Pre-start inspections are an essential part of workplace health and safety (WHS), particularly in environments where machinery, equipment, or vehicles are used. They involve checking equipment or systems before they are used to ensure they are safe and in good working condition.
These inspections help prevent accidents, injuries, and equipment damage, which can have serious financial, operational, and legal consequences.
Considerations are required to ensure compliance and implanting methods to mitigate risk to injury and harm to people, damage to the equipment and to the operational environment.
The following list provides a summary of key activities that should be undertaken in any organisation to address these exposures.
Identifying Potential Hazards Before Use
- Early Detection of Defects: Pre-start inspections help identify equipment faults, wear, or damage that could pose a safety risk. For example, checking for worn-out brakes on a forklift or checking that a fire extinguisher is in working order can prevent accidents later.
- Preventing Malfunctions: Ensuring that everything is functioning properly before operation helps avoid unexpected equipment failure during use, which could cause workplace injuries or damage.
Compliance with Legal and Safety Regulations
- Meeting Legal Requirements: Many industries and workplaces are legally required to perform pre-start inspections to comply with workplace health and safety (WHS) regulations. Failing to perform these checks can result in fines, penalties, or legal liabilities.
- Protecting Employers and Workers: Regular inspections help businesses stay compliant with safety regulations and standards, which are designed to protect both employees and the business itself from legal action in case of accidents.
Enhancing Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
- Preventing Injuries: Many workplace injuries occur due to malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment. A simple pre-start check can significantly reduce the risk of these types of accidents. For example, ensuring that ladders, machines, or scaffolding are stable and secure before use can prevent falls or crush injuries.
- Ensuring Safe Working Conditions: Equipment such as forklifts, cranes, or heavy machinery that is improperly maintained can cause accidents like tipping, falling objects, or unintended movement. Pre-start checks help make sure these hazards are addressed.
Cost Savings
- Preventing Expensive Repairs: Small, undetected issues with plant and equipment can lead to costly repairs or even the need for complete replacement. By catching these issues early, businesses can avoid these significant costs. Ensuring records are maintained in the plant register is key.
- Reducing Insurance Claims: If equipment fails unexpectedly and causes an accident, the business may be held financially responsible for workers’ injuries or property damage. By performing regular inspections, you reduce the likelihood of accidents that might result in costly insurance claims.
Fostering a Safety Culture
- Promoting Responsibility: Pre-start inspections encourage employees to take personal responsibility for the safety of the equipment they operate. This helps build a culture of safety, where workers understand their role in preventing accidents and are more likely to report issues promptly.
- Employee Confidence: When workers know that equipment is checked for safety and functionality, they are more likely to feel confident in using it. This promotes a safer, more productive work environment.
Ensuring Operational Efficiency
- Optimising Performance: Equipment that is inspected and maintained is more likely to operate at optimal efficiency. For example, checking for oil levels, tire wear, or fluid leaks in machinery ensures smoother performance and better fuel or energy efficiency, leading to more productive operations.
- Preventing Delays: Equipment failures can lead to delays in work processes, especially in industries where time-sensitive tasks are critical. Pre-start inspections can help reduce the risk of these delays.
Documenting and Tracking Safety Standards
- Creating a Safety Record: Pre-start inspections often require employees to document the condition of the equipment, and any issues found. This documentation provides a clear record that can be referenced in the event of an incident or audit.
- Auditing and Continuous Improvement: Regularly conducting inspections and tracking any recurring issues can help identify patterns and areas for improvement in both equipment maintenance and overall safety practices.
Conclusion
Pre-start inspections are a critical aspect of any workplace health and safety (WHS) program. They help identify potential hazards before they can cause harm, ensure compliance with safety regulations, extend the lifespan of equipment, and improve overall operational efficiency. By integrating pre-start inspections into daily routines, businesses can foster a culture of safety, reduce costs, and protect the health and well-being of employees.
