Workplaces jobsite inspections

Jobsite inspections can effectively reduce workplace accidents. Unfortunately, we usually neglect to keep a close watch for similar-type flaws in our tools and equipment that might give us an advanced warning of a hazardous condition. 

The written safety and health program establishes procedures and responsibilities for the identification and correction of workplace hazards. The following activities can be nsed to identify and control workplace hazards hazard reporting system, jobsite inspections, accident investigation, and expert audits. 

The use of workplace inspections makes it necessary to have or develop written safety and health audit instruments. These instruments need to be tailored to meet the specific needs and intended purposes. Those using audit instruments need to be trained on their use and application. This means that they should be able to identify the hazards that are recorded on the audit form and must understand the workings of the workplace, process, equipment, etc., that they are to audit. These completed instruments are a record and documentation of one facet of your safety and health effort. A written sample safety and health audit policy is found in Figure 7.4. In Figure 7.5, you can find a sample jobsite inspection that can be altered and tailored to meet the unique needs of a particular company. 

OSHA cited a Georgia contractor with six workplace safety violations and proposed 124,250 in penalties. The citations came after an OSHA compliance officer observed company employees working in a trench without cave-in protection at a jobsite. As a result of the inspection three wdlfid violations and three serious violations were issued. 

Your employer is responsible for training you in the recognition and avoidance of rmsafe conditions and of the regulations apphcable to your workplace. It is also yoru employer s responsibihty to frequently and regularly visit the jobsite and inspect for safe working conditions. 

Identification and assessment of hazards include those items that can assist you with identifying workplace hazards and determining what corrective action is necessary to control them. Actions include jobsite safety inspections, accident investigations, and meetings of safety and health committees and project safety meetings. To accomplish the identification of hazards, the following should be reviewed ... 

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