What Is Safety Patrol? Putting People First, Safety by All for All

Workplace safety is a top priority in high-risk industries. Achieving a safe environment requires more than safety signs or occasional training. Companies need an active, routine, and comprehensive monitoring system, making safety patrols essential.

What exactly is a safety patrol in occupational health and safety (OHS)? Let’s explore the full explanation in this article!

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What Is Safety Patrol

A safety patrol is an inspection conducted by regularly touring all work areas. Its main objective is to improve safety and security by identifying non-compliant conditions and documenting findings.

In practice, this program trains personnel or designated team members to monitor and address situations that may pose risks to others.

Main Objectives of Safety Patrol

Safety patrols in the workplace primarily focus on maintaining safety and order. They also serve several other important objectives:

1. Preventing Accidents and Losses

The primary objective is to prevent accidents and losses by identifying potential issues and assessing risks before incidents occur.

2. Increasing Safety Awareness

Safety patrols aim to raise awareness of workplace safety. This includes awareness of potential hazards, preventive actions, and safety regulations.

3. Providing Assistance and Supervision

Safety patrols assist during emergencies and supervise employee activities to prevent risky behavior.

4. Building Skills and Responsibility

Safety patrols offer opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and responsibility, supporting personal and professional growth.

Aspects Inspected During Safety Patrols

Safety patrol inspections focus on five key areas to ensure findings are specific and actionable.

• Work Equipment: Condition of machinery, abnormal noises, and damaged parts.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Availability, suitability, and proper use by workers.
• Workplace Cleanliness: Proper storage of hazardous materials and maintaining an unobstructed work area.
• Evacuation Facilities: Evacuation routes, availability of fire extinguishers, and safety signs.
• Lighting and Ventilation: Adequate lighting and proper air circulation.
  
  

Duties and Responsibilities of Safety Patrol

The main duties and responsibilities of a workplace safety patrol include:

1. Safety Patrol Rounds

Members conduct routine patrols to identify hazards and ensure all areas comply with safety standards.

2. Enforcement of Safety Regulations

Safety patrol members ensure all employees comply with safety regulations, including proper use of personal protective equipment, correct tool usage, and adherence to procedures.

3. Providing Safety Instructions

Another responsibility is to provide safety instructions to new employees, including explanations of workplace hazards, emergency evacuation procedures, and how to respond in emergencies.

4. Monitoring Equipment and Environment

Members inspect equipment and the work environment to ensure proper functioning and adherence to safety procedures, reducing health and safety risks.

5. Handling Accidents or Emergencies

Members are trained to respond promptly to workplace emergencies or accidents. This includes providing first aid, contacting medical or emergency services, and assisting in evacuation when necessary.

6. Reporting and Documentation

Members report potential hazards, accidents, occupational illnesses, or safety violations to management or the safety department and document all related incidents.

The 4P Method in Conducting Safety Patrols

During inspections, safety patrol teams collect data using the 4P principle:

• Position: The position or location of the finding in the work area.
• People: The parties or workers involved in the finding.
• Part: The part or component of equipment related to the finding.
• Paper: Written documentation or a report on the findings.

The 4P data provides a systematic reference for accident analysis, helping identify root causes efficiently.

The Difference Between Safety Patrols and Job Safety Observations (JSO)

Safety patrols and Job Safety Observations (JSOs) are distinct activities with different purposes and methods. Confusing them can reduce program effectiveness and lead to inaccurate findings.

• Safety patrols involve routine checks of workplace conditions and systems, such as equipment, PPE, cleanliness, and evacuation routes.
• Job Safety Observations (JSOs) involve direct observation of employee behavior and work practices, including PPE compliance and adherence to safety procedures. JSOs are usually conducted after completing Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

In summary, safety patrols assess "what appears to be safe," while JSOs evaluate "how people work safely." Both activities are complementary and should be conducted together for an effective occupational safety and health (OSH) system.

PT Astra International Tbk’s Commitment to Safety and OHS

Workplace safety is a key pillar of PT Astra International Tbk’s sustainability strategy. PT Astra International Tbk considers safety part of its social responsibility and business ethics, consistently applying it across all business units.

This commitment highlights that safety is a top priority for all employees and stakeholders at every level of the organization. As part of this commitment, Astra Group consistently complies with applicable OHS regulations, including Law No. 1 of 1970 on Work Safety, Law No. 23 of 1992 on Health, and other related regulations.

PT Astra International Tbk also follows international standards, including ISO 45001 certification, to ensure workplace safety meets global requirements.

In addition, PT Astra International Tbk implements systems such as Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Determining Control (HIRADC) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA). These systems help identify and reduce workplace accident risks. Routine activities, including safety patrols and safety talks, are consistently conducted.

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Safety Patrol, A Mandatory Inspection to Ensure Employee Safety

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility for everyone. Through safety patrol activities, potential hazards can be detected earlier, and workplace accidents prevented.

For PT Astra International Tbk, OHS safety patrols are integral to building a safe and sustainable work culture. With the commitment of “People First, Safety by All for All,” PT Astra International Tbk sets an example as a company that prioritizes employee safety and well-being.

You can visit the Astra Sustainability Report page for comprehensive insights into PT Astra International Tbk’s strategy for building a culture of workplace safety and sustainability.