OSHA Safety Audit Checklist

On-site Safety Program

OSHA requires that all businesses have an on-site safety program in place for employees. This program should include elements such as safety training, available first aid, and worker's compensation insurance in case of an injury suffered while at work. Every business should keep records of what their safety program entails and the steps that it takes to ensure worker safety. Businesses should also be able to report the number and types of worker injuries as well as what has been done to remedy the cause of the injuries on behalf of the business.

Safety Committee

Each business should have a safety committee in place to discuss safety hazards and how to remedy them as well as how to gain employee support of safety programs. A safety committee should be comprised of not only management team members but regular employees as well so that the committee can effectively communicate safety concerns that affect a broader range of employees. The safety committee should meet either once a month or once per quarter depending on the size and industry of the business.

Employee Incentives

In order to be most effective, safety procedures must be supported by a majority of employees. OSHA suggests adding employee incentives to existing safety programs, such as a bonus for a certain number of days without an on-site injury, to encourage workers to operate safely. As part of the OSHA audit checklist, supervisors should note what on-going employee incentives for safe working are in place and what the result of these programs has been, whether or not they are positively affecting employee safety performance in the workplace.