Compliance and Safety

Guide to PPE for Construction Safety

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Guide to PPE for Construction Safety

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Though it’s almost impossible to remove all hazards on a construction site, one effective way to keep employees safe is the use of PPE. PPE is essential on construction job sites when there is no other way to remove the risk or hazard. Continue reading to learn more about PPE and what types of risks workers exist for workers on construction sites. The article will explain an introduction to PPE and workplace hazards, and we will explain how software can help manage construction safety programs and inspections.

What is PPE?

PPE is short for Personal Protective Equipment. It includes all devices that employees use to prevent risks in the workplace. PPE protects against injuries to the eyes, head, skin, lungs, and ears. 

Some examples of Personal Protective Equipment for construction safety include:

  1. Gloves
  2. Shoes
  3. Safety glasses
  4. Earmuffs
  5. Vests
  6. Coveralls
  7. Full bodysuits
  8. Respirators
  9. Hard hats

Why is PPE important?

PPE becomes essential after exhausting other measures of risk prevention. Personal Protective Equipment limits exposure to objects or chemicals that can cause harm to workers on the construction site. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) requires employees to wear PPE whenever necessary.

What hazards exist in the workplace?

A workplace hazard creates room for potential harm to the workers. Though employers are responsible for removing these hazards, employees should have a keen understanding of workplace safety hazards. OSHA agents may carry out routine inspections of construction sites to ensure site managers comply with safety requirements.

While construction safety is non-negotiable, common hazards in the workplace include:

  • Safety hazards
  • Biological hazards
  • Chemical hazards
  • Physical and ergonomic hazards

Safety hazards

Safety hazards are conditions or activities in the construction area that cause accidents, injuries, or death. Some actions or scenarios that constitute safety hazards are:

  1. Walking on slippery floors.
  2. Using a faulty working tool.
  3. Standing on an insecure scaffolding.
  4. Absence of fall protection equipment.
  5. Working in a poorly ventilated environment.
  6. Tight working schedules.
  7. Working in buildings with no alternative entrance and exit.

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards expose a worker to direct contact with a harmful liquid. Construction site managers must provide workers with the correct equipment and put all measures to prevent leakage of chemicals. All employees that handle chemicals should have Safety Data Sheets for routine inspection and reports. 

Biological hazards

Biological hazards can come from exposure to viruses, bacteria, infected animals, or humans. A typical example is a Covid-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, workers should adhere to WHO guidelines for wearing PPE.

Physical hazards

Construction workers face noise problems and should wear earplugs to prevent harm. Employers must enforce the use of PPEs to reduce the risk of employee injury from physical hazards.

Ergonomic hazards

Excessive physical activities also expose workers to the risk of injuries. A worker who often lifts heavy objects or fails to use the correct object carrying-posture risks skeletal injury. Employers should provide work tools and switch to automation processes to limit ergonomic risks. 

What are the types of PPE?

Types of PPE fall under the category of protection. PPE includes helmets, goggles, boots, safety harnesses, reflective dress, gloves, earplugs, etc. Employers must assess the risks in the job site and provide a suitable PPE. 

Use of PPE for construction safety should be for:

  • Head protection
  • Hands protection
  • Feet and leg protection
  • Face and eye protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Lungs protection
  • Skin or body protection

Head protection

All construction sites require head protection. While employers remove hazards, workers need to wear the correct helmets. Conditions for adequate head protection include:

  • Ensuring the helmet is in good condition. If the headgear is faulty, throw it away while the employer replaces it.
  • A helmet should fit comfortably on the head. And the size should match the individual.
  • Head protection equipment should not prevent someone from wearing earplugs.
  • Only buy headgear from a reliable supplier.

Foot or leg protection

Construction workers must wear protective footwear on the job site to prevent foot injuries. A suitable foot PPE comes equipped with steel toecaps to protect the wearer from falling objects, and it should also protect against puncture wounds from sharp objects.

Ear protection

Construction workers experience high noise levels, which could lead to ear damage. Noise level and duration of exposure are the most significant risk factors for hearing issues. For example, there could be damages if the duration of exposure is short, but the noise level is high. Hence, workers should wear hearing protection that matches both duration of exposure and noise level.

Ear protection must protect without preventing the use of a helmet. Employers must train workers on PPE applications to ensure absolute construction safety. Possible options for ear protection devices include:

  • Earplugs
  • Semi-insert caps
  • Canal caps
  • Earmuffs

Face and eye protection

Eye and face protective devices prevent dust, gas, flying metals, liquid splashes, gas, and sun glare. The selection of eye protection must match the task and fit the worker; otherwise, wearing it becomes useless.

PPE for facial protection are:

  • Goggles
  • Safety glasses
  • Face shields
  • Visors
  • Face screens

Respiratory protection

Construction workers require protective devices that prevent the inhalation of dust, vapors, and gasses that damage the lungs. Like face protection, it’s essential to select a lung-protective device that fits the user and the intended purpose. If there’s no shrug fit of the respiratory PPE, use enough seal to boost protection levels. 

Examples of respiratory protection are:

  • Respirators
  • Filtering face-pieces
  • Fresh-air hose
  • Breathing apparatus
  • Powered respirators

Skin and body protection

Workers on construction sites also deal with harmful dust and chemical splashes. Employees should wear disposable coveralls or aprons that can withstand fluid hazards.

What does OSHA require for PPE?

PPE promotes construction safety by reducing exposure to hazards in job locations. OSHA states that PPE should pass safety standards for design and construction. Other OSHA requirements are:

  1. PPE must be easy to maintain, clean, and store.
  2. Should provide a comfortable fit
  3. PPE must be reliable, effective and encourage the worker to use

What PPE is needed for COVID-19?

Construction workers are at risk of contracting Coronavirus in the workplace, hence gear up. For prevention of Covid-19, the employer shall provide the following kits where applicable:

  • Gloves
  • Face shields
  • Googles
  • Non-surgical masks
  • N95 masks
  • Gowns

Who is required to pay for PPE?

The employer is required to cover the costs of purchasing the PPE for employees. Besides, the employer is responsible for each worker’s training on the use of the specific PPE free of charge. Each employee must demonstrate a proper understanding of the use and maintenance of the PPE. Where necessary, the employer is responsible for retraining the workers on PPE applications.

What are PPE inspections?

PPE Inspections are regular checks performed by companies to ensure total compliance to OSHA and construction safety standards. Pre-use PPE inspections help detect devices’ problems, exposing employees to hazards.

Inspections help identify issues with the equipment before an accident happens. Completing an inspection checklist can confirm whether the PPE is suitable for use or not. Sometimes, cleaning a protective device is all that is needed to put it into shape. But it’s also reasonable to shelve an item that performs below standard.

PPE inspections are an important part of construction safety and regular PPE inspections ensure the devices function as intended. PPE inspections can also be performed during an OSHA inspection, and employers should make sure to prepare for an OSHA safety inspection by creating a clear inspection plan. 

How can you provide safety training for PPE to employees?

As mentioned earlier, employers must train employees on PPE. Such training sessions can be individually or in groups, and they must address the hazards, selection, and use of the PPE. How the employer delivers the safety talk can determine its effectiveness, and the address cannot create positive results if only given to satisfy OSHA requirements.

