Page 44 - Occupational Health & Safety, May 2019

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
How to Conduct a Safety Inspection Remotely
Remote inspections can be an alternate and effective way to conduct a safety inspection. BY ANN RIVERS
40 Occupational Health & Safety | MAY 2019
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Workplace inspections are a legal re- quirement and a necessary component of an effective occupational health and safety program. Routine inspections help to identify existing and potential hazards so that corrections can be made. Corrections include imple- menting controls, such as elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative practices, and/or personal protective equipment. Inspections also allow workers to discuss their concerns about safety.
It may not be convenient or possible for a safety inspector to travel to conduct an on-site safety inspec- tion. Time, resources for travel, security, safety, and physical limitations may limit the ability to travel to the inspection site. Remote inspections can be an alternate and effective way to conduct a safety inspection.
This article discusses how to conduct a remote in- spection using a tablet (iPad), smart phone (iPhone), and audio-video software (FaceTime App).
Equipment and Software:
■ iPhone 6 or higher model with Wi-Fi and cellular connections and FaceTime App
■ iPhone portable charger (optional)
■ iPad with Wi-Fi and cellular connections and FaceTime App
■ iPad stand
Method:
The remote inspector should coordinate with another employee at the inspection site and ensure the em-
ployee is available for the duration of the inspection. In many instances, this may mean getting approval from a supervisor or manager; the employee may have other duties that must be delayed or delegated to an- other employee during the inspection.
Depending on the nature of the inspection, it may be preferable to work with one or several employees at the site. The advantage of using one employee is that less time is spent on training, and the employee may grow more proficient with time. There may be a single reliable or knowledgeable employee at the site that is best suited for the inspection. The advantage of using several employees is that less time away from the em- ployee’s normal work duties is needed, and each em- ployee may be more knowledgeable about his or her own work area.
The remote inspector and site inspector should schedule a pre-inspection meeting. Instruction should be provided to the site inspector regarding how to properly use the software and equipment. A trial run is necessary to ensure the equipment and software works and to ensure the site inspector can successfully use it. The points below can be reviewed during the pre-inspection meeting.
■ The remote inspector should position the iPad with a stand to stabilize it for the duration of the inspection. A quality image of the inspector’s face should be transferred to employees on site who will be interviewed. The remote inspector should use an iPad rather than an iPhone because the screen is larger and details are better viewed. Although the site inspector
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE