OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist Template - Get Free Editable PDF

OSHA self-inspection checklist template

About the OSHA self-inspection checklist template

An OSHA self-inspection checklist template is essential for ensuring your organization meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This template provides your team with a structured approach to evaluating workplace safety, ensuring all critical areas are addressed.

Using this checklist, you can identify potential hazards, enhance safety, and ensure regulatory compliance. This checklist supports proactive safety management, enabling thorough inspections and timely interventions.

Streamline your workplace safety strategy and meet OSHA compliance

The primary purpose of our OSHA self-inspection checklist template is to provide a comprehensive framework for assessing workplace safety. This template ensures all critical areas are covered, helping your team manage inspection tasks and ensure compliance. Using this checklist, you can streamline the inspection process, address issues early, and enhance the overall safety of your workplace.

Regular inspections help prevent accidents and ensure your organization remains compliant with OSHA standards. It supports a proactive approach with detailed documentation and regular assessments. Ultimately, this checklist fosters a safer work environment, leading to improved protection and peace of mind for your employees.

Key elements of the OSHA self-inspection checklist template

Our checklist includes essential components to ensure thorough evaluations:

General safety: Assess the overall safety of your workplace, including housekeeping, lighting, and ventilation. Ensure that all areas are clean, well-lit, and properly ventilated to provide a safe and comfortable environment for your team.
Emergency preparedness: Verify that emergency exits are accessible and marked. Ensure that emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, is available and in good working condition. Regularly review and update emergency procedures to ensure your team prepares for any situation.
Hazardous materials: Inspect the storage and handling of hazardous materials to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. Ensure your team has access to safety data sheets and is trained in the safe use and disposal of hazardous substances.
Machine and equipment safety: Ensure that you properly maintain all machinery and equipment and equip them with necessary safety guards. Train your team in the safe operation of equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Confirm that appropriate PPE is available and used by your team. Properly maintain and store PPE, and train employees in its correct use.
Documentation and follow-up: Maintain comprehensive records of inspections and any corrective actions taken. Additionally, this ensures transparency and supports continuous improvement in safety practices, providing a clear history of efforts and facilitating future planning.

Each section guides your team through essential inspection tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive approach drives successful safety management, promoting security and compliance within your organization.

Get started with Lumiform’s OSHA self-inspection checklist template

Ready to enhance your workplace safety and ensure OSHA compliance? Download Lumiform’s free OSHA self-inspection checklist template today and implement a robust strategy for managing safety. Our user-friendly template will help your team ensure safety, prevent hazards, and maintain high standards. Act now. Take the first step towards a safer workplace and peace of mind! Download your free template and set new standards with Lumiform.

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Preview of the template

Audit

Employer Posting

Is the required OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection Poster displayed in a prominent location?

Are emergency numbers posted and readily available?

Is the OSHA Form 300A posted during the months of February, March, and April?

Record keeping

Are occupational injuries or illness, except those requiring only first aid, recorded on the OSHA 300 log?

Are employee training records kept and accessible?

Have arrangements been made to retain records for the required time periods?

Are operating permits and records up-to-date for items such as elevators, air pressure tanks, etc?

Safety and Health Program

Is there a formalized safety and health program in operation?

Is one person clearly responsible for the safety and health program?

Do you have a safety committee that meets regularly?

Medical Services and First Aid

Is there a hospital, clinic, or infirmary for medical care near the workplace?

If workers are expected to administer first aid, have they received the proper vaccinations and training?

Are fully supplied first aid kits available to each work area, periodically inspected, and replenished as needed?

Is there an operational eyewash station available?

Fire Protection

Is your local fire department familiar with your facility, it's location, and specific hazards?

Is the fire alarm system certified and tested annually?

Are the interior standpipes and valves inspected regularly?

Are private outside fire hydrants flushed annually and on a routine preventative maintenance schedule?

Are fire doors and shutters in good operating condition?

Are fire doors and shutters fusible links in place?

Are the automatic sprinkler system water control valves, air and water pressure checked periodically as required?

Are sprinkler heads protected by metal guards if exposed to potential physical damage?

Do sprinkler heads have 18 inches of clearance?

Are portable fire extinguishers provided in adequate number and type?

Are portable fire extinguishers properly mounted and readily accessible?

Are portable fire extinguishers inspected regularly?

Are employees trained in the use of fire extinguishers and fire protection? Documented?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Has a PPE Assessment been completed?

If hazards were identified, is the necessary PPE required?

Have employees been trained on what PPE is required, when PPE is needed, and how to properly adjust it?

Are approved respirators provided when needed?

Is all PPE maintain in sanitary condition and ready for use?

Are food and beverages consumed only in areas where there is no exposure to hazardous materials?

Are adequate work procedures, PPE and equipment provided and used when cleaning up hazardous materials?

Are procedures in place to dispose of or decontaminate PPE?

General Work Environment

Are aisles kept clear and marked as appropriate?

Are workstations clean, sanitary, and orderly?

Are spilled materials cleaned up immediately?

Are guardrails provided on surfaces elected more than 30 inches?

Are mezzanines equipped with guardrails, midrails, and toe boards?

Are floor openings properly guarded?

Life Safety

Are all exits marked with an exit sign and illuminated by a reliable light source?

Are doors and passageways that are neither exits or exit routes labeled, NOT AN EXIT?

Are exit signs labeled with the word "EXIT" in lettering that is at least 5 inches high and half in wide?

Are exits free from obstruction?

Are there a sufficient number of exits?