Consider the following tips for practical safety training for PPE to employees:

  • Present the talk and not read – the presenter should understand the subject and speak in a practical tone. Be clear when speaking and avoid mumbling.
  • Choose competent presenters – A foreperson or supervisor with rich experience in safety should deliver the talk. Junior employees will take the program seriously when a superior engineer presents the safety talk.
  • Bar all distractions – Hold the talk in a serene environment.
  • The talk must be straightforward as it addresses the worker’s safety.
  • Make your topic concise.
  • Avoid generic talk that could distract the employees.
  • Use props where available
  • Document the safety training session

Benefits of managing safety programs with software 

Analyzing safety programs and creating safety checklists with mobile apps can prevent accidents to employees. The use of software can make your construction site safer and keep your business in compliance with OSHA’s directives. 

GoCanvas offers practical and easy-to-use OSHA mobile apps to enhance your OSHA’s compliance efforts.   Get in touch to learn how managing safety programs with software is essential for maintaining construction safety standards.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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Guide to Mobile Inspection Forms for the Trucking Industry

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Guide to Mobile Inspection Forms for the Trucking Industry

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Trucks are the backbone of the global supply chain. According to the American Trucking Association, about 70 percent of all freight and cargo in the United States moves by truck. Without these vehicles, the U.S. economy would grind to a halt within a week. 

However, keeping that workforce moving comes with significant risks. Five million truck drivers share the roads with 250 million motorists — but even though large trucks only represent 2 percent of drivers, they’re involved in 11 percent of all road fatalities.

Passing inspections and complying with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations is key to keeping drivers and motorists safe — and trucks moving and generating revenue.

But that’s often a challenge in and of itself. To pass inspections and meet regulations, carriers and drivers are required to keep a long list of records related to their operations. If, during an inspection or investigation, they can’t produce accurate, up-to-date documentation, carriers and drivers may face fines or have their vehicles taken out of service.  

Using mobile forms can help you maintain and monitor vehicles, repairs, and drivers, and can make it easier for employees to conduct frequent, regular inspections. In this article, we will cover how the information you collect can help you:

  • Keep your Safety Measurement System percentile low
  • Pass roadside inspections and keep trucks generating revenue
  • Understand and manage CSA interventions 

What Carrier Documentation is Required?

Carriers must maintain records including, but not limited to:

  • Accident registers
  • Hazardous materials shipping papers/logs
  • Vehicle maintenance history
  • Annual lists of driver violations
  • Driver’s medical examiner certificates
  • Driver safety performance evaluation certificates
  • Vehicle identifying information: DOT registration, vehicle make, serial number and tire sizes
  • Vehicle inspections: schedule, type and date
  • Pre- and post-trip inspection reports  

How Does Driver Safety Impact Carriers? 

Drivers themselves are not rated, but their inspections, accidents, and violations impact the carriers’ safety measurements.  The data from inspections while a driver works for you remains part of your safety record for two years. Carriers do not inherit any of a new hire’s past violations — only violations received while driving under your authority. 

Why Use an App to Manage Critical Data? 

Pre- and post-trip inspection forms, regular maintenance inspections, and even regular tire inspections are all part of keeping your trucks moving. Logging all of this data onto paper forms means lost paperwork, manually re-entering data, and then storing all of those forms in one of many file cabinets. 

With mobile forms, data entry is more accurate because there is no duplicated data entry, form fields can be required so that nothing gets skipped, and that data is all stored in the cloud, and accessible to you and your drivers anytime and anywhere. And while paper forms get lost or can be destroyed in an accident, data securely archived in the cloud is easily accessed in the case of an accident or legal suit. 

Getting your team to complete regular inspections is key to keeping your vehicles moving. 

Here are some examples of the types of mobile form inspections:

  • Pre-trip inspections. Seven of the top ten CSA violations could be prevented with a thorough pre-trip inspection.
  • Maintenance inspections. Average downtime can cost $100 per hour, so a preventive maintenance system can save money in the long run, help avoid violations, and keep drivers safe.
  • Hazardous materials inspections. A serious violation of hazardous materials transport regulations can cost you more than $77,000.

1. Why Compliance, Safety, and Accountability Matter

 

Keeping Your Vehicles in Check

All vehicles that meet the description of a motor carrier are bound by FMCSA’s regulations, including Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA), FMCSA’s data-driven safety compliance and enforcement program. CSA is designed to improve safety and prevent commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The core element of CSA — the Safety Measurement System (SMS) — measures carriers’ safety performance. Poor safety and compliance can prompt two other elements of the program: interventions and Safety Fitness Determination.

What You Need to Know About CSA’s Ranking Systems 

Identifying Carriers for Interventions 

The FMCSA uses historical data, such as number of crashes or compliance violations, to identify carriers for interventions. Through interventions — which could range from warning letters to investigations — inspectors work with the carriers address those issues. They then use a rating system to designate the safety of motor carriers and remove those unfit to operate on public roads.

Safety Measurement System Percentiles

CSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) assigns carriers a Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) percentile in seven categories. Carriers are grouped by the number of safety incidents (e.g., crashes or violations) they’ve had in each category, then assigned a percentile. The higher the percentile, the worse the performance. This percentile does not affect the carrier’s safety ranking; it simply prioritizes them for interventions.

Safety Rankings 

Safety rankings may be assigned after an on-site investigation. Carriers can be assigned the ranking satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory. A carrier ranked as unsatisfactory is prohibited from operating a CMV in interstate commerce. 

The Safety Measurement System (SMS) assigns a BASIC percentile in seven categories: 

  • Unsafe driving
  • Crash indicator
  • Hours-of-service compliance
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Controlled substances/alcohol compliance
  • Hazardous materials compliance
  • Driver fitness

SMS Prioritization & Public Reporting

Your company’s safety data is publicly available online in FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS). FMCSA updates the SMS once a month with data from roadside inspections, crash reports from the last two years, and investigation results. Some of what the SMS considers includes:

  • Number of safety violations and inspections
  • Number of trucks/buses a carrier operates and number of vehicle miles traveled
  • Severity of safety violations

How Do You Maintain Your Records?

To comply with the FMCSA’s CSA and SMS programs, and keep vehicles moving and companies generating revenue, it’s important for company owners and managers to evaluate the quality of their records and record-keeping systems. Mobile inspections help your crew stay up to date on maintenance, compliance, and keep trucks on the roads instead of out of service. 

Using a mobile app to enter, digitally record, and store data electronically eliminates vulnerabilities common to paper records and expedites the record-keeping process. 

2. Minimizing Roadside Inspection Downtime and Avoiding Fines

FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program is designed to keep the roads safe. 

Part of keeping your company’s CSA ranking as low as possible is making sure that all of your vehicles pass roadside inspections with flying colors.  

How Do You Make Sure Your Drivers and Vehicles Pass Inspection?

Make the pre-trip inspection process quick and painless for your drivers. 

Use mobile apps to check, double check, and document all the basics like lights, mirrors, horns, etc. Remember that passing inspection is specific to the category of what is being transported. Instruct your drivers to pay special attention to their vehicle’s brakes, tires, and cargo security (as these are some of the leading causes of large truck crashes), and use a mobile app to document specific areas (including taking photos) pre-trip. 

Make documents easy to inspect.

