Workplace Safety Checklist 2023: Your Essential Fall Prevention Tips

Crafted by the Fall Protection Experts at Height Works.

Ensuring the safety of employees, especially when working at heights, is a critical responsibility for any organization. Here are the workplace safety checklist and fall prevention tips gathered from the experts at Height Works’ that organizations should implement to prevent accidents and fall hazards in the workplace.

1. Foster A Culture Of Safety

• Report All Near Misses and Incidents: Ensure that all near misses and safety incidents are reported. This helps in identifying potential hazards and preventing future accidents.
• If You See Something, Say Something: Fall prevention and injury prevention are collective responsibilities. Encourage employees to report potential hazards immediately. Implement safety suggestion boxes where employees can anonymously submit their safety concerns and thoughts. This proactive approach helps address issues before they lead to incidents.
• Create a Safety Spending Account: Alongside Health and Fitness Spending Accounts, consider establishing a Safety Spending Account. This allows employees to participate in the research and acquisition of quality safety equipment, including appropriate footwear for their work conditions. Commitment to safety should extend beyond committees and weekly toolbox talks.
• Reward Safety-Conscious Behavior: Recognize employees who demonstrate exemplary safety practices. Go beyond the traditional “Employee of the Month” photo and offer tangible rewards such as gift cards or early leave. Positive reinforcement encourages a culture of safety.
• Hire Expert Consultation: Engage fall protection consultants to identify and mitigate hazards. Often, risks become evident only after an incident. Ensure construction sites have adequate lighting standards to prevent slips and trips. Poor lighting is a significant cause of accidents and is easily preventable.

2. Maintain and Inspect Equipment Regularly

• Follow Manufacturer Specifications: Adhere to the specifications set out by the manufacturers of fall protection systems and equipment. If there is any uncertainty, consult fall protection specialists. The safety of employees depends on proper equipment maintenance and its use.
• Conduct Fall Hazard Surveys: Perform fall hazard surveys whenever there are changes to the workplace, such as new equipment or modifications to the building. This includes both production areas and office spaces.
• Annually Test and Inspect Equipment: Hired certified third party experts to conduct annual tests on all fall protection systems and personal protective equipment (PPE), or more frequently if recommended by the manufacturer. Regular testing ensures that equipment remains in optimal condition and your employees are safe while usings systems and PPE.
  
  

3. Engage Employees In Safety Practices

• Review Near Miss and Accident Reports: Regularly review near miss and accident reports with employees. Discussing these incidents helps in learning from past mistakes and preventing recurrence.
• Provide Anonymous Feedback Channels: Maintain an anonymous suggestion box for employees to provide feedback on workplace safety and fall protection. This ensures that all employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
• Conduct Gear Reviews: Organize sessions to review fall protection gear. Ensure that all employees know how to properly use and adjust their personal protective equipment. This is particularly important for new employees or those who do not use the gear regularly.
• Schedule Annual Testing and Inspections: Have professional third party inspections done on anchor systems and other personal fall protection equipment done annually. This ensures that all systems and PPE are functioning correctly and safely.
• Promote Continuous Education: Stay updated on the latest safety practices and technologies. Provide continuous education and training to employees to ensure they are aware of the best practices in fall protection.
• Circulate Annual Safety Questionnaires: Distribute questionnaires to staff annually to gather feedback on their experiences with fall protection measures. This helps in identifying areas for improvement and promoting a robust safety culture.

By implementing these workplace safety checklist and fall prevention tips annually, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of preventable accidents and fall hazards in the workplace. Prioritizing safety not only protects employees but also enhances productivity and morale.