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Safety Committees: Problem-Solving & Decision-Making ProcessHealth and safety committees are an important institution in the North American workplace. Committees are voluntary for most industries. Many companies also agree to establish them under collective bargaining. Preparing for Implementation The coach needs to spend some time familiarizing himself or herself with the six steps of the method and what's involved in overseeing it. The coach should be prepared to brief everybody at the subsequent meeting. Let's now look at the six steps of the actual process: Step 1: Defining the Problem Committee members should all share a clear definition of whatever problem they are wrestling with. Only then will they all focus on the same issues, share ideas and work together as a team. You need to ask key questions about the problem, such as:
When you write out answers to these questions, and sift through the results, you will have a written definition of the problem. Now, you can consider the defined problem in more detail. Step 2: Diagnosing the Problem Committee members need as much information as possible about the problem so they can determine what's at the root of it. They need to know when and where the problem arises, why it occurs and who's involved. Step 3: Brainstorming Solutions Once the problem has been diagnosed, solutions may be considered. Committee members should look at a number of options. To do this, they should brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible. Members should be encouraged to use their imagination and not criticize each other for suggesting ideas. Aim for quantity. Quality is also important and it will come. But for now the challenge is to get as many ideas as possible on the table. Step 4: Selecting a Solution Committee members will be justifiably proud of the long list of possible solutions they collect. But next they need to consider which of their ideas are feasible. Keep in mind that most can make only recommendations. So the solution or solutions they suggest must win management support. Committee members thus need to consider the options in light of the company's financial and human resources. They also need to consider which solution will be the most reliable, the most cost-effective. Step 5: Implementing a Solution They need to have a plan for implementing the solution they recommend. The plan should lay out:
Step 6: Evaluating the Outcome Evaluation will tell committee members whether their problem-solving and decision-making approach worked. This will enable the committee to suggest adjustments and at least prepare them to deal with similar problems next time. To do this, members need to decide what to evaluate. Suggestions:
Conclusion
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