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Without proper safety checkups conducted on a regular basis, your business can quickly become unsafe, potentially leading to accidents and losses. Take a few moments each year to complete an annual safety checkup, and follow up with periodic inspections and regular safety meetings to help create a culture of risk management at your business.
Annual Safety Checkup
Your annual safety checkup may be unique to your specific business, but in general, it is important to review all areas of your workplace, including items such as:
- Machinery and equipment cleanliness and functionality
- Availability and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Clean floors to prevent slips, trips, and falls
- Clear and updated signage
- Proper lighting for the workspace
- General housekeeping and material handling
- Hazard communication with current documentation
- Clearly designated exit routes in case of an emergency
- Properly functioning ventilation
- Accessible and operational fire extinguishers
- Correct use of ladders
- Functioning machine guards
Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list — you will know best what to look for at your workplace. But completing an annual safety checkup, along with periodic check-ins throughout the year, can help you catch infractions that may otherwise slip between the cracks.
Risk Management Culture
When it comes to prioritizing safety, business leaders and risk management professionals agree: It has to start at the top. Business owners must believe in the importance of safety and model the behaviors that will help keep employees — and by extension, the business — safe. A positive example from leadership will likely be reflected throughout the next levels of management and frontline employees.
Federated® clients who are interested in learning more about what to look for during their annual safety checkup can check out mySHIELD®, Federated’s personalized online destination for risk management resources to support your business. Reach out to your local marketing representative for more information.
Visit the SMACNA association page for more on the products and services Federated Insurance offers, and to locate your local marketing representative and association account executive.
This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.
