As so often happens when the economy turns downward, the non-revenue generating positions are the first to go.  So your company has decided to downsize your department from 3 safety people to 1.  In the past, your department was able to handle the various functions of training, audits, JSA, testing, first aid, an occasional hazardous spill, and more without problems. 

Now you are alone and you decide it is time form your first safety team to help out.  The safety team will give you more eyes and ideas on helping create a safety culture. But how do you start?  Developing a written plan or proposal is a good starting place.  First decide what you want the team to do and how they will do it. 

• How often will the team meet?
• Who will lead the team?
• What will be the teams goals?
• Who should be on the team?
• How will measure results?
• Can the team be empowered?

Presenting you proposal to your manager will help get the ball rolling.  Asking for volunteers is always a good way, but not too effective.  I always encourage people to start at the top.  If you can get the CEO/President or another senior manager to join the team, that will encourage others to follow. 

At your first meeting have a written agenda on what the team will do and how it will accomplish the goals.  Give EVERYONE a chance for input.  I always suggest that different members lead the meetings.  This gets everyone involved.  Start you meetings on time and keep them short (everyone has their regular job to do).  Some suggestions on an agenda are:

• Old business
• New incidents
• Root cause analysis
• JSA
• Ideas for safety awareness programs and/or training
• Any new additional business

After the team starts to develop is own identity, empower them to make some decisions with your guidance.  You can also try some team building events.  These exercises often develop the team into a more cohesive unit. 

Safety teams can be a great asset to your department and the company’s moral.  Build an effective team and everyone wins.