Workplace Hazards

As a business owner, it is very important to prevent accidents before they happen. Here is a checklist to help you identify any hazards in your workplace.

1. Is the floor clear of materials that could trip a worker?
2. Is lighting adequate?
3. Are there any electrical hazards that could be accidentally activated at any individual workstation, or elsewhere at the job site?
3. Are there any explosive hazards present or likely to develop (during processes, in storage areas, etc.)?
4. Are any tools (including hand tools), machines, or equipment in need of repair?
5. Are appropriate guards in place on tools, machines, and equipment? Have workers been successfully trained not to remove or bypass the guards?
6. Is there excessive noise in the work area, interfering with concentration and/or communication?
7. Is fire protection equipment readily accessible, and have employees been trained to use it? Are emergency exits clearly marked?
8. Are motorized vehicles properly equipped with working brakes, overhead guards, backup signals,horns, steering gear, and identification, as necessary? Are all employees who operate vehicles and equipment properly trained and authorized?
9. Has appropriate personal protective equipment, properly fitted, been provided to workers? Have workers received any needed training in its use, and are they, in fact, using it?
10. Is ventilation adequate, especially in any confined spaces?
11. Have any employees complained of headaches, breathing problems, dizziness, or strong odors?
12. Does any work have to be performed in extremes of heat or cold?
13. Is work done on different working and walking levels(heights), requiring guarding against potentialhazards of falls or falling objects?