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Five W's can save money, time, and lives

Updated May 5, 2023
By Jerad Tuxen | Director of Industrial Services
Two men carrying a ladder
WHY YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO UNDERVALUE PERIODIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” From a young age, we are taught that routine check-ups will keep us healthy. But do you ever think about how that can also apply to your work?

Even though it doesn’t sound as good, “regular inspections of safety equipment can keep unexpected costs away” offers similar benefits. Inspections allow you to maintain insurance. Periodically checking equipment works as a cost-saving measure. And EHS professionals use regular inspections to ensure safety because workers lives are literally on the line. ​However you look at it, these five Ws will make you safer.

WHO should be concerned about periodic safety inspections?
It may be the safety director’s responsibility, but the honest answer here is EVERYONE. The end user, the CEO, the plant manager, really every person in your facility is affected when injuries and accidents happen. Time is money, so making sure these injuries and accidents don’t happen by completing periodic third-party inspections keeps you running smoothly.

WHAT types of inspections are out there?
Our highly trained staff perform inspections based on OSHA, ASME, and ANSI standards. Some areas we often cover are lifting and rigging equipment, fall protection, and ladders.

WHERE should I get equipment inspected?
Your site is best in order to establish your environment. However, if that isn’t an option, you can rely on Fastenal to ship your equipment to a nearby service center. What about being without equipment? And what about downtime? A schedule can be designed to handle inspections on a rotational basis, so you're not completely without equipment.

WHEN do inspections take place?
The frequency of formal, documented inspections should be derived by your usage and environment. Don't put employees’ safety on the line. Work with a partner who can evaluate your conditions and establish a proper frequency.

WHY are periodic inspections by a third party important?
Having a designated employee performing your periodic formal equipment checks is good. But having a qualified and unbiased perspective is a best practice. The goal of a third-party inspection service is to help you avoid potential failures. Another benefit to consider is documentation. With Fastenal Inspection Services, you will receive records for your files as well as electronic access.
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NEXT STEP
Schedule an Inspection
Make sure you are on schedule to receive periodic inspections from a qualified, unbiased team. You can get the ball rolling by either talking with your local Fastenal or via email at [email protected]. 
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