Job site Walkthroughs: How We Spot Safety Risks

Job site walkthroughs are a crucial aspect of workplace safety, providing an opportunity to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents or injuries. These walkthroughs involve a systematic inspection of the job site, focusing on spotting safety risks and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Whether performed by safety officers, supervisors, or other trained personnel, the goal is always to create a safer working environment for all employees.

Purpose of a Safety Walkthrough

The primary purpose of a job site walkthrough is to identify any existing or potential safety hazards that could harm workers, contractors, or visitors. Common hazards might include slip and fall risks, exposed electrical wires, improper storage of materials, and equipment malfunctions. These inspections not only highlight physical dangers but also assess overall safety protocols, such as fire exits, proper signage, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.

A safety walkthrough serves several purposes:

1. Hazard Identification Safety: walkthroughs provide an opportunity to identify both obvious and hidden hazards on a job site. These might include exposed electrical wiring, loose debris, blocked escape routes, improperly stored materials, faulty machinery, or the lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Some risks are not immediately apparent, and regular walkthroughs help uncover issues that might otherwise be overlooked.

2. Compliance with Safety Regulations Regulatory: bodies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and other local agencies mandate that certain safety measures and procedures be in place. A safety walkthrough helps ensure that all aspects of the job site meet these legal requirements. Non-compliance can lead to fines, project delays, or, worse, workplace accidents.

3. Accident/Injury Prevention Preventing: accidents or injury is the primary goal of any safety protocol. By conducting regular safety inspections, job site supervisors can intervene early, eliminating hazards before they can cause harm. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of workplace injuries, which can otherwise result in costly medical bills, legal disputes, and lost productivity.

4. Promoting a Safety Culture: When safety is visibly prioritized through regular inspections and corrective actions, it fosters a culture of safety in the workforce. Employees are more likely to take safety protocols seriously when they see that leadership actively manages safety. This, in turn, can reduce risky behavior and improve overall safety on site.

One of my favorite moments while doing a walkthrough was watching two employees loading heavy boxes onto a truck. They were trying to do it quickly, and one used a pretty poor lifting form. Before walking over to them, I saw the other employee pause and remind him of the proper lifting form. He corrected his form for the remaining boxes. It was an excellent opportunity for me not only to reinforce safe lifting habits but also highlight the employee who was looking out for his coworker and exemplifying a positive safety culture.

How We Spot Safety Risks

During a safety walkthrough, several steps are taken to spot potential hazards:

1. Systematic Observation Inspectors: follow a detailed checklist or template to ensure that all potential hazards are covered. This can include examining structural integrity, equipment, tools, electrical systems, ventilation, fire safety equipment, and workers’ use of PPE. Inspectors may also observe the workflow and ask workers about safety practices. This approach ensures that nothing is missed.

2. Focus on High-Risk Areas: Some job site areas naturally pose a higher risk than others. For example, construction sites often have elevated platforms, scaffolding, and heavy machinery, while chemical plants may have hazardous materials and complex processes. Inspectors pay particular attention to these high-risk zones, as they are more likely to contribute to serious accidents if safety measures are not properly implemented.

3. Behavioral Observation: Not all risks are physical. Behavioral factors, such as the use of equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and worker attitudes toward safety, play a crucial role in identifying potential hazards. For instance, workers might not be wearing the correct PPE or using machinery incorrectly. Safety walkthroughs include observing and correcting unsafe behaviors as well.

On one of my recent walkthroughs, I noticed a relatively new employee manipulating a part in a way that put unnecessary strain on his lower back. After talking with him I learned that he used that technique because that was how he was trained and didn’t know it could be done any other way. I pointed out technique modifications that were better suited for his body type since he is much taller than his trainer. He immediately felt less strain in his lower back and has been much more productive at his station since. A simple change that likely avoided an injury.

4. Engagement with Workers: Engaging workers during the walkthrough is essential for getting valuable insight into potential risks. Workers are often the first to notice safety issues or feel discomfort with certain aspects of the site. By speaking with them and listening to their concerns, safety inspectors can better understand the challenges workers face and identify areas for improvement.

Correcting Potential Hazards

Once a safety risk is identified, it is addressed immediately or scheduled for resolution, depending on its severity. Corrective actions might include:

· Immediate Correction: Addressing a safety issue on the spot, such as moving obstacles or shutting down faulty equipment.

· Requiring PPE or Training: Ensuring that workers are using the correct protective equipment or receiving additional training to operate machinery safely.

· Upgrading Equipment: Replacing outdated or damaged tools, machinery, or scaffolding to ensure it meets current safety standards. New ergonomic designs of tools may also help reduce undue strain compared to a traditional design.

· Reporting and Documenting: Writing reports detailing the safety risks and the actions taken. This documentation helps track improvements and serves as evidence of compliance during audits.

Job site walkthroughs are an ongoing process. Continuous monitoring ensures that safety remains a priority as projects and sites evolve. By regularly conducting thorough walkthroughs, companies can minimize risks, protect employees, build relationships, and promote a safety culture on the job site.