OSHA Urges Walk-By Inspections by Owners and Managers

There are at least two reasons why managers and owners should periodically conduct workplace inspections themselves. First, inspections demonstrate management’s commitment to improving safety and health by finding and fixing hazards. Second, walk-arounds let managers see for themselves how the safety and health program is working and whether it is effective in identifying and eliminating hazards. Safety walk-arounds can also help managers and owners assess how key elements of the safety program are working. For example, how engaged are employees in the program? Do employees feel they have received appropriate training? Do they know how to report a safety or health incident or concern?