How to Make Your Safety Inspection Work for You Published July 29, 2014 By Senior Master Sgt. Terry Shook 908th Airlift Wing MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Have you ever asked yourself the question "how come I always have to prepare for a safety inspection?" If you have, you are not alone. Many of us ask this same question at the onset of an inspection. It's at this point we race to "run" our safety checklist while the whole time asking ourselves "why did I let myself get in this predicament again?" I know this can be overwhelming at times especially with your other responsibilities, so let me show you how to prepare & prevent instead of repair and repent. First, take a deep breath and then exhale. Second, remember you are your AFSC subject matter expert so don't sell yourself short. You can do this with your eyes closed. Lastly, follow these tips and you will be well on your way to a fully successful safety inspection. Know when you are scheduled for your inspection. See the approved inspection schedule found on the Safety SharePoint site (see link below) then make monthly outlook reminders so it stays on your forefront. Bottom line, don't let it sneak up on you! Conduct your safety self-inspection using the same checklist the Safety Office will use during your inspection. Our checklist can be found on our SharePoint site. If you identify an area that requires further attention, identify the shortfall using a spot inspection form, also on our SharePoint site, then make monthly follow-up inspections until it has been corrected. If you are aware of it take care of it. Take advantage of all virtual inspection products and upload them onto our SharePoint site in your assigned folder. This will allow our office to conduct a virtual inspection before your annual assessment and together we can make sure your uploaded documents are flawless. This in itself will reduce our "face-time" with you by up to three hours during your annual safety inspection. Be sure and check the status of your uploaded documents regularly by visiting the Virtual SharePoint Tracker located on our SharePoint site. Conduct and document monthly supervisor safety spot inspections. Don't reinvent the wheel. If you are missing a program element check our "Benchmark Program" area on our SharePoint site. If we don't have it, check with some of your counterparts. Ensure your JSTO is AFSC specific. Include your HAZCOM program and your Bio Survey (if applicable). Also include all applicable Risk Assessment Codes on hazards and any Job Safety Analysis applicable to your duties. If you are unsure on anything in the checklist or one of your required safety programs, ask your USR, counterpart, or Wing Safety Office. We are here to help and want to see you be successful. Check last year's Annual Safety Assessment and ensure you don't have any "repeats". By following these few simple steps you will not only pass your safety inspection but you will be in compliance all year around. Remember the door to Safety swings on the hinges of common sense. https://maxpoint.maxwell.af.mil/sites/tenants/908/AW/SE%20Coin/default.aspx Next in this series: Supervisor Safety - Know Your Role!