Perform OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Inspection using eAuditor

OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention refers to policies and procedures established to identify, prevent, and address incidents of violence in the workplace. It aims to protect employees from physical harm, verbal threats, harassment, and other violent behaviors, ensuring a safe and secure work environment.

OSHA addresses workplace violence under the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. 654), which requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Using eAuditor to perform an OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Inspection ensures that workplaces proactively identify and mitigate risks of violence while promoting a safe environment. Here’s how to conduct the inspection effectively:

Steps to Perform an OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention Inspection Using eAuditor

1. Set Up or Download a Checklist

• Use a pre-built OSHA Workplace Violence Prevention template from eAuditor or create a custom checklist.
• Include areas to inspect, such as risk assessment, policies, training, security measures, and incident response.

2. Conduct Risk Assessment

• Identify high-risk jobs, locations, or activities (e.g., customer-facing roles, late-night shifts).
• Document potential hazards, such as isolated workspaces, poor lighting, or past incidents of violence.
• Record findings directly in eAuditor with photos and notes.

3. Review Workplace Policies

• Confirm a written Workplace Violence Prevention Policy is in place and includes:
  • A zero-tolerance statement on violence.
  • Procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents.
• Check whether employees have access to the policy and understand it.

4. Inspect Security Measures

• Assess physical security controls, such as:
  • Surveillance cameras.
  • Secured entry points and visitor access protocols.
  • Panic buttons or alarms.
  • Adequate lighting in and around the workplace.
• Note any deficiencies or areas requiring improvement in eAuditor.

5. Evaluate Training Programs

• Verify employees are trained to:
  • Recognize warning signs of potential violence.
  • Use de-escalation techniques and emergency procedures.
• Ensure supervisors are trained to handle reports of threats and support affected employees.
• Record gaps in training and assign corrective actions.

6. Assess Incident Response Procedures

• Review protocols for handling workplace violence incidents, including:
  • Immediate response measures.
  • Reporting and documentation procedures.
  • Medical and psychological support for affected employees.
• Test the effectiveness of emergency communication systems (e.g., alarms, radios).

7. Inspect Reporting and Recordkeeping

• Confirm employees are encouraged to report all incidents, threats, and near-misses.
• Check that records of past incidents are properly maintained and analyzed for trends.
• Document any gaps in reporting systems in eAuditor.

8. Document Findings

• Log all observations, including areas of non-compliance or improvement opportunities.
• Add photos, videos, and detailed notes to clarify findings.

9. Assign Corrective Actions

• Assign tasks for addressing issues, such as improving security measures, updating policies, or providing additional training.
• Use eAuditor to set deadlines and track the completion of corrective actions.

10. Generate and Share Reports

• Create a comprehensive report in eAuditor summarizing:
  • Inspection results.
  • Identified risks.
  • Assigned corrective actions.
• Share the report with safety officers, HR, and management for review and follow-up.

11. Schedule Regular Inspections

• Use eAuditor’s scheduling feature to plan recurring inspections and drills to test and refine workplace violence prevention measures.
• Monitor trends and update the program as needed.

By using eAuditor for Workplace Violence Prevention Inspections, organizations can identify risks, address vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with OSHA’s safety standards while fostering a secure work environment.