Of all companies, it is small businesses or organisations that suffer the greatest impact from sickness, accident or incident. The loss of one machine or the temporary unfitness for work of one employee has an appreciable effect on the productivity and efficiency of the entire organisation. Small businesses must, when compared with large ones, make up for a deficiency with fewer means and less personnel.
The causes of the loss are usually attributable to unsafe and unhealthy situations at work. In order to prevent them, it is very important to know what the at-risk areas in your company are. You can track down risks and hazards by carrying out a risk inventory and assessment. Once they are known, you can reduce them (and finally prevent them) by taking appropriate measures. The likelihood of loss or injury is thus reduced.
This checklist is to be the basic document for the works manager wanting to improve health and safety in his workplace. Going through this list together with staff also constitutes a step towards a more competitive and efficient business.
In order to provide the assurance of a safe and healthy environment, the legislators have made carrying out a risk assessment mandatory (89/391/EEC). This checklist does not relieve you from this obligation, but it will be an aid to making it easier to meet the legal stipulations.
The checklist does not assume any prior additional theoretical knowledge. This means that it can simply be used by anyone in the trade. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to consult the competent persons or authorities.
The checking principle is simple but in order to conduct it properly you must make sufficient time available. You should allow 4 hours fully to cover this checklist. In order to make the best use of this booklet, you should go through it step by step. It is not necessary to work through the booklet at one go, but we do recommend that you do so.
Part 1
In part one, you will find a table where you fill in the workers concerned and their activities. This table will help you to achieve a better overall view of the business and the various jobs.
Part
2
Part two contains the checklist as such. The list is subdivided into four columns. Column 1 shows a summary of the various items requiring attention which come up in the questions and hints in column 2. These questions are not exhaustive. It is possible that certain questions will not apply to your business or that additional questions will be required. You can adapt the list yourself to your business. Column 3 gives a number of solutions to correct problem items. Important items requiring attention which must be advised to personnel are marked (*). The black dot (l) is ticked if there is room for improvement. If the situation does not require any action, then the white dot (¡) is ticked. Where the subject does not apply, you will leave column 3 blank.
Important problems in the trade are given additional emphasis with the "L" symbol. Special measure which are particularly effective are indicated with a "J".
Part 3
Part 3 contains useful addresses for more information.
In the next step you will draw up a list of the problem items according to the extent of their effect on safety. In prioritising problem items, you can take the following criteria into consideration:
· risk elimination takes precedence over risk reduction
· collective measures take precedence over individual measures
· many people take precedence over few people
· little money, substantial result takes precedence over much money, little result.
You will link these remarks to the action to be taken, a person responsible and a target date. If required, you can describe matters in more detail (e.g. budget available). By dealing with problem items systematically, you will work step by step towards an improved safety policy in your business.
Summary of employees and their activities
|
Employee |
Main Activity |
hours/day |
Subsidiary Activity |
hours/day |
Details* |
|
William
O. |
pelt
cutter and sorter |
8 |
|
|
back
ailments |
|
Stephen
D. |
logistics
|
5 |
workshop
maintenance |
3 |
temporary
worker |
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* Are the employees qualified for the job? (lift truck drivers, electricians, etc.)
Has the work been properly distributed among the workforce?
Does the employee's health enable him to do this job?
Are there special risk groups working in the business, such as trainees, pregnant women, youngsters and disabled persons?
The checklist
The questions and hints should help you
better to locate the problem Employees must be briefed on action indicated
with * at an information meeting.
¡ : in order, under
control
l : not in order, to be
improved
|
P |
|
Questions
and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
||||||||
|
L |
w |
Are there machines with unprotected moving parts? drive belts .................. |
w - |
Machines purchased after 1-1-1995 must be CE marked. Moving parts which can be touched to be protected |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
||||||||
|
P |
|
|
- |
A machine must not be capable of being started without safety
devices. |
|
¡ |
l |
||||||||
|
P |
w |
Can a machine be stopped immediately in case of emergency or an
accident? |
w |
Fit emergency stops. |
|
¡ |
l |
||||||||
|
|
w |
Can unintentional starting be prevented? |
w |
The start button is to be placed such that it cannot be pressed
unintentionally |
|
¡ |
l |
||||||||
|
P P P P |
w |
Is the stock of machines regularly maintained? |
w - - - |
Periodic maintenance of the machines to be provided by a competent
technician. Upkeep and maintenance booklets of the machines to be kept up to
date. Perform a daily visual check of the machine before starting work. Notify and (order) repair (of) any fault as soon as possible. |
* * |
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l |
Possible problems. If a problem is not
relevant for you, proceed to the next item. You can make your own
additions where necessary. The action proposed here can help to reduce
the risk. If the action has already been taken you can indicate this by
ticking the white dot (¡).
