OSHA Checklist

Employee notifications via postings:

Specific posters with critical safety information must be posted in the workplace. The information needs to be posted in an area easily accessible to all employees. Some suggestions include: employee notification boards in the employee break room or by the time clock if employees clock in and out during the workday. You may also consider posting the information at the main entrance or information desk for your agency. The required postings are:

1. Occupational Safety and Health Act
2. OSHA 300 Injury/ Illness Log information
3. Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact information should include local fire and rescue telephone numbers and may include supervisory contact information and regularly updated “on call” or duty rosters.

Recordkeeping: 29 CFR 1904.46

OSHA requires all agencies to maintain current and accurate OSHA 300 logs. The logs contain records of injuries and illnesses for the calendar year. To maintain accurate records, establish a specific time period to input the injury/illness data. More frequent documentation reduces the need to experience the “stress” of the data search normally associated with longer recording intervals. According to 29 CFR 1904.46, recordable injuries must be documented on the OSHA 300 log within seven (7) calendar days. This information is useful in charting losses to prevent the development of adverse trends.

Walking-Working Surfaces: 29CFR 1910 Subpart D (1910.21-30)

This section includes fall protection, housekeeping, barricading or guarding, stairs and elevated surfaces. Look for fall protection that is in good repair and has been inspected prior to use. All employees using fall protection are required to be properly trained. Verify that all walking-working surfaces are free of obstructions and debris. Also, ensure that all openings are barricaded or protected so that unsuspecting employees do not walk into the opening.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids: 29 CFR 1910.106

Agencies must ensure flammable and combustible liquids are stored in a manner that complies with the OSHA standard for storage. Beware of items marketed as “OSHA Approved” because OSHA does not “approve” products. Research chemical compatibility issues to minimize the probability of a chemical reaction or spontaneous combustion. A written program, complete with employee training, must be available and updated periodically.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 29 CFR Subpart I (1910.132-139; Appendix A-B)

All agencies must assess the workplace to determine if there are hazards requiring specific PPE. Once a determination has been made, agencies are required to develop a written program addressing PPE. PPE training must include how to properly put on and remove the equipment and how to clean, maintain and dispose of PPE, including but not limited to such items as respirators, chemical suits, aprons, faceshields, and goggles. There must also be a provision for sanitary storage of all PPE. Where corrosive materials are being used, suitable eyewash facilities are required. Adequate work procedures for hazardous material cleanup must be written and easily accessible to all employees involved in chemical cleanup responses. For agencies where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is possible, a procedure must be in place and available to the employees for PPE use and contaminant disposal.

Confined Spaces: 29 CFR 1910.146

A system for identifying confined spaces as permit or non-permit required must to be established in writing. Prior to entering confined spaces, employees must be properly trained and the training must be documented and kept on file.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): 29 CFR 1910.147

LOTO is required to be a written program, unless all of the exceptions in 29CFR 1910.147 (c)(4)(i) apply, and all employees performing LOTO within the agency are to be trained prior to performing lockout/tagout. The department within the agency responsible for conducting LOTO must have the written program available. The program must be audited at least annually for change in processes, inconsistency of procedure or areas where re-training is necessary. Creating LOTO checklists for all energy isolation points on machinery and equipment will help assist workers with locking and tagging ALL energy points.

Fire Protection: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L (1910.155-165; Appendix A-E)

Fire extinguishers are to be checked monthly for proper operation and are to be pressure tested according to the schedule in NFPA 10. The documentation for the monthly inspection must be available for review as well. Maintaining fire safety equipment ensures that it will be fully functional in case of emergency.

Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT): 29 CFR 1910.178

Before using PIT’s, employees must be trained and the training must include a written test as well as a road test. Both tests must be documented and retained on site for each authorized operator. A refresher course must be given every three (3) years or after an incident while operating the PIT.

Hand and Portable Power Tools: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P (1910.241-244)

Employees working with or around hand and portable power tools must be properly trained. The proper training must include machine guarding, grounding, PPE, and housekeeping. Given the necessary tools and information, safe work habits can be established which ultimately result in lower injury/illness incidents and lower workers’ compensation costs.

Electrical: 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S (1910.301-399;Appendix A-C)

Ensure that your agency complies with National Electrical Code (NEC), and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) regulations and verify that the maintenance staff performing electrical procedures is properly trained and the training is documented. The employer must provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical work.

Bloodborne Pathogens: 29 CFR 1910.1030

OSHA requires a written Exposure Control Plan for agencies that have employees who have the potential to come in contact with bloodborne pathogens. This plan must be reviewed and updated annually. Employees are to be trained annually and there must be a record of the training maintained at the agency.

Hazard Communication (HAZCOM): 29 CFR 1910.1200

Hazard Communication materials include proper container labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and placards. An accurate and complete list of all hazardous chemicals used at the agency must be maintained. Chemical container labels must be labeled correctly and legibly. Employees must have proper training prior to working around or with hazardous chemicals. If the employees understand the types of harmful chemicals they may be exposed to and methods to protect themselves properly, they will be more likely to exercise caution when using these materials.

Excavation and Shoring: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P (1926.650-652; Appendix A-F)

For agencies involved in excavation procedures, properly maintained equipment and properly trained personnel are two vital components for a safe work environment. Employees digging the excavated area and those entering must be aware of proper slope requirements; access and egress requirements and quick escape techniques. Periodically audit the equipment used (bracing, excavation boxes) and remove defective equipment immediately. Documenting the defective equipment and personnel trained to work in and around excavations gives the agency the opportunity to spot a possible problem before a fatality or serious injury occurs.

Putting this information into place, and providing proper training is likely to change employee behavior toward safety within the agency. When the behavior and attitude toward safety improves, worker injuries decrease and workers’ compensation claims decrease. Training and employee communications are not only keys for OSHA compliance, but also for the overall health and well being of all employees within your specific agency.

For OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist go to the OSHA Website: http://www.osha.gov

The preceding information is not intended to provide an exhaustive representation of components required for all agency inspections. Feel free to add to this information to customize it for your agency. Please consult the OSHA General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.

References:

OSHA General Industry Standards, 29 CFR 1910, (n.d.). Retrieved September 3, 2002, from http://www.osha.gov

Southern Supply OSHA Checklist Worksheet, 1999-2000. Retrieved September 3, 2002, from www.southernsupply.net

National Safety Council. (1990). Safety Audits and Inspections. Public Employee Safety and Health Management. (pp. 57-73). United States of America: Author