Crumpled and incomplete documentation that a driver digs out of a messy glove compartment don’t leave a good impression on an inspector. A mobile inspection form gives your drivers access to inspection documents at their fingertips. If an inspector knows the paperwork is organized, he or she will have a better initial impression of your truck overall.

Cooperate.

This may seem like common sense, but it’s not always common. The more cooperation the officer receives, the smoother things go. An officer doesn’t have to go through with a full inspection just because he or she pulls a driver over, but does have the right to cite the driver, the company, or both, so attitude pays. 

How can mobile inspection checklists make your company more efficient (and successful) when it comes to roadside inspections?  

  • Much faster to complete than traditional paper forms
  • Cloud-based forms are instantly accessible for the inspector, anywhere, anytime 
  • Forms can be created to require drivers to fill in all sections so nothing gets skipped  
  • Fields can be pre-populated with company data for efficiency
  • GPS tracks and confirms where the inspection took place
  • Date and timestamp features keep drivers honest and prevent any backdating 
  • Image captures at point of inspection may be later used to substantiate compliance in the event of a crash or accident

What Does Non-Compliance Cost?

  • Improper or lack of recordkeeping violations can soar up to $14,502 per violation
  • Operating in violation of an out-of-service order carries a fine of $22,587
  • Violation of hazmat material regulations generates fines of no less than $463 but up to $77,114 per violation

Beyond the Fine

Non-compliance hits your bottom line beyond just the fine. Your loss of revenue will vary, but you can estimate it using the following equation:

Travel Speed x Revenue Per Hour x Downtime for Non-Compliance = Total Revenue Lost

So, for example, if your truck travels 50 miles in an hour, and your revenue is $1.75 per hour, you will lose $350 if your truck sits for only four hours. And that doesn’t include repairs on the spot, which are more expensive than if planned in advance. But as violations, roadside inspection violations, and fines are logged, they are added to the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS).

As your ranking climbs within the SMS system, it is more likely that you will be targeted for intervention by FMCSA, which can affect your insurance and contract rates, and ultimately, your ability to attract new customers.

Worried that roadside inspections will take your vehicles out of service? Here are three of the most critical areas for drivers to be aware of to pass an inspection:

  • Completing a full pre-trip inspection. Besides the basic vehicle inspection, drivers should check any load securement devices if the load falls into any special categories. 
  • Knowing the working load limit. The limit requires that drivers use enough weight-rated tie downs to equal at least half the weight of the load. If they are under the limit, they will be out of service (OOS) until they correct the problem. 
  • Using the 10-foot rule. The general rule is that you need at least one tie down for every 10 feet of what the driver is hauling. The tie downs cannot be more than 10 feet apart. Inspectors will measure. Drivers should carry extra tie downs just in case. 

3. Understanding and Managing CSA Interventions 

FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program uses the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to identify carriers that aren’t complying with safety regulations. When carriers earn high enough rankings, CSA uses intervention tools to step in and assist those owners and drivers — or take more serious action if carriers still fail to improve. 

Interventions fall into three categories:

Early Contact 

These initial actions include warning letters, which notify carriers of their performance issues, and targeted roadside inspections to look further into a carrier’s specific safety concerns. 

Investigation 

Safety inspectors (SIs) conduct investigations on site or off site to identify and address safety compliance issues and help carriers identify ways to improve. 

Follow-On 

Following an investigation, CSA may issue a follow-up action, which could include a cooperative safety plan, a notice of violation or claim, or an operation out of service order (OOSO), which instructs the carrier to immediately cease trucking operations.  

What Triggers an Intervention?

Carriers are selected for interventions based on the following:

  • Number of BASIC percentiles above a certain threshold 
  • A critical or acute violation in the last 12 months 
  • Commodity hauled (e.g., passengers or hazardous materials)
  • Intervention history 
  • Time since last intervention
  • Complaint or fatal crash 

Types of Investigations 

On-Site Investigations  

SIs conduct on-site investigations at the carrier’s place of business, where they can interview employees, perform vehicle inspections, and ask carriers to produce documentation to prove compliance. Using mobile forms, you can produce any requested data on demand, on any device. Relying on paper forms, you’ll likely have to spend time before the inspection planning, collecting information, and making copies.

During an on-site investigation, SIs may choose to conduct vehicle inspections to make sure your fleet meets safety performance and compliance regulations. To assess the extent of any issues, SIs may request documentation including roadside inspection reports, vehicle maintenance files, annual vehicle inspection reports, equipment repair receipts, and accident reports.  

Off-Site Investigations 

SIs can also request copies of carriers’ documents to review remotely as an off-site investigation. The SIs use these documents to identify safety performance and compliance problems.

What Happens When There’s a Crash? 

A trucking accident can be costly to a company in a range of obvious ways — such as loss of cargo or vehicle damage. But an accident can be the cause of many indirect costs as well, including lost customers, lost sales, and poor public relations. Crashes also impact carriers’ percentile ranking in CSA’s Safety Measurement System, which can increase the likelihood of an intervention or investigation. 

 And that introduces another potential cost: If carriers can’t produce copies of roadside inspections or repairs records when the accident is investigated, they may face steep non-compliance penalties, civil penalties, and even criminal charges.

Armed with mobile apps, drivers can immediately access inspections records and forms at any time, from any location. In addition, when carriers keep accurate and updated information, they’re better equipped to make sure each truck has been inspected and is in working order — which can help prevent accidents in the first place.   

Do you know how to handle an intervention?   

If you receive an initial warning letter, what should be your next step? Here are three things to consider:

Should you respond to the letter?

Actually, no response is necessary. FMCSA will continue to monitor your performance — it’s your job to immediately take steps to improve your safety performance so no further intervention is necessary. 

Should you prepare for an investigation?

A warning letter is just that — a warning. It does not indicate that FMCSA will conduct an investigation. However, if your safety performance and compliance don’t improve, FMCSA may decide to conduct additional interventions, which could include an investigation.

Take steps to improve your safety 

Now that you have received a warning, it’s up to you to improve your safety performance and compliance, and regularly monitor your SMS data to make sure you don’t put your company at risk for additional interventions. 

Using Mobile Inspection Data to Grow Your Business

Operating trucks of any size is essential for many businesses. Keeping them (and their drivers) on the road has a profound impact on profitability, so maintaining those vehicles is key. It directly affects your ability to compete and win new work in the market.  

Mobile apps can not only help you manage everything from preventive maintenance to daily and weekly inspections — they can also give you valuable insight into your data, which can help you find more business efficiencies and generate more revenue. 

  • Which drivers are most profitable?
  • Which ones routinely “forget” to do pre-trip inspections?
  • Which vehicles break down the most and at what time of year?
  • What are the most common problem areas found during inspections?

With GoCanvas apps, drivers can perform critical inspections for maintenance, pre- and post-trip, with ease. And you have the peace of mind that data is always available to access to keep your vehicles on the road generating revenue and your employees safe. 

The right tools can not only help you stay compliant, but also competitive. Compliance gets easier and vehicles stay on the road when inspections are completed on mobile apps. Key features of GoCanvas include:

  • Photos with inspections. Mobile apps allow the user to photograph wear, tear, and damage during a maintenance inspection.
  • GPS tracking. Knowing where an inspection took place helps you keep tabs on both your equipment and your employees.
  • Required fields. Requiring certain fields to be filled in ensures that all critical information is filled out on maintenance or pre-trip inspections. Data is more accurate, your company is more compliant, and your equipment keeps running.

