In the United States, workplace inspections are a regular part of many business's operations. The objective of workplace inspections is to create a safe working environment for employees and customers. When it comes to workplace safety, prevention is the best defense. When things are moving at a fast pace, it can be easy for employees to become distracted, so developing a thorough, routinely scheduled inspection process for your business is crucial.

Most workplace inspections are performed by occupational safety and health inspectors who are specially trained to recognize existing and potential threats to employee and customer safety. For example, workplace health inspections routinely occur in the food service industry to prevent foodborne disease outbreaks. No matter the industry, the goal of all workplace inspections is to eliminate situations that put employees and customers in immediate danger, and to prevent work-related catastrophes and fatalities.

Ensure workplace safety by:

1. Establishing a workplace inspection plan with the help of a trained professional.

2. Taking a proactive stance when it comes to the safe handling of food by scheduling a workplace health inspection.

3. Recognizing that dangerous mold can easily become a health issue for any commercial business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review your workplace safety inspection plan with a trained consultant

Slip-ups, cuts and burns are the most common safety issues in accident-prone environments like manufacturing and processing plants and restaurants. Danger lurks everywhere, so workplace safety inspection is paramount. Businesses that manufacture products and prepare food typically move at a very fast-pace, and should consider initiating workplace self-inspections as part of an internal safety program.

I recommend: CCMSI provides inspections for a variety of commercial business establishments. Their workplace inspectors and consultants review inspection checklists, preparing your company to meet all safety requirements. An OSHA on-site consultation can help you create a viable inspection process and provide expert advice to improve workplace safety.

Conduct regular health inspections to prevent foodborne illness

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 550 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported each year from 1993 to 1997. Forty percent of these illnesses were traced back to restaurants. Regualr health inspections for workplace safety are an important step in preventing foodborne disease outbreaks.

I recommend: FSS provides a variety of services, including restaurant inspections and consultations. Their goal is to help you become proactive in preventing foodborne illness through conducting workplace self-inspections. RWM Consulting Services provides workplace health inspection services for a variety of hospitality and food service industries.

Breathe easier with a solid mold inspection checklist

The issue of mold and mildew poses a growing problem for many businesses. Walls and ceilings are most affected by the growth of mold spores, which can be extremely toxic. A mold inspection checklist can help your business take steps to fight off the dangerous substances' occurrence.

I recommend: Sparkle Restoration provides an assessment of your property and a safe, HEPA equipment-based mold removal service. American Home Inspections also provides mold inspection services. Their professionals provide a commercial property inspection checklist immediately following the inspection, a valuable tool for future prevention of mold and other workplace dangers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A workplace safety inspection consultant can provide your business with an OSHA building inspection checklist. This can help you develop a safety training program for your employees.