By John Howell,

Recognizing Unsafe Conditions

Recognizing unsafe conditions, or hazards in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility from the most junior employee to the company president to identify hazards and make suggestions on how to fix the problem.

Guide for Discussion

Causes of unsafe conditions or actions:

• Poor housekeeping.
• Horseplay.
• Confused material storage.
• Careless handling of materials.
• Improper or defective tools
• Lack of machine guarding; failure to install warning systems.
• Lack of or failure to wear proper personal protection equipment.
• Weather.
• Worker not dressing for the job to be done.
• Failure to follow instructions.

Steps to take once an unsafe condition is found:

• If possible, correct the condition yourself immediately.
• Report any major unsafe condition or action to the appropriate company authority.
• Follow-up – report the condition again if it is not corrected.

Remember: There are three steps to follow in recognizing unsafe conditions. Look for trouble (the unsafe condition), report it, and act to prevent it from happening again.

NOTE: Always promote a discussion on any of the topics covered in the Tool Box Talks. Should any question arise that you cannot answer, don’t hesitate to contact your Employer.