Perform Walking Working Surfaces Inspection using eAuditor

Walking Working Surfaces Inspection is the process of evaluating floors, stairways, ladders, platforms, and other work surfaces to ensure they are safe, free from hazards, and compliant with workplace safety regulations. This inspection helps prevent slips, trips, and falls by identifying structural damage, obstructions, poor lighting, or improper use of surfaces.

Performing Walking Working Surfaces Inspection using eAuditor ensures a thorough evaluation of floors, stairways, ladders, platforms, and other walking-working surfaces to enhance safety, stability, and compliance with workplace regulations. Regular inspections help reduce slips, trips, and falls, which are among the leading causes of workplace injuries. Here’s a highly detailed guide on how to perform these inspections effectively.

1. Preparation for Inspection

To ensure a systematic and effective inspection, proper preparation is essential:

• Review Safety Standards: Familiarize yourself with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, company policies, and industry best practices related to walking-working surfaces.
• Gather Inspection Tools: Ensure you have access to eAuditor with an up-to-date inspection checklist, a flashlight for checking poorly lit areas, a measuring tape for compliance checks, and a camera for documenting issues.
• Wear Appropriate PPE: Inspectors should wear safety shoes, gloves, high-visibility vests, and other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) based on workplace hazards.
• Notify Workplace Personnel: Inform relevant employees about the inspection to minimize disruptions and ensure access to restricted areas.

2. Floor Safety Inspection

The condition of floors plays a vital role in workplace safety. Check for:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls Hazards:
  • Look for wet or slippery surfaces caused by spills, leaks, or condensation.
  • Inspect for loose floorboards, cracked tiles, or holes that could cause trips.
  • Verify that anti-slip coatings or mats are in place where needed.
• Housekeeping and Obstruction Clearance:
  • Ensure floors are clear of unnecessary equipment, cables, and debris.
  • Confirm that emergency exits and walkways remain unobstructed.
  • Check for excessive dust or grease accumulation that may cause slip hazards.
• Floor Drainage and Surface Integrity:
  • Assess floor drains to confirm they are functioning correctly and not clogged.
  • Inspect for water accumulation in low-lying areas that may require additional drainage solutions.
  • Verify that floors are stable and do not have uneven surfaces.

3. Stairways and Ladders Inspection

Stairways and ladders are high-risk areas that require careful inspection.

•  Safety Checks of Stairways :
  • Ensure that stair treads and landings are in good condition and that non-slip surfaces are intact.
  • Verify that handrails are securely fastened, positioned at the correct height, and meet safety regulations.
  • Check for loose steps, broken edges, or uneven surfaces that could pose a hazard.
  • Confirm that stairways are well-lit, and emergency lighting is functional.
• Ladders Condition and Use:
  • Inspect for cracks, bends, or broken rungs on ladders.
  • Verify that ladders are positioned securely and placed on stable ground.
  • Ensure that extension ladders extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface.
  • Confirm that only authorized personnel are using ladders according to safe work practices.

4. Platforms, Ramps, and Elevated Surfaces

Work surfaces above ground level require additional safeguards to prevent falls.

• Structural Integrity of Platforms:
  • Check for any cracks, rust, or weakening of the structure.
  • Ensure platforms are free of clutter and provide sufficient working space.
  • Verify that safety barriers, toe boards, and fall protection systems are in place where required.
• Ramps and Sloped Surfaces:
  • Inspect ramps for smooth, non-slip surfaces.
  • Check that ramp angles meet workplace safety regulations.
  • Ensure handrails and guardrails are present where needed.
• Scaffolding and Mobile Work Platforms:
  • Confirm scaffolding structures are stable and securely assembled.
  • Check locking mechanisms on rolling scaffolds.
  • Verify that platforms are not overloaded and are used according to load capacity regulations.

5. Walkways and Aisles Inspection

Workplace walkways should be designed for safe movement.

• Clear and Marked Pathways:
  • Ensure designated walkways are properly marked with clear signage and floor tape.
  • Check for obstacles, loose cables, or equipment left in walkways.
• Proper Lighting Conditions:
  • Confirm that walkways and aisles are adequately lit, particularly in warehouses and industrial areas.
  • Inspect emergency lighting for functionality.
• Ceiling and Overhead Hazards:
  • Check for low-hanging structures, exposed pipes, or protruding objects.
  • Verify that warning signs are present in areas with low clearance.

6. Documentation and Reporting in eAuditor

Using eAuditor enhances the efficiency and accuracy of your inspections.

• Recording Inspection Data:
  • Capture photos and videos of unsafe conditions.
  • Log observations in eAuditor’s checklist format.
  • Assign risk levels to identified hazards.
• Generating Reports:
  • Use eAuditor to automatically generate professional reports with findings, images, and recommended actions.
  • Submit reports to the safety department and relevant managers.
• Assigning Corrective Actions:
  • Highlight urgent issues and assign deadlines for resolution.
  • Notify responsible teams for immediate corrective action.
  • Schedule follow-up inspections to verify hazard resolution.

7. Follow-up Actions and Safety Improvements

After the inspection, it’s important to follow up on identified hazards and ensure continued safety improvements.

• Implement Necessary Repairs:
  • Work with maintenance teams to fix floor defects, replace damaged stair treads, or reinforce railings.
• Provide Employee Training:
  • Conduct safety training sessions on best practices for using ladders, keeping workspaces clear, and preventing slips, trips, and falls.
• Schedule Regular Inspections:
  • Set up a recurring inspection schedule in eAuditor for continuous monitoring of workplace walking-working surfaces.

Summary

Conducting Walking-Working Surfaces Inspections using eAuditor helps organizations proactively identify and mitigate safety risks associated with floors, stairways, ladders, platforms, and elevated work areas. By following a structured approach—covering floor conditions, stair and ladder safety, walkways, lighting, and documentation—workplaces can significantly reduce hazards, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and foster a safer work environment. Regular inspections, corrective actions, and employee training play a key role in maintaining safe walking-working surfaces.