Checklists For Developing A Safer Workplace

While legislative, social and moral obligations require employers to do all that is reasonable to ensure workplace risks don't exist and that accidents don't occur, workplace safety is definitely in the best interests of the employer too.

If safety risks are not managed properly an employer runs greater risks of accidents occurring, staff morale being lowered, productivity being affected and the potential for being sued in costly legal proceedings.

Implementing and managing a culture of safety awareness and consciousness requires a number of important features to be present: company wide knowledge of safety practices, consultation with staff, and senior executive commitment.

All staff must be trained in occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures. Health and safety in the workplace is about preventing work-related injury and designing an environment that promotes well-being for everyone at work. If everyone knows the correct procedures then accidents and injuries can be kept to a minimum.

All employees from the top to the bottom of the organisation need to be consulted and involved in OHS implementation, so they fully understand and support the culture. In this way they will have a sense of ownership and will more likely be prepared to drive and support the initiatives.

It needs senior executive commitment too and not just ‘lip service' but genuine dedication and pro-activeness for supporting and enforcing a safe culture. When your staff see that you are serious about safety, they'll be keen to discuss safety and importantly, act safely.

Risk management policies and procedures, identifying who are responsible and accountable for specific aspects of the business' OHS strategies, should be part of the business' overall operational strategies and documented in an easily accessible location. All staff must be trained in the policies and procedures and know where to locate the documentation.

The OHS strategy should be regularly monitored and reviewed and changes implemented where necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the systems in place and guard against newly identified workplace risks.

A safety inspection checklist

How safe is your workplace?

Your responses to these questions will identify potential risks in your workplace.

Emergency procedures

Risk from fire or other emergencies, such as chemical spill?
Bomb threat assessed?
Evacuation procedures developed to deal with emergencies?
Staff trained in evacuation procedure?
Exit signs and directions to exits?
Exit doors easily opened from inside?
Exits not blocked?
Fire alarm system working?
Extinguishers in place, clearly marked for type of fire, and serviced within 6 months?
Fire drills practised?
Staff trained in use of fire extinguishers?
Flammables kept away from sources of ignition?
Has an evacuation assembly point been designated?

Electrical

Plugs, cables, sockets, switches in good condition?
Hand held power tools in good condition?
Leads up off the floor?
Leads not strained?
Is equipment tested and tagged as per the regulations?
Are switchboards clear of obstructions within 1 metre?
Are earth leakage circuit breakers installed?

Hazardous substances/dangerous goods

Are hazardous substances listed in a register?
'Material Safety Data Sheets' for all chemicals?
Containers labelled with contents?
Employees trained in safe use of chemicals, and first aid actions?
Personal protective equipment available as required and clean and undamaged?
Are chemicals safely stored?

Machinery

Is machinery guarded where required?
Is machinery clean?
Are emergency stop buttons in easy reach?
Does any machinery need repair?
Are safe operating procedures displayed?
Are danger/out of service tags available?

Spills and drips

Is material provided for cleaning up spills?
Is the floor non-slip?
Are oil spills or water spills present on the floor?

Trips

Is the floor cluttered, walkways obstructed, or other trip hazards?
Are floors of an even surface?
Is the tread on stairs adequate to minimise slipping?
Are stairways clear of obstructions?

First-aid

Do employees know who to contact for first aid?
Is a first aid kit available and clearly labelled?
Are emergency numbers displayed?
Is there a staff member trained in first aid if applicable?

Workplace environment

Is the work height or position awkward or difficult?
Are sharp edges a hazard?
Are bins available and emptied regularly?
Are hearing protection/dust masks worn as appropriate?
Is the work area clean and tidy?
Is excessive noise controlled?
Have manual handling tasks been identified and controlled?

Checklist of fire safety precautions for business premises

Educate your staff

Staff should understand that if a fire breaks out in a warehouse or an office it can become a death trap very quickly. Heat rises, and smoke and deadly gases can race ahead of flames.
Temperatures increase about 100 degrees F every foot - at six feet up, the temperature would be 600 degrees F. At these temperatures a person can instantly be burned to death.
The smoke produced by fire is not like fog as it appears in the movies. You can't see through the smoke, and the lack of oxygen will swiftly overcome a person and they can be asphyxiated before they smell it.
Staff should never stay behind to collect valuables or paperwork or re-enter the building. It takes only one or two minutes before a person succumbs to smoke inhalation.
Have a clear policy, understood by all staff, outlining how to evacuate employees, clients and visitors from the building efficiently and calmly.
Have a floor plan, clearly visible, of your business with all exits marked and a safe meeting point nominated for all staff to gather.
Designate a responsible staff member on each floor as fire warden. Train them in identification and correct use of fire fighting equipment as well as emergency evacuation procedures.
Run regular training for these staff in correct emergency procedures and provide them with staff lists.
Practice fire drill with all staff on a regular basis.
Have clearly illuminated exit(s) signage.
Ensure your building address and/or unit number is visible from the street.
Don't overload power boards and use one extension cord per appliance. Ensure these are all in good working order.
Ensure that heaters are not placed near curtains, furniture and anything flammable.
Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including areas immediately outside your business premises.
Ensure all machinery is serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible, switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
Ensure you have an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your business e.g.: remote serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms etc.
Test all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers regularly.
Store and use dangerous goods safely and adhere to legislative requirements.
Manage rubbish and waste sensibly - don't store any kind of rubbish unnecessarily.
Regularly do a back-up of all data and information and maintain copies off the premises.
Have adequate business insurance coverage.

In the event of fire

Don't panic and follow emergency procedures to the letter.
Test doors before opening by putting the back of your hand against the door. If it is hot, or if smoke is coming through the cracks, don't open it. If the door is cool and seems safe, open it cautiously by bracing your shoulder against it and keeping your head to one side to avoid breathing any sudden smoke. Be ready to slam the door shut if smoke or heat rushes in.
If smoke is dense, drop to the floor and crawl to your nearest emergency exit.
Do not re-enter a burning building.

If you are trapped in a building, or have been advised by authorities to remain in the building whilst a fire passes over:

Ensure all doors and windows are closed.
If possible, place wet rags under doors to prevent embers entering.
Keep away from windows as they may shatter.
Have hoses and buckets/containers of water ready to arrest any outbreak in the building.

Reprinted with permission of NSW Business Chamber. For more information about this article or NSW Business Chamber, its products, services and membership, please call 13 26 96 or visit the web site: www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au
First published: 19 April 2007.
Last updated: 19 April 2007.