Safety Surveys

The safety survey is a key element of successful safety programs. Supervisors should make regular, detailed surveys of their areas to detect unsafe conditions, such as those arising from mishandling of materials, scrap accumulation, or wear and tear on machinery. Supervisors also should observe employees for unsafe work practices. Identifying unsafe acts is just as important as discovering unsafe conditions.

Safety surveys should identify things that are right, as well as things that are wrong, and target improvements that can reduce accident exposure. Cover your entire operation and all areas of safety, whether it takes one survey or a series of surveys to obtain the complete picture.

Who may conduct safety surveys?

When should safety surveys be conducted?

Tips for conducting meaningful safety surveys

Safety survey checklist

In addition to the supervisor, who may conduct safety surveys?

Safety surveys, conducted by a safety director or representatives from a safety committee, can reveal hazards overlooked by supervisors. Where a safety committee exists, two or three members can make surveys before the committee’s meetings. It’s good practice to rotate this role among committee members.

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When should safety surveys be conducted?

Schedule safety surveys regularly-monthly, quarterly or at any suitable interval. The important point is to stick to your schedule.

Inspections of equipment required at specified intervals by local laws, such as fire extinguishers, pressure vessels, boilers and elevators, must be performed as required. Use checklists to evaluate your safety survey to ensure you haven’t missed anything.

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Tips for conducting meaningful safety surveys

For companies engaged in a continuous process, it’s best to start at the beginning, with raw materials, and continue step-by-step through all production phases, to completion and delivery of the final product.

Individuals conducting safety surveys must wear the necessary safety equipment and observe safety practices in the areas they visit. They should not talk to workers without their supervisor’s approval. Avoid criticisms; stick strictly to facts.

Safety surveys include complete written reports, recommending corrective action for any hazards or unsafe practices. Include target dates and names of those responsible for completion of hazard corrections. Take accurate notes; keep records of all unsafe conditions and unsafe acts.

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Safety survey checklist

Building conditions

• Structural safety – walls, floors, elevators, stairways, railings
• Housekeeping – clear aisles, walking and working surfaces
• Egress – unobstructed exits
• Fire Protection – extinguishers, sprinkler systems, water tanks, storage of flammables
• Electrical – switchboxes, outlets, extensions

Equipment

• Guarding, wiring, transmissions, shafting
• Condition of hand tools and power tools
• Chains, cables and ropes subject to severe strain

Health conditions

• Atmospheric contaminants
• Noise levels

Procedures, practices

• Safe practices in all operations
• Adequate lighting

Protective clothing and equipment

• Use or non-use

Personal action

• Unsafe acts or work

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