In World War II, aviation was still in its infancy. From 1939 to 1945, 21,583 aircrew members lost their lives due to non-combat accidents in the continental U.S., and another 20,633 died in aircraft non-combat accidents overseas.
Today, aircraft and air travel are safer due, in part, to technology, training and daily pre-flight inspections.
EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS
- Every day, equipment users or operators should focus on making sure their equipment is operable and safe before each use.
- Every operator’s manual and owner’s manual from power tools, ladders and fall protection to powered/motorized equipment routinely includes specific instructions on how to inspect the equipment.
- In the event of a failure resulting in an accident, the first document inspectors request and review is the equipment inspection form. Following any type of incident, they ask, “Did the user or operator inspect the equipment prior to use?”
WHY DO WE PERFORM INSPECTIONS? AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE.
- OSHA standards mandate frequent and regular inspections.
- Pre-shift inspections give you the opportunity to observe and report maintenance and safety concerns for any piece of equipment.
- Other contractors may use or damage the equipment without your knowledge.
- Inspections can prevent failure that leaves the operator or occupants immobile or stranded.
- Inspections can prevent failure during a critical period while the equipment is in use.
- Inspections can prevent failure resulting in a serious injury.
- Inspections can prevent failure causing a work delay.
Download a printable PDF and recording form here.
Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.