CAL OSHA Workplace Safety Checklist

Is the workplace clean and orderly?

Are floors clear, and are aisles, hallways, and exits unobstructed?

Are floor surfaces kept dry and free of slip hazards?

Are stairways, sidewalks, and ramps free of defects, such as damaged treads or frayed carpets?

Is illumination adequate in all common areas and workstations?

Are emergency evacuation plans posted at eye level in every stairway and elevator landing, as well as immediately inside all public entrances to the building?

Are all containers, including non-hazardous chemicals and wastes, labeled with the full chemical or trade name?

Are stored materials secured and limited in height to prevent collapse?

Is a 36” clearance maintained for electrical panels?

Are electrical cords and plugs in good condition with proper grounding?

Are extension cords and power strips not daisy-chained, and are no permanent extension cords in use?

Do portable electric heaters have at least 36” of clearance from combustible materials, such as paper?

Are equipment and machines clean and working properly?

Is adequate ventilation provided to machines to prevent the buildup of heat or gas emissions?

Are emergency stop switches on machines identified and in proper working order?

Are mechanical safeguards in place and in proper working order, such as paper cutter guards?

Are emergency exit signs properly displayed?

Are fire alarms and fire extinguishers visible and accessible?

Are fire doors (e.g., in stairways) kept closed unless equipped with an automatic closing device?

Is an 18" vertical clearance maintained below all sprinkler heads?

Are fire extinguishers serviced annually?

Are corridors and stairways kept free of obstruction and not used for storage?

Are bookcases, filing cabinets, shelves, racks, cages, storage cabinets, and similar items over four feet tall anchored to the wall?

Do shelving units have lips, bungees, or other seismic restraints?

Are portable machines or equipment secured against movement using chains, lockable casters, or other appropriate means?

Is top-heavy equipment bolted down or secured to wall studs to withstand accelerations typically expected in an earthquake?

Are large and heavy objects stored on lower shelves or storage areas?

Are valuable equipment sensitive to shock damage, such as instruments, computer disks, and glassware, stored in latched cabinets or otherwise secured to prevent falling?

Are all areas uncluttered, providing clear evacuation routes in the event of an emergency?

Are cabinets and lockers equipped with positive latching or sliding doors?