Reprinted from GRAIN JOURNAL March/April 2020 Issue
This article is an excerpt of a blog posted Feb. 25 by Joe Mlynek, content creation expert for Safety Made Simple, Olathe, KS. To view the blog post in its entirety, go to www.safetymadesimple.com/post/routine-safety-inspections.
Routine safety inspections are a great way to identify, eliminate and control hazards in the work environment. In addition to focusing on the types of hazards at your facility, it is important to have the right team involved in the inspection process.
Involving multiple employees in the routine inspections allows for additional eyes and perspectives and provides an educational opportunity for all involved. The inspection team should consist of members of management and operations. It also can be beneficial to rotate members regularly and to involve people from other company facilities.
Developing the Inspection checklist
Each facility should develop its own inspection checklist based on the type of operation and the types of hazards present. Consider focusing on the following inspection elements:
General Housekeeping
• Are walking and working surfaces kept free of debris and materials that could cause slips, trips, and falls?
• Are emergency exit routes maintained to allow for egress in the event of an emergency?
• Are hazardous chemicals properly stored and labeled?
• Are power rooms free of combustible materials and flammable liquid storage?
• Is electrical equipment accessible (energy isolating devices, main disconnects, etc.)?
• Is the overall work area clean and organized?
Employee Behaviors
• Are employees following proper isolation procedures when working on equipment that could unexpectedly start or become energized?
• Are employees wearing required personal protective equipment for the task being performed?
• Are employees using proper body positioning and lifting techniques?
• Are employees using appropriate tools for the task being performed?
