Workplace Safety Guide for Employers

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Creating a safe workplace isn’t just about compliance-it protects your employees, reduces liability, and ensures your team is prepared when emergencies happen.​

Use this comprehensive safety checklist to audit your workplace, identify gaps, and take action.​

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 How to Use This Checklist

• Assign a Safety Lead or Manager

• Review each section and check all that apply

• Mark gaps and assign deadlines

• Revisit quarterly or after any incident

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Planning & Documentation

☐ Written Emergency Action Plan is complete and accessible

☐ Plan includes fire, medical, weather, and active threat scenarios

☐ Emergency roles are assigned (who calls 911, who leads evacuation, etc.)

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Evacuation & Communication

☐ Evacuation routes are clearly posted

☐ Designated meeting point is established and communicated to the team

☐ Backup communication plan exists (in case phones are down)

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Equipment & Systems

☐ Fire alarms are tested regularly 

☐ Emergency lighting is functional

☐ Fire extinguishers are inspected and accessible

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Training & Drills

☐ Fire drills conducted at least annually

☐ Employees understand alarm signals and procedures

☐ Fire drill performance is reviewed with the team

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Training & Certification

☐ Employees trained in CPR, AED & First Aid

☐ Certifications are current (renewed every 2 years)

☐ Multiple staff members trained on each shift

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AED Readiness

☐ AED is installed in a visible, accessible location

☐ Pads and batteries are within expiration date

☐ AED is included in emergency response plan

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First Aid Supplies

☐ First aid kits are fully stocked and inspected quarterly

☐ Kits are appropriate for workplace risks (industrial vs office)

☐ Bleeding control supplies (tourniquets, gauze) are available

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Awareness

☐ Staff know where AED and first aid kits are located

☐ Staff feel confident responding to emergencies

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Pro Tip: On-site CPR training ensures your team can respond immediately. Contact Northern Nevada CPR to schedule CPR & First Aid for you team. We come to your location to make training quick and easy.

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Hazard Assessment

☐ Workplace hazards are documented (physical, chemical, ergonomic)

☐ Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is completed where needed

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Chemical Safety

☐ Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible to employees

☐ Chemicals are labeled and stored properly

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Controls & Prevention

☐ Engineering controls are in place (guards, ventilation, etc.)

☐ Administrative controls are implemented (procedures, rotation)

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Inspections

☐ Routine safety inspections are scheduled and documented

☐ Hazards are corrected promptly and documented

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​Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

☐ Required PPE is provided at no cost to employees

☐ PPE matches specific job hazards

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Training

☐ Employees trained on when and how to use PPE

☐ Employees understand PPE limitations

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Maintenance

☐ PPE is inspected regularly

☐ Damaged PPE is replaced immediately

☐ Storage areas keep PPE clean and accessible

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Workplace Environment Safety

General Safety

☐ Walkways, exits, and emergency paths are clearly marked and free from obstacles

☐ Floors are clean, dry, and slip-resistant

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Equipment & Machinery

☐ Equipment is maintained per manufacturer guidelines

☐ Lockout/tagout procedures are used where required

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Ergonomics

☐ Workstations are set up to reduce strain/injury

☐ Employees trained on safe lifting techniques

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Air & Lighting

☐ Ventilation systems are working properly

☐ Lighting is sufficient in all work areas

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OSHA Compliance Basics

Required Postings & Documentation

☐ OSHA workplace poster is displayed

☐ Injury & illness logs are maintained (if required)

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Training

☐ Employees receive required safety training

☐ Training is documented and up to date

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Policies & Procedures

☐ Written safety policies are in place

☐ Incident reporting procedures are clearly defined

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Incident Response Plan

Immediate Response

☐ Employees know how to report injuries immediately

☐ Emergency numbers are easily accessible

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Internal Response

☐ Supervisors trained in incident management

☐ Designated first responders identified

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Post-Incident

☐ Incident reports are completed promptly

☐ Root cause analysis is conducted

☐ Corrective actions are implemented

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​Ongoing Safety Training & Culture

Training Program

☐ New hires receive safety orientation

☐ Ongoing training is scheduled and completed

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CPR & First Aid

☐ Certifications are tracked and renewed on time

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Safety Culture

☐ Employees are encouraged to report hazards

☐ Safety meetings are held regularly

☐ Leadership actively supports safety initiatives

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Why Workplace Safety Training Matters

Workplace emergencies like cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding, and falls can happen without warning. Brain damage can begin in just minutes without CPR.​ Having trained employees on-site can make the difference between life and death.​

Northern Nevada CPR provides:

• On-site CPR certification classes

• First Aid training for workplaces

• AED training and compliance guidance

• Group training tailored to your industry

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Schedule On-Site CPR Training​​:

Contact Northern Nevada CPR today to schedule your CPR, AED, and First Aid training.