Purpose
The primary goal of the Safety Committee is to bring employees and managers together in a non-adversarial forum to achieve and maintain a safe and healthy workplace across all Lane Community College locations.
Membership Structure & Roster
In compliance with OR-OSHA, the committee maintains a balance of Employer-Selected and Employee-Elected members.
Leadership & Terms
- Officers: The committee elects a Chair and a Co-Chair.
- Current Chair: Marleena Pearson, pearsonm@lanecc.edu, (541) 463-5619
- Eligibility: All members must demonstrate a genuine interest in occupational health and a desire to improve workplace safety.
Mandatory Member Training
All committee members are provided with training in:
- Safety committee purpose, operation, and meeting facilitation.
- Hazard identification and building safety inspection codes.
- Principles of effective accident and incident investigation.
- Mastery of OR-OSHA Administrative Rules (437-40-030 through 437-40-055).
Duties and Functions
The Safety Committee is charged with the following mandates:
- Monthly Meetings: Hold regular meetings (except during quarterly building inspection months).
- Hazard Management: Monitor a system for employees to report safety suggestions and hazards.
- Incident Review: Investigate workplace accidents, illnesses, or deaths to recommend corrective actions.
- Policy Evaluation: Review and recommend changes to LCC health and safety policies and training practices.
- Audit Oversight: Ensure quarterly workplace inspections are conducted by Building Safety Representatives.
- Compliance Archiving: Maintain written records of agendas and minutes for a minimum of three (3) years in Human Resources for state inspection.
Authority & Recommendations
- Advisory Status: The committee functions in an advisory capacity to the Vice President for College Operations.
- Formal Proposals: Each recommendation must include a clear justification, implementation costs, and expected safety benefits.
- Guardrails: The committee does not have the authority to unilaterally create policy, interfere with employee work, or challenge supervisory authority.
Related Policies, Procedures, References, and Resources
Internal Governance
- Safety Committee Meeting Archive: Access the last 3 years of minutes and agendas.
- Campus Risk Observation: The form for submitting near misses, safety, and environmental concerns to the committee.
Regulatory References
- OR-OSHA OAR 437-001-0765: Specific state rules regarding safety committee mandates.
- SAIF Employer Resources: Professional safety guides provided by our insurance carrier.
Communication Note: Meeting minutes are approved by the Chair, and posted to the intranet.