Your OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist
Following safety guidelines and meeting OSHA standards should be top-of-mind for every manufacturer as we enter a new calendar year. With the Biden Administration officially in office, you can expect to see changes in OSHA standards and stricter guidelines for workplace safety across the board.
Keeping all employees safe from risk should be your bottom line when planning for the year ahead. Take no shortcuts and be sure to check every box when you re-inspect your organization’s safety guidelines. Here’s are 10 questions leaders should ask themselves when preparing for 2021 OSHA requirements.
- Do you have an emergency contingency plan?
If you have over 10 employees, this is a requirement. If you do have an emergency contingency plan in place, it is still best that you check for any outdated information and make updates where needed.
- How do you handle employee complaints?
If an employee files a complaint regarding health and safety and conditions, your organization should be prepared with a working procedure that takes into account all operational material and equipment and determines safe working conditions.
- Does your workplace require personal protective equipment?
If potential hazards can be found in your facilities, it’s of upmost importance to make sure your workplace is up-to-date on all personal protective equipment. This includes making sure every employee is properly fitted for helmets, eyewear, etc. and instructed to wear the them at all appropriate times.
- Do you have a list of all flammable and combustible materials?
Manufacturers can expect a long list of questions regarding potential fire hazards. You should be checking that all materials are properly stored, are kept in approved containers, and are kept in an environment with the appropriate ventilation.
- Is the electrical work in your facility OSHA compliant?
Expect to make sure all electrical equipment is being serviced at the appropriate time and that proper wiring is present throughout the workplace.
- How are your steps and stairways? All stairs in your workplace should have a suitable hand-railing and be at least 22-inches wide. Expect several more questions when it comes time to inspect them.
- What’s the state of your janitorial closets?
All janitorial spaces should be tidy and organized, with no spillage on the floor. Your organization should also be keeping a list of all hazardous materials in inventory.
- Are your elevated surfaces easy to spot?
All elevated surfaces within your workplace should be indicated with signage. Other requirements include having guardrails for any surface that sits above 30 inches off the ground.
- Do you have any visible openings?
OSHA requirements state that all floor and wall openings must be covered with the exception of the entrance to a stairwell or a ladder.
- Have you checked the condition of your work tools?
When was the last time you replaced tools for your employees? All tools and equipment, whether they’re company owned or owned by your employees, are expected to be in good working condition.
At Catalyst Connection, we recommend using MAC Safety’s NIXN Platform as a guide for identifying risk. The platform ultimately measures your “True Risk Score” by identifying your organization’s incident probability and ways to mitigate that risk. If you want to ensure your manufacturing organization is up to OSHA standards, we’d be happy to help guide you through the MAC Safety Assessment. Contact us here to set up a consultation.
Source: http://www.ehso.com/OSHA%20Self-Inspection%20Checklist.pdf