June 10, 2025, By Jake Dickman

Have you ever fixed something temporarily, and it ultimately became a permanent solution? Or one day, started charging batteries near the flammables cabinet and didn’t think twice about it? Perhaps everyone knows not to use the charred outlet on the power strip, but since the rest of the outlets work fine, it remains in service. Budgets are tight, and repairs are expensive. The plates are already full, and inspections take time. We get it. We also understand the time-consuming nature of handling claims that can result from these and other hazards that go unchecked in the workplace—adding the time spent on claims handling to the cost of downtime, whether for workers or spaces, makes it clear why regular inspections might be the fastest and most cost-effective option. 

Inspections offer a fresh perspective. They highlight risks that may have blended into daily operations and uncover issues that require immediate or long-term attention. Most importantly, they help embed safety as a living, ongoing practice—not a one-time fix.

The Value of Vigilance

Over time, routines can obscure risks, such as a broken outlet cover, a blocked emergency exit, or a faded safety sign. These are often seen but rarely noticed. Regular site inspections help refocus attention on these conditions, providing structure to safety efforts and offering teams the opportunity to correct minor issues before they escalate.

Sector-Specific Safety Observations

Fire Protection Districts

Due to the demanding and equipment-intensive nature of fire service operations, specific exposures are native to fire stations. Electrical loads from chargers, radios, and power tools often lead to heavy reliance on power strips or extension cords—sometimes used beyond their intended purpose. Electrical outlets and switches may lose their covers through repeated use or maintenance, and battery charging areas may lack defined containment or ventilation.

Chemical safety is another key concern. Cleaning agents, fuel, and decontamination supplies are often transferred to secondary containers without proper labeling, or stored without nearby eyewash stations. These are practical oversights, but they represent real risks in fast-paced environments.

Exhaust fumes also pose a significant health concern. Apparatus bays often serve as both work and storage areas, yet they may lack adequate ventilation or air quality monitoring. The presence of diesel exhaust—especially without proper source-capture systems—can lead to long-term health impacts. Inspections help surface these concerns, prompting actionable conversations about improved ventilation, spatial separation, or relocating equipment, such as ice machines, away from contaminated zones.

Cemetery Districts

Cemetery operations carry their own unique set of risks—many of which are tied to the outdoor and seasonal nature of the work. Uneven ground, root-intruded walkways, and soil settling can quietly develop into fall hazards for staff and visitors alike. Storage of fuel and herbicides in maintenance sheds, if not clearly labeled or separated, can introduce chemical and fire hazards. These conditions often arise gradually, making them easy to overlook without a structured review.

School Districts

School campuses are dynamic, high-traffic environments. Inspections often reveal unsecured custodial closets, improperly stored chemicals, and playground surfaces that have become compacted or deteriorated. These are not anomalies; they are recurring exposures tied to daily use and time constraints. Classrooms may unintentionally block exit paths with furniture or materials, particularly after moves or renovations. Inspections provide the opportunity to address these operational risks in a timely and cost-effective manner before they compromise safety.

Water Districts

Water and wastewater facilities manage a range of technical systems and chemical processes. Confined space entries may lack clear and durable signage, especially in older facilities. Storage of acids, bases, and treatment chemicals must be carefully controlled; however, layouts often evolve in ways that separate PPE from point-of-use locations or co-locate incompatible materials. Walkways near tanks and processing equipment are frequently exposed to moisture, and slip-resistant mats or coatings tend to wear down over time.

Creating a Culture of Accountability

GSRMA proudly supports its members by offering on-site inspections to identify safety concerns and enhance compliance. These visits provide a valuable external perspective, but it is crucial to recognize that they are no substitute for routine internal inspections led by those responsible for safety at the local level.

Try implementing a regular inspection cadence—monthly, quarterly, or at an interval appropriate to the operations. Supervisors, facility leads, and safety coordinators must take ownership of identifying and correcting hazards within their areas. This practice not only helps prevent injuries and liability but also builds the foundation for a resilient, safety-first organizational culture.

Make recurring site inspections a core element of your safety program. 

GSRMA is here to assist with inspections, provide training, and support your risk control efforts—but the most effective inspections will always come from within.

By engaging the people who work in your facilities daily—those who know the equipment, the layout, and the routines—you empower your team to recognize hazards early, implement solutions quickly, and maintain safety as an active, shared responsibility.

Let’s work together to create safer spaces—one inspection at a time. To schedule an inspection or consult with our Risk Control team, contact riskcontrol@gsrma.org.