Guides & Toolkits

THE EFFECTIVE JHSC 45 140-002-07-IGOT © 2013, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Individual Benefits Most people want to feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. The emotional benefits of working closely within a team are high. Personal growth is also a benefit since individual members may, for example, want to: ƒ Enhance their experience and knowledge of the OHSA ƒ Increase their personal profile within the company ƒ See how committees are run ƒ Develop active listening techniques and speaking skills ƒ Get to know other people in the company ƒ Learn new skills such as facilitation, administration, documentation, planning and collaboration Operating as a Team Running a strong team does not require magic. There are specific structures and activities that successful teams consistently follow. Developing Guiding Principles for Effective Teams Successful teams operate within a set of common principles. These will vary for teams in different settings, but they are the backbone of the team culture. A statement of guiding values and beliefs will provide a guideline for member conduct on the JHSC. Additionally, this statement will help maintain good working relationships. Sample Guiding Principle Statement We are committed to the company's health and safety goals – to create an injury and illness-free workplace, through prevention. ƒ We will assist our colleagues in meeting their health and safety responsibilities. ƒ We will be active partners for our health and safety programs and services. ƒ We will deal honestly and respectfully with our colleagues. ƒ We will always carry a positive attitude. ƒ We will respect the opinions of others. ƒ We will be accountable to each other for our actions and our contributions to the committee. As a JHSC, you may want to develop your own statement of commonly held beliefs and values to help guide the committee in its working relationships. WSPS.CA

• Cover