Want to get started with inspections using mobile forms and apps? Sign up today for a free trial of GoCanvas or contact our team to learn more.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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Top 4 Workplace Safety Apps

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Top 4 Workplace Safety Apps

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There are many great reasons to invest in workplace safety apps. Digital technology for safety can help modernize your operations and provide greater insight into safety issues and patterns. 

A digital workplace safety management program will lead to better overall outcomes for your business. Apps help to keep workers safe and productive, ultimately lowering risk for your business and ensuring safety compliance. This article highlights the top workplace safety apps to roll out in your workplace.

#1. Covid Safety Apps

Employee health screening apps have become standard for businesses during the pandemic. This category of safety apps has been particularly useful in industries like retail, construction, manufacturing, and similar types of businesses that have needed to operate in-person.

The purpose of the technology is simple. It helps to screen employees daily to record their temperature, symptoms, and potential exposure to the virus. 

Key features include:

  • Alerts based on thresholds like high temperatures or symptoms
  • Photo capture (or manual entry) for thermometer readings
  • Required signatures
  • GPS location capture
  • Symptom tracker
  • Secure cloud storage
  • Online and offline data collection
  • Pre-populated info like employee names and badge numbers
  • Screening dashboard showing near real-time results
  • Employee health screening advice and resources
  • Vaccination Log
  • HIPPA Compliant to protect sensitive information

When workers are exposed to coronavirus, it can create delays and cause downtime or lost productivity. Minimize these risks by deploying simple health screening apps that can protect your business and your customers. With real-time reporting, you can hear about potential risks as soon as they are reported to minimize further exposure.

You can learn more about employee health screening apps by following this link.

 

#2. Safety Meetings Apps

Safety culture is a top priority for the construction industry and field crews. This category of safety apps is designed to digitize safety meeting content, so employees can watch videos and complete forms on their mobile devices.

Safety meetings, sometimes referred to as toolbox talks, can cover a wide range of topics. Apps can be used to formalize these programs and measure employee engagement with the meetings.

Key features include:

  • Workflow tools to manage and assign meetings
  • Toolbox talks available to complete from any mobile device
  • Digital signatures to record compliance
  • Real-time reporting on safety meeting attendance across job sites
  • Alerts to identify non-compliance
  • Program results stored in the cloud
  • Online or offline capabilities
  • Pre-built templates with hundreds of existing toolbox talks to choose from

When toolbox talks are run using a safety meeting app, it gives your employees an easy way to access critical safety information. Since safety meeting apps are digital, it gives your business an easy way to track and report on safety program data like meeting attendance and incidents. 

You can learn more about safety meeting apps by following this link.

#3. Incident/Accident Apps

Incident and accident reporting is a requirement set by OSHA. Safety apps can be used on job sites to provide the required forms to complete in case of an accident or near miss. By going digital with these forms, it ensures proper reporting procedures are followed and apps provide an instant way of reporting accidents through the proper channels.

Key features include:

  • Customizable mobile forms 
  • Required form fields to ensure data accuracy
  • Easily capture images, GPS stamps, and sketches of the actual site of the accident
  • Central cloud-based system for reporting and documentation
  • Access and share PDF files via email to stakeholders
  • Dashboards and reporting to analyze safety incidents across job sites
  • Pre-built templates for OSHA forms 300, 300A, 301, and more
  • HIPPA Compliant to protect sensitive information

Going digital with incident and accident reporting is a great alternative to using pen and paper. While paper forms can be easily lost or misplaced, digital apps and forms ensure that data is never lost and is shared in real-time with anyone that needs it.

Learn more about Incident and Accident Reporting apps by following this link.

#4. Safety Inspection Apps

Routine safety inspections are designed to audit and assess job sites. Safety apps can be used for safety inspections, using digital checklists and mobile forms. This type of app helps to streamline workflows by managing and assigning safety inspections in the field. Some common safety inspection apps include job safety analysis, PPE checklists, equipment inspections and more.

Key features include:

  • Easy-to-use digital checklists and image capture
  • Barcode scanning for equipment 
  • Digital signatures and GPS tracking to ensure locations
  • Dynamic form fields for faster data collection 
  • Data integrations to pre-populate any known fields
  • Pre-built and customizable templates based on use case

Using apps for safety inspections is a time-saver for inspectors in the field, making it faster to complete forms and eliminating the need to deal with manual-processes with paperwork. Apps also help operations teams to manage and assign work in the field, with instant reporting back to the office once work has been performed. 

Learn more about all of the types of safety inspection apps by following this link.

Software and Forms with GoCanvas for Construction

GoCanvas is a mobile platform that makes it simple for businesses to automate how work is done, replacing outdated processes and expensive paperwork. The GoCanvas App works on smartphones and tablets, helping companies easily collect information across their organization, share it instantly with others, and gain real-time insight into their business. Construction firms rely on GoCanvas to increase productivity, promote workplace safety, and create a competitive advantage. You can learn more about all of our safety management software solutions and forms here on our website.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

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How Safety Meeting Apps Can Help Lower Costs

Posted on by Danny Kanev

How Safety Meeting Apps Can Help Lower Costs

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Digital apps for construction safety can help your employees access toolbox talks on their mobile devices and tablets. Many companies have found that regular toolbox talks can help to decrease the number of accidents on site, when employees are more informed about potential safety risks. Investing in apps for construction safety is good for your employees well being and it can help to lower costs for a business in the long run. This article covers an introduction to how safety apps can help you keep down costs and avoid accidents.

Understanding EMR

The construction and manufacturing industries have some of the highest workers’ compensation costs, according to statistics from the Department of Labor. Employers in construction and a few related industries spend about $1 per hour per employee on workers’ comp, compared to the national average of $.45 per hour per employee for all other industries. 

How are workers’ comp premiums determined?

Workers’ comp premiums are determined by multiplying a rate set based on the class of employee (there are thousands of class codes, for everything from “construction of dwellings not over two stories in height” to “installation of air conditioning systems”) by an experience modification rating (EMR). The EMR adjusts premiums based on your previous three years of injury records.

A small improvement in your EMR — even just a .1 decrease — can translate into a 10-20% reduction in insurance premiums. 

What’s Average for EMR? 

The industry standard EMR is 1; a company with a better-than-average safety record will have an EMR of .9 or .8, which means their premiums will be 10-20 percent lower than the “average” company. A company with a worse-than-average safety record could have an EMR of 1.2 or higher, leading to higher premiums.

Sometimes the number of accidents is more important than how serious they are, for calculating EMR. This can be frustrating — why should your premiums rise based on a bunch of insignificant slip-ups? — but it also means it’s easy to lower your EMR by instituting a good safety program that can reduce those minor mistakes.

Keeping Your Accident Rate Down

Having a low EMR doesn’t just save you money, it also can make you more money by making your bids more competitive. One insurance broker lists five things you can do to keep your accident rate down:

  1.     Implement a formal written safety procedures manual.
  2.     Hold regular “toolbox talks” about different workplace safety topics.
  3.     Train employees how to use available safety equipment properly.
  4.     Reward employees for demonstrating safe workplace habits.
  5.     Apply for and achieve a Drug Free Workplace Certificate.

