Safety inspections are a key component in maintaining a safe work environment for all Aeronautical Center employees. These inspections play a crucial role in identifying hazards, assessing the effectiveness of safety measures, and ultimately ensuring the well-being of employees. Each year, the Office of Facility Management’s Facility Services Division (AMP-100) conducts a workplace inspection for all organizations at the Center.

In FY 2023, safety inspectors identified 260 safety findings during the annual workplace inspections. The total number of findings is an increase over the FY 2022 total of 161 but it is still well below the pre-global health crisis totals (424 findings in 2019). With the help of your awareness and proactiveness, the number of findings can decrease in FY 2024.

Here are the most cited findings in FY 2023 and ways you can help to avoid them in FY 2024.

1. Material Handling and Storage – Leaning Materials
   
   

   Pallets leaning against a table

   

   Plastic folding table leaning against a wall

   Items left leaning against the wall are the Center’s most cited findings. Pallets, panels, tables, or other items should not be stored leaning against the wall. Leaning items can topple and injure someone who is walking nearby. These items should be secured with a rope or chain and be placed in a secure location.





Power strip plugged into another power strip

2. Power Strips connected in Series (Daisy Chains)
   Power strips and surge protectors should always be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Daisy chaining power strips can overload the circuits and cause fires. If your area does not have enough outlets, contact the AMP-300 trouble desk at (405) 954-3687 to have a technician come to see if more outlets can be installed.



3. Cords Under Stress (Hanging Power Strips)
   
   

   Power strip hanging from under desk

   Power strips should always be flat on the floor or securely mounted. When a power strip is hanging, the cord is under stress and can cause a separation from the insulation and the case, which could expose the wiring. Power strips can be purchased with varying cord lengths to allow them to be installed properly.



4. Obstructed Egress
   
   

   Toolbox items left scattered in walkway

   

   Paint supplies left in stairwell

   
   
   Egress obstructions occur when items are stored or left in aisleways, hallways, stairwells, or exits. Storage in some individual offices or cubicles can also reduce the means of egress to less than 36 inches. Hallways and stairwells must always be clear to allow for safe travel in the event of an emergency such as a fire.



5. Improper Material Storage
   
   

   Heavy items stacked on top of less sturdy ones

   

   Multiple cardboard boxes stacked too high

   Improper storage includes items stacked too high, unevenly, or with heavier items stacked on top of less sturdy ones. When boxes are stacked too unevenly, it increases the chances of them toppling over. When heavier boxes are stacked on top of lighter ones, the bottom boxes may lose their structure and cause the stack to lean or fall over. If you see items stored improperly in your area, take time to restack them so they are secure and don’t pose an undue risk.



6. Tripping hazards
   
   

   Electrical cord crossing a hallway, causing a tripping hazard

   

   Damaged flooring causing a tripping hazard

   
   
   Tripping hazards can be present in most work areas. They can be comprised of structural elements such as raised or sunken walkways, damaged flooring, or by items intruding a walkway. Electrical cords running across aisleways are some of the more common types of tripping hazards noted during inspections. If you must run cables through a walkway, use a cable bridge to lessen the tripping hazard. If your area has damaged flooring, such as raised carpet tiles, please contact AMP to have the item repaired.

The Annual Workplace Safety Inspections are an effective tool to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent accidents and injuries. Organizational management is also required to conduct quarterly inspections of their assigned areas. Together with your help, we can reduce the number of findings and ensure a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.

If you have any questions about the Workplace Inspection Program, contact Jason Palmeter at (405) 954-2337.