No matter the industry a company operates in, inspections should be a strategy included in its health and safety program. Inspections serve specific functions and achieve crucial goals, such as recognizing dangers that are already present and could lead to potentially dangerous conditions. identifying the root of the problems, and gaining the opportunity to address these safety issues. Here are four safety facts that emphasize the importance of regular inspections in the workplace.

FACT #1: Every day, 4,500 employees suffer work-related injuries in the United States.

There are approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries in the US each year. Given the variety of variables that can result in workplace injury, it is challenging to determine the precise number of accidents that inspections can prevent.

Regular workplace inspections, however, can aid in identifying potential risks - allowing the implementation of corrective measures that lessen or eradicate those risks and consequently, reduce the risk of workplace injuries. It is important to remember that inspections are only one element of a thorough safety program. For the purpose of avoiding workplace injuries, additional measures like training, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices, and procedures are crucial.

FACT #2: The National Safety Council lists falls, being hit by an object, and electrocution as the three leading causes of job-related fatalities.

In 2021, there were 5,190 fatal occupational injuries in the US. Slips, trips, and falls, contact with objects and equipment account for 84% of all nonfatal injuries at work.

Regular workplace inspections can help prevent injuries caused by being struck by an object, such as equipment. During an inspection, the inspector can look for potential hazards that could cause an object to fall or be dislodged, such as improperly stored materials or unstable shelving. Additionally, the inspector can assess whether personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, is being used to shield workers from the potentially harmful impact of being hit by falling items. Identifying these hazards allows the inspector to address them before they cause harm.

FACT #3: The construction sector has the highest incidence of workplace fatalities in the US, followed by the transportation and warehousing sectors.

Workplace inspections benefit the construction industry by spotting dangerous conditions like shaky scaffolding or exposed electrical wiring, correcting them, and making sure that workers are wearing the proper PPE, like hard hats, safety glasses, and earplugs. When necessary, they can take corrective action and implement preventive measures.

FACT #4: Injuries and diseases caused by work environments are estimated to cost the US $250 billion annually.

The costs involved in work-related injuries involve both direct costs, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and indirect costs, such as decreased productivity and increased insurance premiums. Regular workplace inspections can help reduce costs by identifying and addressing potential hazards before they result in accidents or injuries.