Why Go Digital with Safety Apps?

Mobile forms let you immediately track and document which employees attended each talk, with date, time, signature, and GPS stamps. Mobile forms are also stored in the cloud and can be searched and printed instantly if an OSHA inspector shows up (read: no more sifting through file cabinets to find documents). And mobile safety checklists (we have hundreds of pre-made templates for contractors and manufacturers that can be customized for your business) give employees a memory aid to follow those safety procedures you stressed in your talk.

Key Stats to Keep in Mind:

  • Total Injury-Related Costs. OSHA reports that companies around the U.S. spend $170 billion each year on work-related injuries and illnesses. 
  • Safety Programs Pay. Implementing a safety program can reduce injury and illness costs by 20-40%.
  • Delayed Injury Reporting. A study by the National Council on Compensation Insurance Inc. showed that delayed injury reporting can increase comp claim costs up to 51%.

See How Mobile Safety Apps Work

Mobile apps can make your safety program more effective by helping you deliver toolbox talks effectively (anywhere and at a moment’s notice) and document who was there with a signature, date, time, and GPS stamp (to prove frequency and jobsite location). GoCanvas offers mobile templates for several popular toolbox talk topics, or you can easily create your own. 

Sign up today for a 30-day free trial of GoCanvas or contact our team to learn more. 

The Takeaway: Investing in Safety Programs Benefits Your Business

Having robust safety programs can benefit your business in a number of ways. While there is an upfront investment for these programs, the long term benefits will make your employees safer and more productive on the job. Here are three key takeaways on the benefits of safety programs:

Workers’ Compensation Premiums

Creating a culture of safety can improve your EMR, which can lead to lowered workers’ compensation premiums.  

Legal Costs Due to Employee Injuries

Employees who are more knowledgeable about safety requirements are less likely to get hurt — which makes you less likely to get sued.  

OSHA Fines Due to Safety Violations

By continually teaching your employees about safety requirements, you can avoid costly OSHA violations.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

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5 Ways Mobile Inspection Apps Ensure Better Compliance

Posted on by Danny Kanev

5 Ways Mobile Inspection Apps Ensure Better Compliance

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The whole point of inspections is to ensure compliance. They help you ensure your work is up to code and your employees are safe. But paper inspections come with a host of issues, many of which could be leaving you at risk. Here are five ways mobile inspection apps ensure better compliance:

1. Apps ensure information is accessible

Perhaps it got lost on the way to your office. Maybe you go to look up a form later on and just can’t find it. Either way, you’re missing a report. It happens to many businesses. In fact, up to 11% of documents are misfiled or lost. That’s 11% of your time wasted. Worse, lost inspections create a massive liability risk. 

Going mobile ensures you receive every inspection. Every finished safety inspection is stored securely in the cloud. There, you can access each and every form as a PDF, or download them for your own databases in various form types. GoCanvas also makes it easy in case OSHA audits you. 

With all safety inspections stored in your GoCanvas account, you can quickly retrieve your safety inspections to prove your continued dedication to a culture of safety. A mobile app ensures your business has all the safety inspection records you need to stay in compliance and give you an accurate bigger picture.

2. Apps help you avoid errors and misspellings 

Reading handwriting can be an art. You can have amazing inspectors, but if you can’t read their writing, they might as well have written the information in Greek! Mobile apps allow you to gather that information in a clear and easy-to-understand way. 

Every inspection has typed text. Easily read it at your computer, or even on the go on a smartphone or tablet. You’ll spend less time trying to translate and more time getting work done.

3. Apps create clear documentation

A safety inspection done on paper can be hard to verify. How can you be sure that it occurred at the appropriate time and place? 

Some companies have tried to game the system: New York is taking up a case against a business that hired unqualified people to pose as licensed site safety managers. These bad eggs, however, can put additional pressure on other businesses to prove that their work sites are safe. 

Going mobile can provide additional information to protect and validate your inspections. Automatic date and time stamps prove when an inspection took place. With one click, you can have GPS capture your location, proving that the inspection occurred at the right location. You can also take photos, providing visual information to back up your inspection. Need a signature? Just sign with a finger or a stylus. 

All of these features provide additional proof that paper forms can’t provide. They create external validation, protecting your business even further. Mobile apps keep your business safe and help you gather more information than ever before.

4. Apps eliminate paperwork and associated issues

It’s a dangerous world out there. Grease, dirt, heck even a cup of water can ruin a paper form! All it takes is a stumble for you to tear up an inspection and lose an hour of hard work. 

Sure, smartphones and tablets can break. But you can easily protect these devices in a way that was never possible with paper. You can put a paper inspection in a folder, but to use it, you have to write directly on it. 

On the other hand, with smartphones and tablets you have choices of different ruggedized devices and protective cases. Not only can you gather information, but you can also ensure that a cup of coffee won’t ruin your hard work.

5. Apps help to minimize rework and manual processes

It doesn’t matter how many asterisks or underlines you use; sometimes forms come back incomplete. With forms taking hours or days to come to your office, it’s often too late to go back and get good information. 

A mobile inspection removes this headache. With one click, you can make fields required. Even if an employee skips a section, they won’t be able to submit their inspection until they fill out the required fields. No more chasing down employees days later, just easy-to-read and complete inspections at your fingertips. 

Creating accurate reports relies on having the best data possible. Mobile technology reduces human error and allows you to gather more information in real time. Say goodbye to illegible handwriting, missing paperwork, and other holes in your information. Say hello to more accurate information in real time each and every time.

For more information about GoCanvas inspection apps, contact our team to start a conversation or sign up for a free trial to learn more.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Free Employee Incident Report Template

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Free Employee Incident Report Template

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Incident reports are used to document when an accident or near-miss happens at work. Instead of using paper forms, many organizations choose to file incident reports digitally as PDF files that can be sent via email. Templates are commonly used to give employees a standard form to file when an incident occurs. Proper reporting is required by OSHA and it helps companies address safety issues by bringing to light any problems or potential areas for concern. 

What is an employee incident report?

OSHA requires employers to file timely incident reports. The employee incident report from OSHA is designed to encourage employees to fill out the document and share it with their supervisor when injuries, illnesses, or near-miss events occur. No matter how minor the event may seem, it’s important to file employee incident reports to have an accurate understanding of events in the workplace. The employee incident report gives the employee’s account of the incident, and then the supervisor also gives a separate account when investigating an accident. All of these forms are designed to capture the details of the incident and document what happened for reporting purposes.

Why do you need an employee incident report?

It’s important to encourage employees to self-report incidents. You don’t want a culture where safety issues go unnoticed, as this can lead to further issues and impact employee satisfaction. Employees should feel empowered to voice concerns and share when incidents or near-miss events happen. Providing a digital incident form for employees gives them the ability to submit information on their mobile devices instantly. 

What should you include on the form?

Incident report forms follow a standard template that is used to capture all of the pertinent details of the event. Here are some examples of what to include on the form:

  • Type of incident. Injury, incident, near-miss.
  • Personal details. Name of employee, name of workplace, job title, supervisor, and the date.
  • Details of incident. A detailed account of where it happened, what happened, and names of witnesses.
  • About the incident. Note if this has happened before, could have been prevented, or required medical care.

Why Go Digital with Incident Reports?

