{"id":311,"date":"2017-06-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-09T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/compliance-signs.local\/what-to-include-in-your-annual-safety-inspection-checklist\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T10:26:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:26:59","slug":"what-to-include-in-your-annual-safety-inspection-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/what-to-include-in-your-annual-safety-inspection-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Include in Your Annual Safety Inspection Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased its maximum fines for employer safety violations last year for the first time in 25 years. The cap for serious, other-than-serious, and posting requirement as well as “failure-to-abate” violations rose from $7,000 to $12,471 per violation. The cap for willful or repeated violations rose from $70,000 per violation to $124,709 per violation. A fine like this or an injury lawsuit is the last thing your small business needs, making it vital to keep your workplace safety standards maintained. Here\u2019s a review of some key areas you should be sure to include in your annual safety inspection checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Emergency Preparation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your staff and facilities are prepared for health emergencies<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Employees have instructions for responding to health emergencies
– Instructions and emergency contact numbers<\/a> are clearly posted
– Eye washes and emergency showers are inspected regularly
– First aid supplies are up-to-date and clearly identified with first aid signs or labels<\/a>
– Employees have received \u201cright to know\u201d training on hazardous materials and how to find and use Material Safety Data Sheets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire Emergency Preparation and Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that your fire prevention systems are in place and that you are prepared to respond to fire emergencies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Flammable materials are properly stored and labeled, safely away from sources of heat and sparks
– Sources of heat and sparks are shielded and kept clear from potential fuel sources such as paper and trash
– Fire extinguishers are accessible, identified and have been checked and maintained
– Fire exits are unlocked from the inside and accessible, with access to two exits from every point in the building and pathways to exits clear of obstructions
– Emergency escape routes are posted
– Smoke and sprinkler systems are installed and maintained, with batteries tested
– All fire exits and equipment are clearly identified with required fire safety signs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overexertion Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overexertion injuries from activities such as heavy lifting are the most common cause of workplace injury claims<\/a>, so make sure you have overexertion prevention measures in place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Employees who do heavy lifting and moving are trained in proper technique for injury prevention and in proper use of back support belts
– Remind workers of lifting policies with lifting and back belt safety signs<\/a>
– Employees not capable of doing heavy lifting and moving are trained to leave these tasks to designated workers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fall prevention is the safety violation category most cited by OSHA, so make sure you\u2019re covered in this area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Floors provide good traction, with no loose rugs, bumps or other hazards that could cause falls
– Walkways are free of debris and spills, and are well-lit
– Materials for cleaning up spills are appropriate for potential hazards, spill kits are clearly identified<\/a>, and employees are trained to clean up promptly
– Stairs are in good condition with no loose steps or handrails, clear pathways and adequate lighting
– Ladders are provided where needed and are well maintained<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vehicle, Equipment, Tools and Storage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your vehicles, equipment, tools and storage are free of safety hazards, and that employees are properly trained to use them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Vehicles are properly maintained and provided with maintenance logs and routine safety checklists
– Machines are in good working condition, with parts such as o-rings<\/a> properly maintained and safety guards in place
– Personal protective equipment is provided, including hard hats, goggles, ear protectors, aprons, gloves and boots
– Tools are in good condition, including wires and cords
– Materials are stored in stable piles, with ladders provided where needed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical and Lighting Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Problems with electrical and lighting equipment can cause shocks, fires and falls, so be sure to take proper preventive steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Grounds are provided for all electrical tools and cords
– Electrical equipment is in good working condition, including wires
– Wires are not routed over metal objects or through doors or windows
– Circuits are not overloaded
– Lighting is sufficient for tasks
– Emergency lights are installed and protected<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repetitive Motion Injury Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Injuries caused by repetitive micro-tasks can lead to injury claims, so take preventive measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Employees are trained in ergonomic performance of tasks, including when to take breaks and stretch
– Ergonomic equipment is provided
– When possible, employees who perform repetitive tasks are rotated through other tasks periodically during the day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Burglaries, robberies and assaults are other hazards you should address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Outdoor lighting and landscape maintenance that deprives criminals of hiding spots
– Parking lots and building space is arranged so visitors and employees can be observed and cannot be trapped in closed spaces
– Outdoor and indoor security barriers and systems are installed and in working condition
– Employees who handle cash are properly trained
– Discreet, secure storage is provided for employee valuables
– Employees are trained in handling workplace violence
– Telephones are accessible from all work stations
– Security guard surveillance and buddy systems are set up<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compliance and Safety Signage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safety signs and labels can play a major role in all these areas, but only if they are up-to-date, in good condition, and relevant. As your rules, equipment, facilities and processes change, be sure to consider the need for updated safety signs and labels, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n