Action which has not as yet received attention must be indicated with the
black dot (l). If it
does not apply you just go on to the next point.
Machines and plant
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
L |
w |
Are there machines with unprotected moving parts? drive belts .............. |
w - |
Machines purchased after 1-1-1995 must be CE marked. Moving parts which can be touched to be protected |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
|
|
- |
A machine must not be capable of being started without safety devices. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Can a machine be stopped immediately in case of emergency or an accident? |
w |
Fit emergency stops. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
w |
Can unintentional starting be prevented? |
w |
The start button is to be placed such that it cannot be pressed unintentionally |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is the stock of machines regularly maintained? |
w - - - |
Periodic maintenance of the machines to be provided by a competent technician. Upkeep and maintenance booklets of the machines to be kept up to date. Perform a daily visual check of the machine before starting work. Notify and (order) repair (of) any fault as soon as possible. |
* * |
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l |
|
|
w |
Avoid misuse of equipment |
w |
Provide training and instructions |
* |
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Is there a danger of cuts? · Knives · sharp points · .................. |
w - |
Sharp implements to be put away after use. Protective clothing (gloves) to be worn when handling sharp objects and materials. |
* * |
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
w |
Is it possible for objects or equipment to move out of control? |
w |
Machines and workbenches to be set up stably. |
* |
¡
|
l |
Electrical safety
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
w |
Is there a plan of the mains electrical supply available? |
w |
A plan of the existing mains electrical supply with the low voltage panels and circuits to be drawn up. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
w |
Is the supply power rating suitable for the machines? |
w |
Adapt the power supply to suit. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Are the machines earthed? |
w |
Machines to be earthed. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
L |
w |
Are there sufficient circuit breakers installed in the supply? (current protection, earth leakage circuit breaker, fuse) |
w - |
Fit the required circuit breakers to match the supply. Fuses must not be repaired in house but replaced. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
w |
Is there an inventory of the various items of electrical equipment with their specifications? |
w |
Draw up an inventory of the various items of electrical equipment installed. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is the electricity supply subject to periodic inspection? |
w |
Arrange inspection by an approved body: · annually for high voltage · every five years for low voltage |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
w |
Is there a danger of tripping over cables lying about? |
w - |
Do not allow cables to run loose over the floor, fix them in channels. Avoid the use of extension leads. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
w |
Are there sufficient power sockets? |
w |
Fit sufficient power sockets for mobile hand tools. |
|
|
|
|
L |
w |
Are the electric cables, plugs and sockets and the enclosures of machines in order? |
w - |
Replace unserviceable plugs, sockets and cables immediately. Carry out an in-house periodic check (e.g. annually) on all electrical equipment, plugs, leads and sockets. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
w |
Is work on the power supply carried out by trained electricians? |
w |
Have work on the power supply carried out by trained electricians only. |
|
¡ |
l |
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
w |
Has a record been drawn up of the hazardous substances and agents? (These are all substances with a label with an orange and black illustration on them, for instance a skull, St Andrew's cross. These may be: paints, cleaning products, etc.) |
w |
Set up a record of dangerous substances to include, among other things: · List of the substances · The quantity of the substance present · Safety information leaflet or MSDS · The required permits (environment, discharge, storage) · The manner and place of storage · Waste processing |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l l l |
|
|
w |
Are the required precautions being applied as stipulated in the MSDS, permits and other stipulations? If in doubt consult the supplier or a competent authority. |
w |
The prescribed precautions to be taken in respect of: · fire hazards · poisoning · waste disposal · individual and collective protective equipment to be made available. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l |
|
|
w |
Is the stock being managed appropriately? |
w - - |
Stock not to be stored in the working areas but in separate stores or an enclosed cabinet. Packaging of substances in stock to be checked at regular intervals (six-monthly). Quantities of hazardous substances in the working areas and stores to be limited. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
|
w |
Is the racking in the stores suitable for the stock? |
w - - |
Drums to be provided for the various substances. Substances to be stacked properly in
racking: Incompatible substances must not be placed next to one another (e.g. acids and alkalis). |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
w |
Are fire hazards on the premises kept to a minimum? |
w |
Restrict the amount of flammable substances in the workshop to a maximum of a day's stock. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Waste paper and other flammable material to be removed daily. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Avoid possible sources of ignition |
w |
Introduce a smoking ban throughout the company. |
* |