Going digital can simplify and standardize your company’s safety management programs. Here are the top three reasons to go digital:

Central, cloud-based platform for safety management

Providing a central location for employees to access and manage safety information can simplify workflows for your employees. If an incident happens, they know to open the safety app and find the appropriate form. If they need to access inspection forms, toolbox talks, and any other safety program documentation — everything is stored in a central location. This helps to increase compliance by making it easier for employees to follow safety program best practices.

 

Greater visibility into safety program results

Incident reports are one part of a safety program that you would want to analyze the data to understand patterns and trends. Are certain job sites or teams having higher than average incidents? Which teams are participating in required toolbox talks? With a digital safety management solution, you can easily view summarized data in real-time. Leveraging dashboards and analytics, your organization can use data to inform safety programs and minimize risk.

 

Avoid lost paperwork and manual workflows

Paper forms can be easily lost or misplaced over time. This ultimately creates more challenges if important documents can’t be found. Likewise, paper forms create manual work for employees to fill out paperwork, drive to an office, enter the data into a computer, or rely on mailed documents. All of these workflow challenges create extra work when performing a safety inspection, submitting an incident report, or filling out any number of other safety forms your teams use. Going digital can help automate how work gets done and streamline work for employees. Simply fill out forms using a mobile device or tablet and instantly sync information to the cloud.

Try the Employee Incident Report Template

GoCanvas offers a free trial where you can try out the employee incident report template. Our no-code form builder allows you to digitize paperwork, so employees can submit information from the field on a mobile device. Employees fill out the digital forms and a PDF report is automatically generated and shared with the office. GoCanvas customers have found that by digitizing their safety programs, they’re able to lower risk and liability by 18%.

Access the incident report template here on the GoCanvas App Store.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three people in hard hats looking at a tablet.

Smarter, Faster, Safer: Improving Safety Compliance with Mobile Technology

Compliance, there are many ways we talk about it. A necessary evil, a chore, a struggle, or a critically important part of business. We all know how crucial it is, helping save…

Read the eBook
Woman reviewing information on a tablet.

Your Guide to Waiver Forms — Examples and Templates

Waiver forms are a type of legal protection used by businesses to reduce their liability and risk. This type of agreement between a business and its customers is used…

Read the Blog
Closeup of a handshake.

Duotank Transforms Business Processes with GoCanvas

Duotank is a bag-in-tank alternative to the traditional keg beer system. The aseptic tank environment enables breweries to maintain the quality of their beer after it leaves…

Read their Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

10 Construction Safety Topics to Cover [+ Examples]

Posted on by Danny Kanev

10 Construction Safety Topics to Cover [+ Examples]

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Keeping construction workers safe is a top priority for managers and business owners. This guide covers some of the most common safety meeting topics to cover and provides links to examples to get you started.

What are some good safety topics?

While there are many safety topics you can cover, the best topics are going to be the ones that are most frequent problems in your organization. You can find good safety topics by analyzing your data to understand what types of incidents are most common by job site, and use that to inform what safety topics should be addressed to minimize accidents. 

If you don’t have the ability or time to analyze your own data, another place to find good safety topics is to look at OSHA’s top 10 most common violations, as this gives a picture overall on construction safety trends.

What is GoCanvas and how does it work for safety?

In this article, we will share examples of safety meeting topics you can cover using the GoCanvas templates provided. We compiled a list of the most common safety meetings or toolbox talks that construction pros use on the GoCanvas platform.

GoCanvas is a comprehensive safety management solution that helps to keep your workers safe and productive. By leveraging mobile forms and apps in the field, workers can access all safety program information in a centralized, cloud-based software solution. Easily complete toolbox talks from anywhere, file an incident report from a tablet device on a job site, and complete routine job site safety inspections – all within the GoCanvas platform. 

10 Construction Safety Topics to Cover with GoCanvas Templates

Continue reading for templates that can be used on specific safety meeting topics. Follow the links below to learn more and sign up for a free trial to test out the experience. We’ve made it simple to leverage our existing safety meeting templates to host your own toolbox talks without having to start from scratch. Keep track of safety compliance and ensure that all of your safety program data is accessible from the field or in the office.

1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Safety Meeting Topic

This safety meeting topic provides an easy way to monitor, track and record the employees who have participated in taking measures to become informed on the basic protective measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

This effective tool provides videos that are imperative for all employees to view and learn; what can people do to protect themselves and others, why it is recommended to avoid close contact, and how the coronavirus is affecting people who get it. Using this app, each workplace member who views the video can provide their information and signature to confirm they have watched the videos as required by the employer in efforts to prevent the spread of virus and infection. 

Working people at increased risk are those who frequently interact with potentially infected individuals. Increased risk for the contagious spread is health care workers, emergency responders, airline operators, correctional facility staff, educators, cleaning personnel, and other workers with broad exposure working with the public.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

2. Protective Eyewear – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of protective eyewear. This safety meeting topic is ideal for helping refresh workers’ knowledge on protective eyewear and related safety practices, standard operating procedures and preventive actions, completing last minute safety checks, reviewing company policies and industry standards, as well as new safety rules and laws. Encourage workers to discuss their experiences with planning, preparation, supervision, and documentation of safety procedures.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

3.Setting Up a Ladder – Safety Meeting Topic

This safety meeting topic is designed to mitigate dangers associated with setting up ladders. Falls from ladders and other hazards can cause severe bodily harm or death to workers. Use this safety meeting topic to help spotlight fall protection when using ladders. The meeting topic covers how to avoid injuries when working with ladders and how to prioritize the health and safety of workers.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

4. Hazard Recognition and Control – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of hazard recognition and control.  This hazard recognition and control toolbox talk is ideal for helping refresh workers’ knowledge on hazard recognition and control and related safety practices, standard operating procedures and preventive actions, completing last minute safety checks, reviewing company policies and industry standards, as well as new safety rules and laws. Encourage workers to discuss their experiences with planning, preparation, supervision, and documentation of safety procedures.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

5. Scaffold Requirements – Safety Meeting Topic

The Scaffold Requirements safety meeting topic is used to facilitate a discussion surrounding the requirements for scaffolding including erecting and dismantling of scaffolding, the placement of vertical supports, the base support for scaffolding, ensuring safety protocols are followed such as using guardrails, stable materials for the base of scaffolding, that manufacturer instructions are followed for bracing scaffolding, and more.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

6. Defensive Driving – Safety Meeting Topic

The defensive driving safety meeting topic is designed for companies that operate vehicles on the job and need to be aware of best practices for driver safety. In all cases, while operating a motor vehicle, drivers should practice defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving is the art of driving so as to prevent and avoid traffic crashes, regardless of the unsafe conditions and actions created by other drivers and adverse road and or weather conditions. This app lays out eight techniques that good defensive drivers do.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

7. Slips, Trips, and Falls – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of slips, trips, and falls. These types of accidents are common on job sites when the ground is wet or loose from snow, rain, ice, or other liquids. Use this template to cover best practices on safe walking and tips on how to avoid slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

8. Hand and Power Tools – Safety Meeting Topic

It’s easy to overlook the hazards associated with the common tools that are used on a daily basis. This safety meeting topic aims to bring some awareness to the potential hazards of these tools and how to minimize them. The toolbox talk reviews training, pre-inspection use, proper use, and storage of hand and power tools. Workers must always wear personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, when using tools to avoid injuries.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

