Effective Safety Inspection Checklists
Using checklists is an effective method for conducting safety inspections.
Following the 5-step procedure outlined below will enable you to develop a robust checklist aimed at preventing accidents.
Implementing a formal checklist demonstrates to employees the importance you place on the inspection process. It is well understood that what supervisors prioritize inevitably becomes important to their employees as well.
A well-developed checklist will also pinpoint hazards that OSHA would identify and potentially cite as violations during an inspection.
- Determine the specific work area to be inspected and the nature of the work being conducted there.
- Consult with the safety director, workers' compensation insurer, or an OSHA consultant to determine the relevant safety rules for that work area.
- Solicit input from employees working in the area for potential questions to include in the checklist.
- Choose the rules that are most applicable to your specific work area.
- Convert each chosen rule into a clear and concise checklist question.
As we mentioned in Step 2 above, when the safety checklist is drafted, involve experts to evaluate and validate the checklist.
A Word About Involvement
As a supervisor, you probably don't want to be the only person inspecting for safety in your work area. Delegating this responsibility to your workers is a viable option. To encourage them to conduct daily safety inspections actively and willingly, lead by example. Regularly perform inspections yourself, mandate that employees do the same, and acknowledge their efforts in identifying and reporting hazards.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. What should you do after developing a draft safety inspection checklist?
You forgot to answer the question!