Reducing workplace accidents: advice for employers

5. Accident prevention checklist

• Have clear procedures and responsibilities for health and safety been set and does everyone know their own and others’ responsibilities?


• Do you know what you have to do to comply with health and safety legislation? If not, have you appointed a competent person who can provide advice?


• Have you identified the main risks to health and safety and taken action to eliminate or reduce them?


• Are your arrangements for the maintenance of work equipment adequate?


• Have you provided your workers with any necessary personal protective equipment for risks that cannot be avoided by other means? Have you trained them in its use?


• Have you provided information to the workers on the risks, and trained them in safe working and emergency procedures?


• Do you consult your workers about health and safety issues, including changes to policy, work procedures, equipment?


• Do your workers know how to report unsafe conditions and accidents?


• Do you take prompt action to investigate accidents, near misses and reported problems?


• Do you regularly inspect the workplace, and check that workers are following safe working procedures?


• Do you have a system for reviewing your health and safety policy and working procedures?