Risk and safety checklists
A mandatory feature of operational safety and wellbeing plans is the formal inspection by University staff of all workshops and laboratories, as well as offices and general work areas.
Workplace inspections require a systematic approach to reveal all hazards. Think about splitting the workplace into sections or functional units and talk to the staff and students in the area. As with any change to the workplace, employee consultation is an important part in ensuring that both the identification of health and safety risks, as well as any proposed solutions, are understood by staff.
When looking for hazards, you should consider the interaction between the:
- work environment,
- plant, equipment or substances,
- work practices, and
- individuals involved.
Conducting these inspections against an standard checklist allows for the early identification of hazards, so that they may be addressed before an accident or incident occurs. The Safety & Wellbeing branch has developed checklists to be used for this purpose, for:
