September 29, 2026
Samantha Poole, NHLRA & NHHCT
What is a Safety Committee?
This committee is compiled of both management and non-managerial staff and are required to meet, review businesses safety policies, identify potential hazards, and provide recommended solutions for employee concerns regarding safety.
What are the requirements of a Safety Committee?
A safety committee, also referred to as a Joint Loss Committee, must meet quarterly, have at least four members, and have at least half of the committee members being non-managerial staff members. Minutes must be posted for employees to see after the meeting. This committee should be involved in the creation of your written safety program, and any subsequent updates to the program.
When does a business have to have a Safety Committee?
Per NH Department of Labor requirements, any organization who employs 15 or more staff members at any time of the year must have a Safety Committee. This means that even if you only employ 15 staff members during your peak season, you still must have an established Safety Committee.
Do I have to send a copy of my Safety Program to the NH DOL?
No. NH DOL does not require businesses to send a copy of their written Safety Program to the DOL, but you are still required to update the Safety Program at least every two years.
Tips on Starting a Committee:
Have a staff meeting to establish your committee, or have the meeting be done via a long pre-or-post-shift to develop your committee.
Post your minutes in any staff area where you normally keep your labor and any other required posters.
Offer a suggestions box for safety concerns. This will streamline the process of identifying concerns to discuss during the safety meetings.
Make sure that you keep the committee 50/50 or more employees than managers. That is the biggest concern and cause for violation if the DOL is reviewing your committee.
What is the New Hampshire Hospitality Compensation Trust?
The NHHCT is an exclusive program for New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association members and is a self-insured, not-for-profit trust established in 1994 to offer members a valuable alternative from the ever-rising cost of the commercial workers' compensation insurance market.
Since its inception, members have experienced more than 69% reduction in Trust rates and have returned over $12.5 million in dividends, making the Trust the most advantageous form of workers’ compensation coverage.
Interested in learning more?
Explore our website or email Samantha Poole at spoole@nhlra.com for a free quote.
Legal Disclaimer: This document is not intended to replace legal advice but to assist with an organization's ongoing training. Please review your legal obligations with your legal team and review the appropriate government agency for more resources and additional information. This document was prepared based on digital information available at that time.