What is Safety Observation? Steps for Identifying and Writing Safety Observation 

Introduction

What is Safety Observation: Safety Observation refers to the identification of both unsafe and safe behaviors or conditions encountered during a task or job. It encompasses any instances of rule compliance or violation observed with a focus on safety aspects.
Safety Officers should know about Safety Observation, Safety Observations play a vital role in eliminating hazards and risk, here we will discuss What is Safety Observation? Steps for Identifying and Writing Safety Observation.

What is Safety Observation

Safety Observation is when we look for things that are safe or not safe done by people or found in a job. It includes checking if rules are followed or broken to keep everyone safe.

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Note: If safety observation is negative then it will be considered as safety violation, if Safety observation is positive then it will be considered as good practice.

Example of Safety Observation

Safety Violation

• Work was started without valid work permit.
• Swing area was not barricade during lifting with crane.
• Worker found working without full body harness on scaffolding.

Good Practice

• Worker found working with full PPE's.
• Adequate area barricade and warning signs displayed during lifting work.
• Site supervisor followed permit to work system.

How to Identify/find Safety Observation

There are various way to identify or find safety observations here we have list some points with example.

Permit to Work:

As we know, no work should be carried without work permit, on work permit all safety requirements mentioned, suppose on work permit JSA is mentioned but when you visit site there was no JSA available, so there is non compliance of work permit so you can write "JSA is not available at work site".

Job Safety Analysis (JSA):

We can also identify safety observations by JSA, read JSA carefully and verify that all safety requirements are fulfilled as mentioned in JSA, suppose for welding work fire extinguisher is mandatory as per work permit but fire extinguisher isn't available at site, so you can write "Fire extinguisher not available at work site during Hot work".

Inspection Checklist:

Inspection checklist also a helpful document to identify safety observations, suppose you have an inspection checklist for portable grinding machine, in checklist guard on equipment is mentioned but on equipment guard it's available, so you can write " Portable Grinding machine found without guard at work site ".

Monitor the activity & people:

During work monitor the on going activity and the involve person check wether PPE's are being followed, housekeeping is done, all equipment are inspected and in good working condition.

How to Write Safety Observation

Record of safety observations are very important, we can track whether corrective action taken or not.
Only observing isn't sufficient, also suggest control measures and record it.

Following point to be Noted for writing Safety Observation:

• Date & Time
• Location
• Observation
• Observed by
• Corrective action
• Action taken by

To write safety observation prepare a safety observation sheet, you can also download.

Safety observation sheet format 

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Safety Observation is an essential process for identifying both safe and unsafe behaviors and conditions in the workplace. It plays a crucial role in mitigating hazards, enhancing compliance with safety rules, and fostering a culture of safety among employees. By diligently observing and recording safety practices, Safety Officers can pinpoint areas for improvement and implement corrective measures to prevent accidents and injuries. The steps for identifying and writing a safety observation include scrutinizing work permits, conducting job safety analyses, utilizing inspection checklists, and monitoring activities and personnel closely. By adhering to a structured approach and documenting observations accurately, organizations can significantly reduce risks and ensure a safer working environment.

For businesses and safety professionals looking to enhance their safety observation practices, remember that continuous improvement and engagement are key. Keeping detailed records of observations, followed by prompt corrective action, demonstrates a commitment to safety that goes beyond mere compliance. In the world of occupational health and safety, proactive observation and intervention can be the difference between a near miss and a serious incident.

As we've explored the importance of Safety Observation and the steps for identifying and writing a safety observation, it's clear that these practices are vital tools in the quest for a safer workplace. By fostering an atmosphere where safety observations are regularly conducted and acted upon, organizations can safeguard the well-being of their workforce while also promoting a culture of safety and responsibility. 

Safety Observation, Identifying Safety Observation, Writing Safety Observation, Workplace Safety, Hazard Mitigation, Safety Compliance

FAQ's Safety Observation 

1. What is Safety Observation?

Safety Observation involves identifying safe and unsafe behaviors or conditions during a task or job, focusing on compliance or violation of safety rules.

2. Why is Safety Observation important?

It plays a vital role in eliminating hazards and risks, ensuring a safe working environment by monitoring and improving safety practices.

3. What should be included in a Safety Observation report?

A report should include the date and time, location, detailed observation, observer's name, suggested corrective actions, and the person responsible for those actions.

4. How can Safety Observations prevent accidents?

By identifying and rectifying unsafe behaviors and conditions, Safety Observations can prevent potential accidents and incidents before they occur.

5. How often should Safety Observations be conducted?

The frequency of Safety Observations can vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the tasks being performed but should be conducted regularly to ensure ongoing safety compliance.