Safety Walkthrough Guide
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Let’s look at how to perform a Safety Walkthrough. This is like being a detective — you are looking for "clues" that show where a person might get caught or crushed.
Use this Safety Walkthrough Guide to walk through your workspace and spot the hidden dangers.
The "Detective" Safety Walkthrough Guide
1. Look for the "Pinch Points"
A pinch point is anywhere two objects meet. As you walk around, look for:
Gears and Belts: Are they covered by a metal guard?
Doors and Hinges: Are there heavy doors that could slam on hands?
Rollers: On a conveyor belt, the spot where the belt goes under a roller is a major pinch point.
2. Check the "Crush Zones"
A crush zone is a larger area where a person could be pinned.
Loading Docks: Watch where trucks back up. Is there a clear "No-Walk" zone?
Forklift Paths: Are the aisles wide enough? If a forklift turns, could it pin someone against a shelf?
Pallet Jacks: Even small tools can crush a foot if they are loaded too heavy.
3. Inspect the "Swing Radius"
Some machines don't just move forward and back; they spin.
Large Arms: If you have cranes or excavators, look at the back of the machine. When it turns, does the back end swing into a wall or a walkway?
Markings: Are there painted lines on the floor showing where it is safe to stand?
4. The "Loose Ends" Check
Look at your team members (and yourself!).
Clothing: Is anyone wearing a baggy hoodie or a loose safety vest?
Hair: Is long hair tied up securely?
Jewelry: Are rings or dangling bracelets being worn near moving parts?
Helpful "Caught-In" Safety Table
Use this table to quickly check the most common danger spots in your specific business.
Area | Danger to Look For | Safety Solution |
Storage Room | Falling boxes or tipping shelves. | Bolt shelves to the wall and put heavy items on the bottom. |
Break Room | Fingers caught in heavy fridge or microwave doors. | Keep handles clean and hinges in good repair. |
Production Floor | Hands getting pulled into rollers or fans. | Ensure all "guards" (covers) are screwed on tight. |
Parking Lot | Being pinned between a car and a building. | Use bright cones or painted walkways for pedestrians. |
One Simple Test: The "What If?" Rule
While you walk around, ask yourself: "What if I tripped right here?"
If you would fall into a machine, that’s a Caught-In hazard.
If you would fall between a moving truck and a wall, that’s a Between hazard.
If the answer to "What if?" is scary, it’s time to add a sign, a guard, or a new rule!
Take the first step toward a safer workplace. Contact D&D Safety Consulting today at 216-352-1900 to schedule your FREE consultation.