Kevin Ian Schmidt

Creating a safe workplace is not just about the employees who work there regularly. It extends to all individuals who enter the premises, including contractors, visitors, and the public. Ensuring their safety is as crucial as safeguarding those familiar with the environment. Recognizing the potential hazards within a workplace is vital, especially for individuals who are unfamiliar with the setting. Identifying these risks and taking steps to improve the safety of the workplace is paramount.

To help establish the safest environment for everyone entering your workplace, consider these ten essential steps:

1. Take a Comprehensive Walkaround: Begin by thoroughly exploring your workplace. Familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny, inside and out.
2. Heighten Your Awareness: Pause, close your eyes, and then turn left and right, still keeping your eyes closed. This exercise sharpens your other senses and perception of the space.
3. Visualize Emergency Situations: Imagine yourself in an emergency scenario. Picture low visibility and a sense of panic. How would you navigate the area?
4. Identify Walkways and Exits: Open your eyes and carefully observe your workspace. Locate walkways and exits that could be crucial during an emergency evacuation.
5. Critical Self-Assessment: Evaluate the environment as if you were an outsider entering in an emergency. Are there hazards that are apparent to you but might not be to someone unfamiliar with the workplace?
6. Conduct a Job Site Hazard Analysis: If you find it challenging to identify potential dangers, consider conducting a job site hazard analysis. This assessment can reveal risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
   

   Check Out: How to Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis

7. Address Identified Hazards: If you recognize hazards that could pose a threat to someone unfamiliar with the premises, take immediate action. Fix, change, or remove these hazards to enhance safety.
8. Take Immediate Action: Implement these changes promptly. Waiting can increase the risk of accidents. Addressing hazards promptly is key to maintaining a safe workplace.
9. Regular Vigilance: Repeat this evaluation every time you walk around the workplace. Hazards can change, so regular checks are essential to ensuring a consistently safe environment.
10. Promote a Safety Culture: Encourage all employees, visitors, and contractors to be vigilant and report any hazards they notice. A collective effort ensures that potential dangers are identified and rectified promptly.

Check Out: The Road Map to Build a Positive Safety Culture

By adhering to these steps, workplace safety for everyone who enters can be significantly improved. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure a secure environment for all, fostering a culture of safety and well-being in your workplace. Remember, a safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility.