REPORTING UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Agencies work to provide equipment in good condition, but maintenance personnel cannot catch every problem. Some defects may go unnoticed despite every effort.

Employees who work with or around machines are in the best position to notice hazardous conditions. Report anything that could lead to accidents so it can be corrected before someone is injured or equipment is damaged. 

Remember: failing to report a hazard can put you or a coworker at risk.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT

• Loose or missing guards

• Moving parts with excessive play

• Unlubricated machines

• Missing nuts, bolts or fasteners

• Slipping belts

• Loose or cracked shaft housings

• Unguarded moving parts

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

• Continuously sparking motors

• Broken switches on tools

• Damaged extension cords

• Missing faceplates

• Loose conduit or conductors

• Burned switches or broken plugs and receptacles

CONVEYORS

• Sharp corners or poorly maintained crossovers

• Unguarded power-driven parts

• Missing jump-out or idler rollers where conveyors meet

VEHICLES AND CARTS

• Forklift defects: report all malfunctions. Operators must be trained to OSHA standards before use.

• Hand trucks: flat or frozen wheels, broken cross members, loose toe plates, or damaged handles