• Help spot and eliminate safety hazards
• Help keep your work area free of hazards
• Assess which work operations meet or exceed acceptable safety and government standards
• Help maintain product quality and operational profitability
  

Safety awareness means being on the lookout for unsafe practices and conditions in your work area.

Machines and Equipment

• Are machine guards in place?
• Does any equipment not designed to do so, turn on or off by itself?
• Have you or your coworkers received a shock while using any equipment? If so, report this to your supervisor.

Materials Handling and Storage

• Perhaps you work with substances labeled "Flammable," "Corrosives," "Poison," or "Acids." If so, do you follow the material handling rules spelled out on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
• Are hazardous or toxic substances stored correctly? For example, flammable liquids should be stored in an approved flammable liquids cabinet.
• Are cylinders of compressed gas secured with a chain or clamp when they are moved?

Hand and Portable Power Tools

• Are hand tools kept in good condition, with no frayed cords?
• Do electric tools have a three-wire grounded plug?
• Are portable ground fault circuit interrupters used in wet or outdoor locations? Are they also used in other locations where the company policy requires?

Fire Protection

• Are fire exits, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers clearly marked and free of obstructions?

Housekeeping and Maintenance

• Are ladders kept in good repair, with no damaged rungs or side-rails?
• Is temporary storage kept off floors and out of aisles and work areas?
• Are spills and leaks wiped up promptly?