9. Safe Lifting Practices – Safety Meeting Topic

The Tool Box Talk Safe Bending, Lifting, and Carrying app is a toolbox talk app used in construction and work environments to protect workers against musculoskeletal disorders resulting from poor or improper lifting techniques. When trying to lift a load of a heavy weight, workers are prone to injuries such as strains, sprains, and “throwing out” backs. Knowing the hazards of bending, lifting, and carrying items, as well as other handling techniques, such as lifting from the knees, and stretching certain muscles, and go a long way to promote the health and safety of personnel.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

10.  Proper Use of Foam Earplugs – Safety Meeting Topic

This meeting promotes discussions of hearing protection, specifically foam ear plugs, in the work place. Noise-induced hearing loss is caused when loud noises such as those generated by tools and equipment on a construction site occur and penetrate the ear plug as there is protection such as foam ear plugs which block noise from entering the ear canal. Unprotected individuals are subject to problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, head aches, and more.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

Thousands of Templates for Construction Safety

Need more ideas for safety meeting topics? You can always search the GoCanvas App Store for the specific toolbox talk or safety meeting topic you have in mind. With thousands of templates to choose from, GoCanvas makes it easy to access and customize safety meeting templates. Going digital with safety programs can help increase your productivity and eliminate manual work. Contact our team to learn more about GoCanvas Safety or sign up here for a free trial to see it in action.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

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Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

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See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

read their story

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We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

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Complete Guide to Vehicle Inspection Forms

Posted on by Danny Kanev

Complete Guide to Vehicle Inspection Forms

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What is a Vehicle Inspection Form?

A vehicle inspection form is used to document the condition of a vehicle. These forms have many different uses, both for personal vehicles and companies that operate commercial vehicles or fleets. Different types of vehicle inspection report forms will have different fields used to assess the vehicle based on the goal of that inspection. For example, a pre-trip inspection will look for safety concerns before operating a vehicle on a trip, whereas a multi-point inspection will provide a greater level of detail if performed only on an annual basis.

Typically a vehicle inspection form is used by a licensed inspector or mechanic to give an official assessment of the vehicle. However, there are also vehicle inspection forms that can be used by individuals or drivers to ensure the safety of their vehicles. 

Whatever your goal is for a vehicle inspection form, consider searching the GoCanvas website for all vehicle inspection forms. With thousands of forms, you can get started with one of our pre-built templates rather than creating your own from scratch.

Understanding Vehicle Inspection Reports?

Once the data is collected in the vehicle inspection form, it’s common for the information to be presented as a vehicle inspection report. A vehicle inspection report will document the findings from the inspection and make any necessary recommendations needed for the maintenance of the vehicle.

One benefit of using inspection software is the ability to streamline the data collection and reporting process. For example, a digital vehicle inspection is performed by a technician using a tablet device to rapidly collect information on an easy-to-use digital checklist. The inspector can upload photos, insert recommendations, and sign digitally. Once the inspection is complete, a branded PDF report can be generated to send to any stakeholders or clients to have for their records. 

Utilize GoCanvas for Vehicle Inspections.

GoCanvas provides inspection software and forms that can be used by your business to perform vehicle inspection checklists in the field. Using a mobile form on a tablet, inspectors can use the software to perform faster inspections and your office can have an instant report generated to the cloud and shared via email. 

Why use GoCanvas?

Companies are switching to GoCanvas to eliminate paperwork and cut down on manual, time-consuming processes such as annual vehicle inspection reports. If you need to perform many inspections to scale your business, consider leveraging software like GoCanvas to increase efficiency and eliminate the use of inspection sheets. A recent survey from GoCanvas customers found that they are able to:

  • Shorten the time to receive completed forms by 55%
  • Increase the amount of work completed by 24%
  • Increase the amount of time spent manually re-entering form data by 29%

You can get started for free with any of our vehicle inspection forms or you can contact our team here to learn more about our software for vehicle inspections and more. 

Vehicle Inspection Checklist.

As we mentioned in the article, there are many vehicle inspection forms. In the next section, you will find a complete list of the top forms used for vehicle inspections. Here are some of the common areas of a vehicle inspection checklist:

  • Brake system
  • Coupling devices
  • Exhaust System
  • Fuel System
  • Lighting Devices
  • Safe Loading
  • Steering mechanism
  • Suspension
  • Frame
  • Tires
  • Wheels and Rims
  • Windshield Glazing
  • Windshield Wipers

GoCanvas Vehicle Inspection Templates

Looking for a specific vehicle inspection form? Here are some examples and templates you can use to get started. Follow the links below to find the inspection forms and you can use the GoCanvas app builder to easily customize your vehicle inspection forms depending on your needs. Our no-code builder allows you to drag and drop form fields into the designer, giving you a simple way to create vehicle inspection forms for any need. Here are 8 common vehicle inspection form examples and templates to work from:

#1. Annual vehicle inspection form

The easy-to-use safety inspection app is perfect for annual vehicle inspections of fleet cars, commercial vehicles, rental car inspections, and more. The customizable electronic inspection form covers important car inspection details that should be covered by the driver or inspection team, including the motor, safety features, wheels-rims, frame, brakes, tires, steering mechanism, and more. 

Access the template here.

#2. Multi-point vehicle inspection form

The easy-to-use vehicle multi-point inspection app can be used for a variety of tasks, including pre-purchase inspections, vehicle insurance inspections, and dealership inspections, and as part of a general preventive maintenance program.

Access the template here.

#3. Commercial vehicle pre-trip inspection form

The Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist mobile app is designed to test your ability to check a variety of commercial vehicle safety equipment and vehicle components. This ensures that drivers, vehicles, and products reach their destinations safely.

Access the template here.

#4. Daily vehicle inspection form

This Daily Vehicle Inspection Report Mobile App includes the minimum information to be recorded on a daily vehicle inspection report and can be used as a daily log of mandatory safety inspections. Use this vehicle maintenance tool to best monitor your commercial motor vehicle’s windshield, tires, wipers, power steering, parking brake, and more to identify any deficiencies.

Access the template here.

#5. Used Car Inspection Checklist Form

This thorough and extensive pre-purchase vehicle inspection form app makes sure that car inspection technicians conduct all the necessary inspections and repairs during the inspection process before giving motor vehicles to their owners.

Access the template here.

#6. Forklift Safety Inspection Form

This forklift inspection checklist helps ensure safe operation and helps identify areas where forklift maintenance may be required. This forklift inspection checklist covers all areas of the electric forklifts, including fluid levels, tires, forklift trucks, forklift operator safety equipment, and more. Once the form has been completed, the app saves the checklist for your records.

Access the template here.

#7. Fleet Vehicle Inspection Form

As an important component of a fleet management program for a fleet manager, this preventive maintenance checklist app includes a detailed driver vehicle inspection report that promotes driver safety and vehicle integrity by identifying necessary repairs. Use this checklist template app for industry standard compliance, safety, and preventative maintenance through solutions based on real-time tracking and observations. 

Access the template here.

#8. DOT Vehicle Inspection Form

If your company hires drivers of commercial vehicles, you will want the DOT Driver Vehicle Inspections Mobile App available for everyone on your team. This digital checklist or pre-trip inspection form gives the driver assurance their company vehicle is safe for driving – or they can make a note of a maintenance issue.

