WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS

7.1 DETECT AND ACT ON SAFETY HAZARDS

As already discussed in 1.11, it is part of the functions of a Health and Safety Representative to inspect the workplace, including any article, substance, plant, machinery or health and safety equipment at that workplace, with a view to the health and safety of employees.  Such inspections will be performed at such intervals as agreed upon with the employer.

Although it is every employee’s responsibility to be on the lookout for possible hazards, it is especially the responsibility of the Safety Representative and supervisors to spot such conditions and to ensure that corrective actions are taken accordingly.

The following are possible hazardous situations you need to act on:

• Slippery floors and walkways
  • Tripping hazards, such as hose links, piping, etc.
  • Missing (or inoperative) entrance and exit signs and lighting
  • Poorly lighted stairs
  • Loose handrails or guard rails
  • Loose or broken windows
  • Dangerously piled supplies or equipment
  • Open or broken windows
  • Unlocked doors and gates
  • Electrical equipment left operating
  • Open doors on electrical panels
  • Leaks of steam, water, oil, etc.
  • Blocked aisles
  • Blocked fire extinguishers, hose sprinkler heads
  • Blocked fire doors
  • Evidence of any equipment running hot or overheating
  • Oily rags
  • Evidence of smoking in non-smoking areas
  • Roof leaks
  • Directional or warning signs not in place
  • Safety devices not operating properly
  • Machine, power transmission, or drive guards missing, damaged, loose, or improperly placed

7.1.1 TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR SAFETY

Safety representatives should be aware of the impact of the ten commandments in the work place, ie:

• KNOW YOUR JOB – Skilled workers are always needed, follow instructions and work safely.
• USE THE RIGHT TOOLS – Be sure they are in good repair.
• KEEP YOUR WORK AREA CLEAN AND ORDERLY – Keep walkways clear and free of material, orderliness is a sign of a safe and efficient worker.
• USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT – Wear the equipment provided, use head, foot, and ear and eye protection.
• HANDLE MATERIALS SAFELY – know the correct way of lifting loads.
• ABOUT LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS – Report defective ladders, face the ladder when going down, keep scaffold platforms clear of excess scrap.
• USE CARE AROUND EQUIPMENT – Never operate power driven equipment unless authorized to do so. Never ride on equipment which not designed for that purpose.
• DRESS FOR THE JOB – Loose or ragged clothing should not be worn as it could be caught in moving parts of the equipment.
• FOLLOW THE RULES – Safety rules are for your protection, report unsafe act and conditions.
• IF YOU DO GET HURT – Get first aid immediately, report the accident to your foreman.

7.2 DOCUMENTATION AS APPLICABLE TO THE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

The following are just some of the most important documentation that the Health and Safety Representative may deal with:

• Appointment – Safety Representative
• Appointment – Health and Safety Committee Member.
• Safety Representative Monthly Checklist (this could be in a checklist format, but some companies make use of a book system)
• Safety Representative Deviation List and Action Plan.
• Accident/Incident Report.

7.2.1 Appointment – Safety Representative

7.2.2 Appointment – Health and Safety Committee Member.

7.2.3 Safety Representative Monthly Checklist

(NB: This is a basic list compiled for training purposes only)

A check list is used by the Safety Representative to identify compliance to safety and health regulations and also to identify and report on unsafe acts and conditions in the work place.  We normally call this a Safety Inspection. Representatives should identify and report on health and safety discrepancies according to standard operating procedures (SOPs), this includes;

• issues such as unsafe conditions and acts, PPE, safeguarding machinery including lockouts and handling electrical points, and
• the reporting which should reflect workplace SOPs and terminology

The minimum content of a checklist should include the following:

7.2.4 Safety Representative Deviation List and Action Plan

After the Safety Inspection, serious non-compliance factors should be noted on a “Safety Representative Deviation List and Action Plan”