Safety


Safety is the state of being "safe" (from French sauf), the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be considered non-desirable. This can take the form of being protected from the event or from exposure to something that causes health or economical losses. It can include protection of people or of possessions.

Lower Workplace Accident Rates


Lower Workplace Accident Rates

Depending on the work areas you are inspecting, a safety audit may focus on different issues. This general checklist lays out several key items that should be on everybody’s self-inspection checklist.

Housekeeping and Storage
  • Are work areas kept clean and orderly?
  • Are floors clear of oil, chemicals, or objects that could cause a slip, trip, or fall?
  • Are containers and boxes stored so as to avoid the possibility of heavy objects falling?
  • Are stairways and emergency exits kept clear?
Fire Prevention
  • Are flammable materials stored properly?
  • Are "No Smoking" signs posted in work areas, and are designated smoking area rules enforced?
  • Do employees know the locations and proper use of fire extinguishers?
  • Are fire extinguishers inspected regularly?
  • Are emergency exits open and accessible?
  • Do workers know their evacuation routes?
Equipment
  • Does equipment have required safety guards?
  • Is all equipment in proper working order?
  • Have employees been trained in safe operation of equipment?
  • Are lockout/tagout rules enforced?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Is appropriate PPE furnished when needed?
  • Have employees received training in how to use PPE properly?
  • Is PPE inspected regularly and replaced as necessary?
Hazardous Substances
  • Do hazardous substance containers have proper, legible labels?
  • Are material safety data sheets available for review on all shifts?
  • Are liquids in closed containers?
  • Are spill cleanup materials available?
  • Are food and beverages kept out of areas with hazardous substances?