As a way to minimize incidents before they occur, a consistent and structured safety inspection checklist is one of the easiest ways to stay on top of potential issues before they become full-blown problems. Rather than reacting to a fire, a chemical spill, or a serious accident, teams should conduct regular, routine inspections to find and address smaller issues before they become major incidents.

Why a Structured Approach Beats Ad Hoc Checks

In many cases, informal audits take place where the manager takes a quick look at the work environment, while an employee notices something amiss. The difficulty with such a process is consistency because, without the use of a uniform checklist, different things will be inspected each time based on who is inspecting, what they see that particular day, and the available time.

Such a checklist makes sure that the important things are always inspected no matter who does the audit.  

Fire Inspection Considerations

Fires are among the most common and dangerous incidents that can occur in the workplace, and regular fire safety checks should be a part of every facility inspection:

• Are there fire extinguishers on site and in easily accessible locations?

• Are fire alarm systems and sprinklers in proper working order?

• Are fire alarm heads obstructed or damaged in any way?

• Are exit signs clearly visible and in working order?

• Are there any obstructions to the emergency exits?

• Does the emergency door close and latch properly?

Electrical Inspection Factors

• A number of fire risks arise due to problems with electricity; it is therefore one of the key factors to consider when conducting an inspection:

• Are there any exposed or damaged electrical wires?

• Are circuits not overloaded, and are outlets not damaged or inappropriately used?

• Are electrical panels properly maintained and easily accessible?

• Are extension cords in appropriate use or as a substitute for permanent wiring?

• Are ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) present in the necessary locations?

• Is all equipment properly grounded?

PPE Inspection Considerations

Besides providing PPE, it is imperative that the equipment be utilized in the right manner. In the course of a safety audit, facilities should also evaluate the condition of the PPE and the actions of their employees:

• Is there adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all?

• Is the PPE in good condition and appropriate for the performance of specific tasks?

• Is the personal protective equipment properly stored and maintained as recommended by the manufacturer?

• Are employees using PPE in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and for the tasks being performed?

• Are there signs that alert the staff and contractors on the PPE required in each location?

Emergency Readiness Issues

Emergency preparedness is critical in many locations:

• Are there emergency contact numbers that are up to date?

• Are the first aid kits well stocked and accessible?

• Are employees trained in evacuation procedures and in the appropriate location for emergency assembly?

• Do the emergency lights in staircases and other critical locations function properly?

• Is there some means of communicating during an emergency?

• Have the emergency exercises been practiced?

From Checklist to Corrective Action

Every inspection finding should have a process in place to ensure that it is resolved, and one of the most important components of any safety inspection is the corrective or follow-up actions taken.

When documenting findings, it is important to include as much detail as possible so that the issues can be understood and resolved, possibly through the addition of a photo. Corrective actions should also be prioritized based on risk and impact, assigned to specific individuals and not left as general responsibilities, include a deadline for resolution, and have verification steps to ensure that they have been completed.

Creating a Culture of Safety Inspection

The facilities that experience the fewest number of incidents tend to complete safety inspections at a regular interval and use a consistent checklist each time, as well as a systematic process for chasing down and completing any necessary corrective actions.

A culture of conducting safety checks must also be created where there is an encouragement of reporting and suggestion of ideas, which might even result in employees conducting their own safety checks before regular inspection.

Making Facility Inspections Sustainable and Effective

Checklists printed on paper can be of great help, but they are prone to getting misplaced or forgotten in drawers, while at the same time, they might only be occasionally used and in a very informal way. With the help of digital tools, a safety inspection checklist can be easily adopted for different shifts, locations, and teams simultaneously. Digital tools also keep the process of follow-ups going without much human interference, while they build up a history of the whole process that is easy for people to refer to at any time.

Such records will definitely make audits as well as problem-finding processes with the same symptoms over a long period of time much easier. Array is a platform that enables your safety teams to do regular inspections in the right way every time they are done. Findings can be easily documented with photos and notes at the same point when they are discovered. All corrective actions will be tracked until every hazard is eliminated.