As a business owner, you are devoted not only to providing great products and services for your customers, but also to ensuring that your workplace is as safe as possible. No one wants a team member to be injured on the job, OR a for client to have a safety-related problem when visiting your business. Here’s a safety checklist to help you avoid these possibilities.

To avoid any potential problems and keep your workplace safe, it is important to keep an annual safety checklist on hand, and make sure that it is followed at all times. For tips on what to include on the list, please consider the following:

Lighting

Having proper lighting in your work area can not only help to prevent eyestrain for your employees, but it will also help them see where they are going at all times. Make sure all lights and bulbs are working; outdoor lighting should also be checked and maintained so employees can safely make it to their cars in the dark. In addition, all exit lighting should be inspected yearly to be sure it is working properly and that all means of egress from the building are easy to spot.

Flooring

Floors should be kept clear of anything that could lead to tripping. They should also be checked at least annually to be sure there are not loose boards or ripped up corners of flooring that could also cause a fall; if anything is found at any time during the year, it should be fixed immediately.

Exterior

The address and name of your business should be easy to see and identify; this way, if emergency vehicles need to find you, they will be able to do so. Of course, you want your customers to be able to locate you as well. Access to your business should be easy with no barriers to the driveway. At least once a year, check the signage and address numbers and clear away any brush or debris that is covering them.

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Equipment

All equipment that is used at your business should be given a thorough inspection to be sure it is in proper working order. Take pieces apart to inspect the interior pieces like o-rings, and replace anything that is worn or broken.

First aid kits

Every business should have a fully stocked first aid kit. Go through the kit annually and discard old and expired pain medication and ointment. Replace anything that has been used/is missing like Band-Aids, gauze and Ace bandages. To be sure you know what should be in the kit, print out an itemized list of everything that should be in the box and have it laminated; keep this near the kit at all times.

Safety equipment

Be sure that you have adequate amounts of safety equipment for each employee; if you have increased the size of your staff, be sure to purchase new items so everybody has their own. Depending on what type of company you own, this can include hard hats, goggles, gloves and outerwear. Inspect the equipment annually and replace anything that is broken or worn.

When it comes to keeping your workplace safe, even the smallest changes and upgrades — like replacing old o-rings and replenishing the supply of Band-Aids — can make the biggest impact. By checking these areas yearly, if not more often, you can ensure that your workplace is as safe as possible for you, your team and your clients.