Do exit doors open in the direction of travel?

Has an evacuation plan been implemented?

Are employees trained in proper evacuation procedures?

Portable Ladders

Are all ladders maintained in good condition?

Are non slip provided for metal ladders?

Are ladders periodically inspected for damage?

Are employees trained in the proper use of the ladders?

Hand Tools and Equipment

Are all tools and equipment in good/operational condition?

Are damaged tools repaired or replaced as necessary?

Are ergonomic hand tools utilized?

Are grinders, saws, and similar equipment provided with appropriate safety guards?

Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below the base shoe?

Are all cord-connected, electrically operated tools and equipment effectively grounded or double insulated?

Abrasive Wheel Grinders

Is the work rest adjusted within 1/8 inch of the wheel?

Is the adjustable tongue guard adjusted with 1/4 inch of the wheel?

Do side guards cover the spindle, nut and flange and 75% of the wheel diameter?

Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently mounted?

Are goggles or face shields worn when grinding?

Does each grinder have an individual on/off switch?

Machine Guarding

Is there a training program to instruct employees on safe method of machine operation?

Are machines and machine guarding inspected regularly?

Is all machinery kept clean and properly maintained?

Is machinery securely placed or anchored?

Are all moving chains and gears properly guarded?

Are methods provided to protect the operator from hazards created from the point of operation, ongoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks?

Are fan blades protected with a guard having openings no larger than a 1/2 inch?

Are saws used for ripping equipped with anti-kickback devices and spreaders?

Are radial arm saws so arranged that the cutting hard will gently return to the back of the table when released?

Lockout / Tagout Procedures (LOTO)

Is all machinery or equipment capable of movement required to be de-energized, disengaged, blocked, or locked out during cleaning, servicing, adjusting, or setting up operations?

Is a formal LOTO program in use?

Have machine specific LOTO procedures been created for all equipment requiring LOTO?

Is the LOTO program and machine specific reviewed and updated at least annually?

Have all "authorized" employees received the proper training?

Have all "affected" employees received the proper training?

Welding, Cutting, and Brazing

Are only authorized and trained personnel permitted to use welding, cutting, or brazing equipment?

Are compressed gas cylinders regularly inspected?

Are only approved apparatuses used?

Are empty cylinders properly labeled?

Are signs posted reading, "danger, no smoking, matches, or open lights," or the equivalent?

Is suitable fire extinguishing equipment available for immediate use?

Is the area free from combustibles?

Is eye protection, helmets, hand shields, and goggles available?

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Are cylinders clearly labeled to identify the type of gas?

Are cylinders stored in areas protected from external heat sources?

Are cylinders stored and transported in a manner to prevent tipping or damage?

Are valve protectors on cylinders when not in use?

Powered Industrial Trucks

Are employees properly trained in the use of PITs?

Are only trained personnel permitted to operate PITs.

Are PITs which are in use equipped with fully functional safey gear, I.e. Seat belts, horn, etc.

Are pre trip inspections completed?

Are PITs in need of repair tagged out of service?

Is a formalized PIT safety program in use?

Hazardous Communication

Is there a list of hazardous substances used in your workplace?

Are MSDS available and up to date?

Is there a written hazardous communication program?

Is each container labeled with product identity and a hazard warning?

Are employees trained on MSDS content and use, right to know information, location of hazcom program and MSDS, location and protection of physical and health hazards, and details of the hazcom program?

Electrical

Do you require OSHA compliance for all electrical contract work?

Is grounding and bonding utilized when necessary?

Are multiple plug adapters prohibited?

Is ground fault circuit interrupters utilized when necessary?

Is wiring, cords, and connectors in good condition?

Are frayed and damaged cords removed from service?

Are all disconnecting switches and circuit breakers properly labeled?

Additional Comments

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Frequently asked questions

What challenges might your organization face when conducting OSHA self-inspections?

Conducting OSHA self-inspections can be challenging due to limited resources and expertise. Your organization might struggle with identifying all potential hazards without a comprehensive understanding of OSHA standards. Additionally, time constraints can also hinder thorough inspections. To overcome these challenges, consider training your team on OSHA requirements, using checklists to guide inspections, and allocating sufficient time and resources to ensure a detailed evaluation of workplace safety.

How can your team ensure thoroughness during OSHA self-inspections?

To ensure thoroughness, your team should prepare by familiarizing themselves with relevant OSHA standards and using detailed checklists tailored to your industry. Encourage your team to approach inspections methodically, examining each area systematically. Additionally, document findings meticulously and involve employees who are familiar with specific work areas. Regularly review and update inspection procedures to incorporate new safety regulations and feedback from previous inspections, ensuring continuous improvement.

What are common pitfalls your organization should avoid during OSHA self-inspections?

Common pitfalls include overlooking less obvious hazards, failing to involve employees in the inspection process, and neglecting to follow up on identified issues. Your organization should avoid rushing inspections and promptly document and address all findings. Additionally, encourage open communication within your team to identify hidden risks. Implement a system to track corrective actions, and ensure that you resolve all safety concerns effectively and efficiently.

How can technology assist your organization in conducting effective OSHA self-inspections?

Technology can enhance your organization’s OSHA self-inspections by providing digital tools for data collection and analysis. Use mobile apps to conduct inspections and capture real-time data, making it easier to identify trends and prioritize hazards. Additionally, online platforms can streamline reporting and facilitate communication within your team. By leveraging technology, your organization can improve inspection accuracy, ensure compliance, and maintain a proactive approach to workplace safety management.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.