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is the heating system or supplementary heating fire resistant and does it meet legal requirements? |
w - |
Have the heating (and hot water supply) checked regularly by a technician. Have the chimney swept. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
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|
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|
w |
Is there an existing fire detector and fire alarm? |
w |
Install detectors |
|
¡ |
l |
|
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|
|
w |
Is there existing fire extinguishing equipment? |
w |
Install a fire extinguishing system with: hydrants hose reels extinguishers |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Conduct an annual inspection of the fire system (detectors, fire extinguishers, fire blanket, automatic extinguishing system) |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Does the workforce have its attention drawn to fire prevention? |
w - |
Draw up a fire alert and alarm procedure Train the workforce on handling fire fighting equipment. |
* |
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
w |
Is compressed air used or are there any other pressure vessels present? |
w |
Have pressure vessels checked periodically by a competent body. |
|
¡ |
l |
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
w |
Are certain working postures maintained / tasks performed over long periods · seated work · repetitive work · standing work · ....................... |
w - |
Provide jobs changes by building variety into work schedules. Provide standing supports or high stools for work requiring long periods of standing. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
Occupational diseases, industrial accidents and time off work due to illness |
w |
Does the workforce suffer from occupational diseases? occupational deafness contact eczema respiratory disorders .............................. What are the most frequent industrial accidents? |
w |
Occupational diseases and industrial accidents are signs that protective equipment or training are inadequate. (Together with the external accident prevention service,) conduct a survey and draw up a record of industrial accidents and time off work due to illness. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is time taken off due to illness or is there a high degree of personnel turnover? |
w |
Obtain advice on combating industrial accidents, occupational diseases and time off due to illness from several authorities: medical officer, insurer, social services, labour inspectorate, approvals bodies. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Stress can be caused by the following: · irregular working hours · working against the clock · the absence of the ability to anticipate · taking important decisions in the absence of a superior · excessive demands · unclear orders |
w - - - - |
Draw up proper work schedules and plans A proper description to be provided of the clothing to be repaired or produced. Ensure proper support. Supply the workforce with proper material. Place the right person in the right place. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l l |
|
|
w |
Is there conflict between colleagues? Can problems be discussed? |
w - |
Put a well thought out recruitment policy into practice. Pursue an open-minded policy. Allow problems to be discussed within groups. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
|
w |
Does the workforce receive feedback on their work (positive or negative)? |
w |
Encourage internal communication and motivation. |
|
¡ |
l |
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
w |
Is there a first-aid box? |
w |
Supply a first-aid box. |
* |
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Check boxes regularly to ensure they contain sufficient materials. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is there an accident register? |
w |
Draw up an accident register. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is there a person responsible for first-aid? |
w |
Appoint a person responsible for first-aid and provide training. |
* |
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Are aisles of adequate size throughout? |
w |
Aisles must be at least 80 cm throughout. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
L |
w |
Are emergency exits clear and signposted? |
w - - - |
Provide at least two exits per workshop. Keep emergency exits free at all times. Do not stack anything on stairs or in stairwells. Emergency exit doors must open in the direction of escape [outwards]. |
* |
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l |
|
|
|
|
- |
Escape routes to be indicated with pictograms. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Are evacuation drills carried out? |
w |
Arrange an evacuation drill annually. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
w |
Are personnel trained for fire fighting? |
w |
Provide an exercise in fire fighting (primary intervention). |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Has the procedure in the event of accident or emergency been drafted? |
w |
Draw up a reporting procedure for emergencies |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Is the workforce informed of steps to be taken in the event of accidents and emergencies? |
w |
Provide the workforce with information on emergency procedures. |
|
¡ |
l |
Workplace and premises
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
|
|
|
w |
Are the premises suitable for the work? |
w |
The overall condition of the premises to be maintained. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Ascertain the strength of the floors and check whether it is suitable for the weight of the machinery. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Are the premises adequately lit? |
w |
Install adequate lighting throughout the premises. Pay particular attention to the following: · outside lighting · stairs · stores · ................. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l l |
|
|
|
w |
Is there emergency lighting? |
w |
Install emergency lighting and check it regularly for proper operation. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w w |