Access the template here.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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3 Reasons to Digitize Your Construction Safety Programs

Posted on by Danny Kanev

3 Reasons to Digitize Your Construction Safety Programs

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Construction safety is a top priority for all firms and contractors. That’s why more construction pros are moving to digitize their construction safety programs to create more visibility into their operations. 

The Data Dilemma 

A study from FMI research found that 96% of data goes unused in the construction industry. This highlights the challenge and opportunity that exists for companies to become more data-driven. 

The Challenge

With a distributed workforce that is on different job sites or has multiple subcontractors, it can be difficult to gather data in a consistent way. Traditional safety measures that rely on paper forms make it difficult to roll up that information for reporting and the data becomes lost on paper forms or siloed across the business. This high level of business complexity is a challenge for construction companies, but can be solved by focusing on improving its data processes and culture.

The Opportunity

Countless studies have shown the importance of using data to make business decisions. When data is accurate and available in near real-time, organizations are able to gain greater visibility into their operations and use that information to take appropriate next steps. The opportunity to take advantage of data starts with digitizing programs to improve the data that is captured, ultimately leading to better reporting and processes for construction safety. Key outcomes of digitization include lowered risk and liability, greater productivity, and higher employee satisfaction.

The data dilemma that construction firms and contractors face is the need to move away from paper forms and manual processes through digitization and automation that can streamline operations and provide greater insights. While this requires careful upfront planning and dedicated resources, the upside can be highly beneficial for achieving better construction safety outcomes in the long term.

3 Reasons to Digitize Your Construction Safety Programs

#1. Better Data Capture

Accurate reporting relies on having the best data possible. By improving the quality of the data you’re collecting, this allows you to make the best decisions for your business. 

This all starts with data capture. For field operations, the core component of capturing better data in the field relies on mobile technology. Digitizing your construction safety programs often starts with the data that is captured in the field. Traditionally on the paper forms and sheets, now is captured through mobile devices and tablets that sync the information in real-time to the cloud.

In terms of your safety management programs, this would include all types of data that needs to be captured. Examples include:

  • OSHA Forms
  • Inspections and Audits
  • Job Safety Analysis
  • Safety Meetings 
  • Incident Reports
  • Hazard Management
  • Safety Data Sheets

All of these paper forms are opportunities to digitize how data is captured, using simple mobile forms to capture better data from the field. 

Digital forms reduce errors and standardize how data is collected. While paper forms are error-prone and can become lost over time, digital forms can require information and can always be accessed securely through the cloud.

With better practices for data capture in the field, you’re able to take that information and use it for better analytics and reporting.

#2. Greater Data Visibility

Tracking the progress of your safety programs can be difficult on paper forms and manual processes. Just getting the information ready for reporting can become a heavy lift for your teams, making it less likely that you can do the analysis you want in the end. 

By eliminating paper and digitizing safety data, all of those key safety data points are available for reporting. Using safety management software, data is captured in real-time and available for you to run as reports, dashboards, or analytics. Are there job sites that are falling behind on compliance? Can you spot trends in your incident reporting over time? Have safety meetings been held and attended? 

Setting up your data capture around the KPIs and business questions you want to answer can help you with data analytics. Better processes for data capture, leads to more accurate and complete data. If you are looking for real-time data exploration and analysis, safety management software can help you to capture better data and serve it for instant insights to drive decision-making. 

#3. Improved Data Processes and Culture

Tools and technology for construction safety will help you with the data capture and reporting components. But it will also help you to improve processes and your culture over time.

Digitizing your construction safety programs provides a central solution for employees and managers. There is accountability and structure, so everyone knows where to go when they need to take an action. For example, employees may be looking for an SDS sheet, file an incident report, or attend a safety meeting. With a comprehensive safety management solution, all of these resources are clearly documented and available to access when they are needed. 

In the digital era that we live in today, employees prefer using their phones or mobile devices to access information. This has the benefit of simplifying data forms and eliminating manual work that is a drain on productivity and morale. 

A robust safety program that is managed digitally is a clear sign to employees that their well-being is a top concern, helping with retention and satisfaction on the job. Clear processes and a culture of safety can have a positive impact on the business, making it a clear return on investment for digitizing construction safety.

If you’re ready to go digital, reach out to the team at GoCanvas to learn more about our comprehensive and easy-to-use safety management solutions.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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3 Reasons to Digitize Your Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Posted on by Danny Kanev

3 Reasons to Digitize Your Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

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You’re required to have safety data sheets if your business handles hazardous chemicals. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard states that “Employers must ensure that the SDSs are readily accessible to employees for all hazardous chemicals in their workplace.”

Most safety management solutions on the market today have the ability for your business to digitize their safety data sheets. More companies are implementing digital programs for safety management, bringing this information online using cloud-based tools. Continue reading this article to learn the top reasons why you should go digital with your safety management programs.

Reason 1: Greater accessibility for employees

Digitizing your SDS sheets and your larger safety management programs can benefit your business by providing greater accessibility for employees. The safety management system becomes a central solution for employees when they need to take action. This makes it easy for employees to find the resources they need, for example when they go to find an SDS sheet, file an incident report, or attend a safety meeting. Having all of these resources available in a software tool for safety will benefit employees by having clearly documented processes, in a digital format that can be easily completed from anywhere on a mobile device or tablet.

All of this goes to build an organization’s culture of safety. By providing easy access to safety programs in a digital format, employees are encouraged to follow best practices and there is a clear investment in employee safety. Robust safety programs managed digitally help to promote employees’ well-being and ensure that accidents and incidents are avoided. If an accident does occur on-site, SDS sheets and other important safety documentation are easy to find when needed and the appropriate response can be taken.

Reason 2: More visibility for management

Another important factor for implementing digital safety management systems is greater visibility for management. With a distributed workforce, across many different job sites and locations, it can become difficult for companies to effectively track safety compliance. Specifically for SDS sheets, it’s hard to know with paper sheets if they are being accessed in the field. Are employees viewing the documents? Is the latest or updated version available on site?

With digital documentation, management has a greater understanding of how documents are being used and can ensure compliance across job sites. Digital systems provide the ability to keep records of who has viewed the safety document, giving companies the insight needed to take action and avoid potential safety and compliance issues.

Going digital provides real-time job site visibility and analytics that can enable management and operations teams to spot safety trends and make data-informed decisions. A recent study found that 96% of data in the engineering and construction industry goes unused, suggesting that harnessing there’s potential for organizations to leverage their data to have an impact on key outcomes like safety and productivity. Safety management solutions help build better data processes for the business and enable faster reporting to make that information actionable and available to anyone that needs it.

Reason 3: Compliance with OSHA

As mentioned throughout the article, compliance with OSHA is a requirement for businesses, and failure to comply will inevitably lead to fines, penalties, and negative outcomes for the business. 

Digital tools for safety management and SDS sheets will help to ensure that your job sites are always prepared in the case of an OSHA inspection. Most safety management solutions today will allow you to store the SDS sheets digitally for easy access, as well as hosting your other safety programs to stay in compliance. 

This includes things like hazard management, incident reporting, job safety analysis, inspections, audits, and more. Having a central and cloud-based system for safety management in place will make it easier to track compliance and be prepared in case of an on site inspection with OSHA.

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About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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