An effective way to identify workplace hazards is for knowledgeable and experienced workers to conduct routine safety and health self-inspections. The only way to know if potential hazards exist and if they are under control is to assess work processes directly.
Small business employers should conduct routine workplace self-inspections to:
- Identify hazards,
- Control identified hazards, and
- Monitor and evaluate hazard controls to verify that they continue to be effective.
Consultants from OSHA’s On-Site Consultation programs in all states, the District of Columbia and most territories can help small business employers with this process at no cost. For more self-inspection information and resources, see OSHA’s Small Business Safety and Health Handbook.