Streamline Safety with this Simple Checklist

Accidents, injuries and fatalities in the workplace can be both devasting and costly. Working to prevent hazards in the workplace can help both workers and employers enjoy a more productive and safe environment. The remedies for on-the-job dangers can be surprisingly easy with the right equipment. With that in mind, the following is an OSHA checklist of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can help guard against some of the most common hazards. As always, if there is a specific cause for concern regarding a potential hazard, exercise caution and seek help from an authorized individual to resolve the issue. 

Eye and Face Protection

Safety glasses or face shields are worn anytime work operations can cause foreign objects getting into the eye such as during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working with concrete and/or harmful chemicals or when exposed to flying particles).

Eye and face protectors are selected based on anticipated hazards.

Safety glasses or face shields are worn when exposed to any electrical hazards including work on energized electrical systems.

Foot Protection

Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles.

Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy equipment or falling objects.

Hand Protection

Gloves should fit snugly.

Workers should wear the right gloves for the job (for example, heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work, welding gloves for welding, insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards).

Head Protection

Workers must wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to their heads from fixed objects, or of accidental head contact with electrical hazards.

Hard hats are routinely inspected for dents, cracks or deterioration.

Hard hats are replaced after a heavy blow or electrical shock.

Hard hats are maintained in good condition.

Hearing Protection

Use earplugs/earmuffs in high noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equipment is used; clean or replace earplugs regularly.