Occupational Safety Engineering

Inspection

Procedures

OSHA Inspections
OSHA Personnel May Inspect Any Covered Workplace Unannounced Random Inspections -- Very Rare Response to a Complaint -- Common Response to an Accident -- Rare Will Inspect Following a Fatality Follow-Up to Previous Inspection May Result in Fines, Some Substantial

Safety Audits

Safety Audits
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A Formal Report on the Relative Risk of Working or Visiting in a Facility Based on Observation of Facilities, Equipment, Processes, and Activities Based on Pertinent Data

Safety Audit Data Sources

Previous Audit Reports _ Sound Levels _ Lighting Levels _ Dimensions _ Weights of Objects _ Times Involved in Activities _Training Records _Maintenance Records
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Audit Considerations
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Access / Egress Fire Protection Equipment/Alarms Flammables and Combustibles Electrical Hazards Pressure Vessels Ventilation

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Noise Levels Lighting Levels Machine Guarding Trips and Falls Hazardous Matls Radiation Ergonomics (Lifting, BioMech. & Repetitive Strain)

Planning for an Inspection

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Know the Facility Thoroughly -- Jobs, Equipment, Processes, Materials, Etc. Know Relevant Standards, Codes, and Regulations (eg. OSHA, NFPA, ASME) Plan Steps for Inspection -- Interviews, Tests, Observations, Etc. Determine Method for Recording, Evaluating, and Using Data Collected

Format for an Audit -- Part 1

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Straightforward and Clear Define Area Included in Audit Briefly Describe Processes & Activities List All Findings _ What Is Being Done Correctly _ What Situations Constitute Safety Hazards or OSHA Violations

Format for an Audit -- Part 2

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For Each Hazard Finding:

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Discuss Why You Consider Situation a Safety Hazard Describe Any Solutions You Think Will Make the Situation Safe Note the Best Solution (From the Safety Perspective) Give Other Good Solutions if Best Is Likely to Be Disfavored by Management (e.g., if Expensive) or if it Will Take Time to Implement

Format for an Audit -- Part 3

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Be Sure All Solutions Meet OSHA Provide Supporting Documentation (Pictures, Sketches, Flow Carts, Raw Data, Statistical Results, Etc.) Provide a Rah-Rah Conclusion Provide for Follow-Up Audit to Check for Implementation of Solutions

Conveying Audit Results

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Provide a Detailed, Professional Written Report of Results Present Results Orally to Manager of the Area, Supervisors, and Top Management (if Possible) Meet Separately with Person Responsible for Implementing Changes (Mfg. Engr., Supervisor, Etc.)

Safety Audit Project

Group Acts as a Consulting Team to Perform an Audit for a Chosen Company Similar to an OSHA Inspection Except We Cannot Cite or Fine the Employer Must Coordinate with Management and Give the Results to Company