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Workplace Safety Inspections are an easy, low cost and effective technique that will improve

safety and reduce exposure to OSHA violations. This technique is simply to follow the requirement for quarterly safety self-inspections. The process works so well that I would recommend workplace safety inspections even if they weren’t required.
Many Oregon employers aren’t aware that these inspections are required at all. But they are, and there are very similar requirements for employers in general industries and for employers in agriculture. Nearly all growers, processors, and suppliers are subject to rules for inspections. Here is the ag code version: “Inspections. A competent person or persons must inspect every place of employment at least quarterly. OAR 437-004-0250 (6) (e) has other requirements related to these inspections.”

That OAR reference can be confusing, because it goes to the safety committee section. The bottom line is that if your business is subject to the safety committee requirement, then those quarterly inspections will be part of regular safety committee operations. But, even if your business is not required to have a safety committee, the quarterly inspections still need to be done if you have any employees at all.

If you would like to have a workplace safety inspection performed by an experienced safety professional please let us know.

Various attempts have been made to create forms for quarterly workplace safety inspections, but it’s impossible to create a generic checklist for every possible situation. I find that a blank piece of paper and an open mind are really all that is needed. Walk through the buildings and look outside at equipment and activities. Typical inspections may find missing guards, electrical problems, machines that are out of adjustment, vehicles overdue for service, and perhaps identify safer ways to complete certain jobs. Make a list of those opportunities to improve, and mark them off as each item is completed. If you do have a safety committee, be sure to review the inspection report at your next meeting and track incomplete items until each one is resolved.

I believe most employers have good intentions. They understand that quarterly safety self-inspections would help find and correct unsafe conditions, thereby reducing the risk of an injury. They could also worry less about what would happen when OSHA does come knocking, because there would be a system in place to keep violations to a minimum. But if they don’t have a schedule, they may never quite get from good intentions to action. Having a schedule is the key. Make a series of appointments with yourself, and keep them. If your business isn’t conducting self-inspections on a regular basis now, it’s a great time to get started!
By Kirk Lloyd, Risk Management Resources, Inc.

SBI!