not only in this industry.

Outcomes

Meritor's HSC has actively encouraged and promoted representation from all Victorian and interstate sites as well as representation from international directors.

This has broken down barriers and resulted in OHS ideas and improvements being shared amongst all sites as well as encouraging involvement and ownership of OHS at all levels, from Board of Directors through to shop floor.

All areas (DWG's) of the business are represented by elected HSR's and respective management. This includes Stores, Aftermarket, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Administration and Senior Management.

Each DWG presents their monthly progress at the HSC, which inturn provides guidance and assistance as required.

*Disclaimer:
The publishing of entries on the WorkSafe Awards website and or/the granting of an award does not constitute any endorsement by WorkSafe Victoria of a product, method or service, or the occupational health and safety performance of the workplace. Monthly Champions must undergo expert review to progress through to the stringent validation and judging process and can only progress to the next stage of entry once WorkSafe are satisfied that the entry/entrant has met the relevant award category criteria and terms and condition of entry.

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