Is the main lighting in the workplace in order? Are irritating shadows avoided? |
w - |
Fit adequate lighting. If necessary, place supplementary lighting on workbenches or machines where a particularly good colour rendering is needed or precision work is to be supplied. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
Personnel facilities |
w |
Are there changing rooms, canteen and sanitary facilities for personnel? |
w - - |
Sanitary facilities to be provided for personnel. Changing rooms and washing facilities to be arranged. An area to be made available for eating away from the workplace. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
w |
Are these rooms clean and hygienic? |
w |
Rooms to be cleansed regularly (daily). |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
- |
Hot water supply to be placed outside the washrooms (carbon monoxide poisoning hazard). |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
- |
Rooms to be provided with proper ventilation. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Are the stairs and stairwells in order? |
w - - |
Ensure steps are even and stable. Fit robust handrails. Keep stairwells clear. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
Order and cleanliness |
w |
Is the workplace clean? |
w - |
Clean the workplace regularly. Everything to be tidied away before leaving in the evening . |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
|
w |
Do all materials have a set place for storage? |
w |
Provide storage facilities for all materials. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
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|
w |
Is it possible for persons to fall, slip or trip as a result of : |
|
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|
|
· untidy aisles · pits or holes in the workplace floor · waste on the floor |
w - |
All aisles to be kept clear. Unevenness in the workplace floor to be smoothed out. |
|
¡ ¡ |
l l |
|
w |
Have the various workbenches and machines been laid out properly? |
w |
Work out a logical arrangement of workstations. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Position machinery to enable persons to get past easily. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Is the heating adequate? |
w |
If necessary install supplementary heating. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
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|
|
Is there adequate ventilation in the workshop? |
w |
Make provision for adequate air changes to take place in the workshop. |
|
¡ |
l |
Policy and organisation
¡ : in order, under control
l : not in order, to be improved
|
Possible problems |
|
Questions and hints |
|
Action |
|
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|
w |
Are machine instructions clear, explicit and available to users? |
w |
Draw up instructions for the various machines in the users' language (pay attention to safety precautions in the instructions). |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
|
w |
Are the working procedures easily understandable? |
w |
Draw up simple procedures in the language of the workforce. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Does anyone work alone in the workshop? |
w |
There must always be at least 2 persons present. If this is not feasible, then means of contact to be provided for emergencies (e.g. automatic telephone calling, emergency button) |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Does the workforce have problems with safety precautions? · misuse or failure to use personal protection equipment. · unsafe conduct · failure to observe safety instructions |
w - - |
Discuss safety issues with the workforce. Provide safety training. Provide new recruits with information and training. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
|
w |
Is the workforce aware of the risks? |
w |
Provide the workforce with information. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
|
w |
Does the workforce participate in the accident prevention policy? |
w |
Provide for employee participation in the accident prevention policy. |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
How are visitors and customers received? |
w - - |
Provide a reception desk for customers, where consignments can be handed in and stored temporarily. Customers and visitors to be accompanied at all times on the premises.. Set out loading and unloading areas for goods vehicles. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
L |
w |
Is the required personal and collective protective equipment available for the various jobs? |
w - - |
Make a list of the required protective equipment (personal and collective) for each type of work. Obtain information from the competent authorities if you have any questions (medical officer, etc.) Make protective equipment available to the workforce Check the condition of protective equipment at regular intervals and replace damaged or worn items. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
w |
Does the workforce participate in the selection of protective equipment? |
w |
Consult the workforce when purchasing protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, clothing, etc. J |
|
¡ |
l |
|
w |
Is safety and user-friendliness of a machine assessed before purchase? |
w - - |
Carry out a thorough assessment of machines before proceeding with purchase. Invite input from the workforce. J Allow the workforce to test the equipment. |
|
¡ ¡ ¡ |
l l l |
|
|
|
|
|
- |
Keep abreast of the latest technology and developments (in the fields of health and safety as well). J |
|
¡ |
l |
Applicable addresses:
voor de bevordering van de arbeid van het Ministerie van Tewerkstelling en Arbeid
[Office of the Commissoner-General for the promotion of employment of the Ministry of Employment and Labour]
Belliardstraat 51
1040 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: (02) 233 42 36
PREVENT
Instituut voor preventie, bescherming
en welzijn op het werk
[Institute for [accident] prevention, protection and health at work]
Gachardstraat 88 bus 4
1050 Brussels
Tel: (02)643 44 44
Fax: (02)643 44 40