As the owner or manager of a business you have the responsibility for the day-to-day health, safety and welfare of your employees and visitors to your workplace.

This checklist helps you identify potential risks in your business. It is designed to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

Faulty equipment

Is any equipment faulty or in need of repair?

Are safety devices such as guards in place and in working order?

Are there risks from fire or other emergencies, such as chemical spills?

Emergency procedures

Do you have evacuation procedures to deal with emergencies?

Are your staff trained in evacuation procedures?

Do you have exit signs and directions to all exits?

Are all exit doors easily opened from inside and unblocked?

Does the fire alarm system work?

Are all extinguishers in place, clearly marked for type of fire and serviced within six months?

Are fire drills practised regularly and are staff trained in use of fire extinguishers?

Are flammables stored away from sources of ignition?

Electrical

Are plugs, cables, sockets, switches etc. all in good condition?

Are all hand-held power tools in good condition?

Are all leads up off the floor and not strained?

Are circuit breakers installed?

Chemicals

Do you have Material Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals?

Are all containers labelled with contents?

Are all employees trained in safe use of chemicals and first aid actions?

Is all personal protective equipment provided clean and undamaged?

Is all piping labelled?

Do all employees wash hands before handling food?

Machinery

Is machinery guarded where necessary?

Is machinery clean?

Are emergency stop buttons in easy reach?

Is any machinery in need of repair?

Poisons

Are there poisons on the premises? (This information can be gained from the Material Safety Data Sheets.)

Are staff trained in safe use, handling and first aid actions?

Are containers correctly labelled?

Spills and drips

Are there any chemical spills not cleaned up?

Are materials available for cleaning spills?

Is the floor non-slip?

Are oil or water spills present on the floor?

Trips

Are the floors cluttered, walkways obstructed or are there other trip hazards?

First aid

Do staff know who to contact for first-aid assistance?

Is a first-aid kit available and clearly marked?

Are emergency numbers clearly displayed?

Are soap and towels available?

General workplace

Is work height or position awkward or difficult?

Are sharp edges a hazard?

Are bins available and emptied regularly?

Are hearing protection/dust masks worn as appropriate?

Is the work area clean and tidy?

Is excessive noise controlled as needed?