50 Safety Observations Sample & Corrective Actions: Examples for a Safer Workplace

A safe workplace is built through continuous monitoring, proactive hazard identification, and corrective actions. Regular safety observations help identify risks before they lead to accidents, ensuring compliance with workplace safety standards.

In this guide, we provide 50 real-world safety observations, along with the corrective actions taken to eliminate risks and create a safer work environment.

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Why Are Safety Observations Important?

• Identify hazards before they cause accidents
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations
• Reduce workplace injuries and downtime
• Improve employee awareness and accountability

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50 Safety Observations & Corrective Actions

Hot Work & Welding Safety Observations

1. Sparks escaped from a welding booth due to improper setup.

   • Corrective Action: Work was stopped until the booth was fully enclosed, and fire watch was assigned.

2. A welding helper used only one snap hook on the safety harness while working on scaffolding.

   • Corrective Action: Worker was instructed to use both hooks to maintain 100% tie-off.

3. No fire extinguisher was available near active welding work.

   • Corrective Action: Fire watch provided an extinguisher before resuming work.

4. A fire extinguisher near a welding booth was missing its lock pin, risking accidental discharge.

   • Corrective Action: The extinguisher was replaced with a properly secured one.

5. A welding helper was looking directly at sparks with clear glass, risking eye injury.

   • Corrective Action: Worker was advised to use infrared safety glasses or avoid direct eye exposure.

6. Poor housekeeping near the welding area—scattered rods and used cutting wheels left on-site.

   • Corrective Action: Housekeeping was enforced before and after the job.

7. A grinding machine was missing its handle while cutting pipes.

   • Corrective Action: Work was halted until the handle was reattached.

8. The wheel guard of a grinding machine was loose, vibrating during use.

   • Corrective Action: The machine was sent for repair, and the grinder was reminded to inspect tools before use.

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Lifting & Rigging Safety Observations

9. A spool piece was lifted without proper barricading, allowing it to swing beyond the safe area.

   • Corrective Action: Riggers were instructed to barricade based on the load size and lifting radius.

10. A crane operation was started without completing the inspection checklist.

• Corrective Action: Work was stopped until the checklist was completed.

11. A damaged web sling was being used for lifting.

• Corrective Action: Work was halted until the sling was replaced.

12. A spool piece was placed improperly on a metal stand, with half of it unsupported.

• Corrective Action: Another stand was added for stability before work continued.

13. A chain block inspection revealed a damaged hook latch.

• Corrective Action: The chain block was replaced, and the rigging team was reminded of inspection protocols.

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Download Safety Observation Format

Scaffolding & Work at Heights Safety Observations

14. A scaffolding tag was missing, indicating it hadn’t been inspected.

• Corrective Action: A scaffolding inspector verified and provided a tag.

15. A worker climbed a scaffolding ladder without hand gloves, increasing slip risk.

• Corrective Action: Worker was instructed to wear proper PPE.

16. Scaffolding tubes blocked a walkway, restricting access.

• Corrective Action: The scaffolding team was informed to clear the area.

17. A temporary scaffolding platform was missing guardrails.

• Corrective Action: Work was stopped until guardrails were installed.

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Housekeeping & General Safety Observations

18. Debris and waste were scattered near a welding area.

• Corrective Action: Workers were instructed to clean before and after work.

19. A damaged safety shoe was worn by a worker.

• Corrective Action: The worker was sent to replace shoes before resuming work.

20. An open electrical panel was left unattended.

• Corrective Action: The panel was secured, and the electrical team was notified.

21. A worker was running in a high-risk area.

• Corrective Action: Worker was stopped and reminded of safe workplace behavior.

22. A liquid spill was found near an electrical panel.

• Corrective Action: The area was cleaned, and workers were reminded to report spills immediately.

23. A sharp object was left in a walkway, creating a trip hazard.

• Corrective Action: The object was removed, and housekeeping measures were reinforced.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Observations

24. A worker was using a scratched face shield while grinding.

• Corrective Action: Replaced with a new shield, and PPE checks were reinforced.

25. A supervisor was seen without a helmet in a restricted area.

• Corrective Action: Instructed to wear a helmet at all times.

26. Ear protection was missing in a high-noise zone.

• Corrective Action: Work was stopped until proper hearing protection was used.

27. A worker’s safety goggles were scratched, reducing visibility.

• Corrective Action: Provided a new pair and reminded workers to check PPE conditions.

28. Loose clothing was worn near rotating machinery.

• Corrective Action: Worker was stopped and advised to wear fitted clothing.

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Vehicle & Equipment Safety Observations

29. A forklift was left unattended with the engine running.

• Corrective Action: The operator was called back and reminded of shutdown procedures.

30. A vehicle was reversing in a congested area without a spotter.

• Corrective Action: Work was stopped until a spotter was assigned.

31. A broken step was found on a ladder in use.

• Corrective Action: The ladder was removed and replaced.

32. A fire alarm was found defective during a routine check.

• Corrective Action: Reported to maintenance for immediate repair.

33. A first-aid box was missing essential supplies.

• Corrective Action: Restocked and scheduled for regular maintenance checks.

34. A worker was using a mobile phone while walking in a high-risk area.

• Corrective Action: Reminded to avoid distractions in hazardous zones.

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Conclusion

Regular safety observations and immediate corrective actions help maintain a secure work environment and prevent accidents. By addressing risks proactively, workplaces can improve compliance, productivity, and worker well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Conduct daily safety inspections

• Ensure PPE compliance

• Maintain good housekeeping

• Train employees on safety protocols

• Encourage a safety-first mindset

A safe workplace leads to higher efficiency, fewer accidents, and better productivity. Implement these corrective measures today and create a strong safety culture.