Webinar and Resources

Overview

Safety Inspection Checklist for Libraries (Montana DLI & Safety Culture Act)

New Employee Safety Orientation

• Provide verbal and written safety instruction at hire.
• Cover:
• Accident and hazard reporting procedures
• Emergency procedures
• PPE requirements (if any)
• Fire safety basics
• Chemical safety (if applicable)
• Have employee sign orientation acknowledgement.
• File documentation for at least 3 years.

Task / Job-Specific Training

• Identify tasks requiring special training (maintenance, equipment use, chemical handling, etc.).
• Document training with:
• Date and location
• Description of content
• Trainer name
• Trainee name and signature
• Retain training records as long as the employee works there (recommended) or minimum of 3 years.

Refresher Training

• Offer periodic (recommended annually) safety training.
• Can be part of staff meetings or brief safety talks.
• Document date, topic, length, participants.

Safety Awareness

• Maintain visible safety information:
• Bulletin board notifications
• Safety newsletters or email reminders
• Posters or signage
• Ensure employees have regular access to safety information.

Annual Self‑Inspection

• Conduct at least once per year.
• Use a checklist or written notes to document:
• Hazards found
• Corrective actions taken
• Save documentation for 3 years.

For Entities with 5 or More Employees

• Maintain a written policy assigning safety responsibilities.
• Have a written accident reporting and investigation procedure.
• Participate in or maintain a safety committee that:
• Meets at least every 4 months
• Documents meeting notes for 3 years

Injury Reporting (Serious Incidents)

• Report to DLI:
• Fatality: within 8 hours
• Hospitalization, amputation, loss of eye: within 24 hours
• Use phone, website, or contact DLI directly.

Injury Recording (OSHA Logs)

• Maintain OSHA 300 log throughout the calendar year.
• Record any workplace injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
• Post OSHA 300A summary Feb 1–Apr 30 annually.
• Keep logs for 5 years (OSHA standard).

Common Facility Hazards to Check

• Housekeeping: aisles clear, items safely stored.
• Emergency exits: unobstructed, properly signed; non-exits labeled.
• Electrical systems:
• No exposed wiring
• Intact faceplates
• Accessible breaker panels
• No frayed, taped, or damaged cords
• Fire extinguishers:
• Mounted properly
• Annual inspection tag current
• Monthly visual inspection logged

Watch the Video

Discussion Questions

1. What parts of the Montana Safety Culture Act were new or surprising to you, and how do they compare to what our library currently does for staff safety and training?
2. How confident are we that our new employee orientation covers all the required safety information? What should we add or strengthen? 
3. When it comes to documenting training and inspections, where do we feel most organized—and where might we need clearer procedures?
4. What are some common hazards in our building that we’ve noticed (such as housekeeping, electrical issues, or exit access), and how could we create a routine to address them consistently?
5. How might we structure or improve our safety committee or staff safety discussions to meet the requirements for libraries with five or more employees?
6. In the event of an injury or serious incident, do we feel prepared to follow the correct reporting steps? What processes or communication could make this clearer for everyone?

Resources

Montana Department of Labor Resources

• Montana Safety Culture Act
• First Report of Injury Form
• Occupational Safety and Health

If you have questions regarding the workplace safety and health programs offered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, or would like to learn more about what we do, please do not hesitate to contact the following specialists:

Consultation Unit Supervisor
Tiffany Ott (tott@mt.gov or 406-494-0324)

Compliance Unit Supervisor
Kevin Kleinworth (kevin.kleinworth@mt.gov or 406-916-0826)

Your next step is the Course Evaluation.