Workplace inspections are required under Section 8(6) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act). Completing workplace inspections is one of the primary functions of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) as outlined in the Act under Section 9 (23-29). These inspections must be completed monthly (unless an entire inspection is impractical, according to Section 8(7) of the Act). Don’t forget to document all inspections.
The purpose of the workplace inspection is to identify hazards and monitor current work practices to ensure the safety of all workers. Workplace inspections determine:
- If a hazard is present
- Whether workers have been exposed to the hazard
- If any workers have experienced illness or injury
- If established health and safety procedures and processes are being followed
There are three major components of workplace inspections:
- Talking to workers
- Making observations
- Recording observations and documenting findings on an inspection checklist
Workplace Inspection Best Practices
Using a workplace inspection checklist is best practice, as it ensures that nothing is missed. The best checklists are customized to your workplace and its specific hazards. While it may be time-consuming upfront to create a customized checklist, the long-term benefit is that your workplace inspections will be efficient and consistent.
To help you get started, BEST Safety Training has identified the top five most missed items on workplace inspections. Be sure to add these five areas to your customized workplace inspection checklist to keep your workplace safe and healthy!
Fire Extinguishers
Don’t forget to inspect the fire extinguishers. Look for anything blocking the nozzles and ensure that all tags show the current year. Look at the needle to ensure it’s in the green section of the dial. Move anything that’s blocking access and take care that no coats or sweaters are being draped over the extinguisher. If everything is up to par, sign your initials for the month on the extinguisher’s inspection tag, then check it off your checklist.
Non-work Areas
Non-work areas are still part of the workplace. Don’t forget to inspect break rooms, lunch areas, lounges, stairwells, and parking lots.
Hidden Hazards
Look behind doors and shelving, peek into the ventilation system, and test GFCI outlets where applicable and safe to do so.
Ergonomic Hazards
Sometimes JHSC members forget to look for ergonomic hazards. Remind them to be cognizant of workers and their workspaces. They’ll want to be on the lookout for:
- People reaching too far for materials
- Broken office chairs
- Desk workers who stop to rub their arms or shoulders or shake out their hands
- People whose feet don’t touch the ground when they sit
All of these point to potential ergonomic hazards.
Learn more about ergonomic safety today!
Seasonal Hazards
Each season brings new hazards: winter brings slippery ice and snow, spring brings mud and rain, summer brings harsh sunshine, and autumn brings unpredictable weather. Be sure that your JHSC accounts for the hazards of each incoming season in their inspections.
Want help creating a customized workplace inspection checklist? Contact BEST Safety – we can help!
Sign up for online Workplace Inspection training today!
Not Sure Where to Start? BEST Safety Training Can Help
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