Why Is a Safety Audit Important for Every Coworking Space?
Coworking spaces are becoming a center for creativity, innovation, and teamwork. With professionals from diverse industries sharing a common workspace, these environments foster productivity and networking opportunities. But this dynamic environment also has the burden of making sure that everyone is in a safe and secure environment. Safety audits are essential in this situation.
A safety audit is more than checking a box. It’s a proactive strategy for risk identification, accident avoidance, and upholding legal requirements. This article explains why every coworking space needs a thorough safety audit.
The Growth of Coworking Culture
Coworking spaces have redefined how we approach the modern workplace. Catering to freelancers, startups, and remote corporate teams alike, the demand for flexible, collaborative, and innovative work environments has surged.
The global coworking market was valued at $14.91 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% between 2024 and 2030. Grand View Research states that with this shift, the traditional concept of leased office spaces has undergone a significant transformation.
Landlords and service providers are increasingly leveraging the coworking model to offer a more adaptable, cost-effective, and attractive alternative. Unlike conventional office spaces, coworking environments are designed to be more engaging.
Coworking spaces often feature open layouts, shared desks, breakout areas, cafes, and private offices. They accommodate a wide range of individuals and organizations. However, this diversity also introduces challenges, particularly in managing daily operations and ensuring health and safety standards are met.
The Importance of Safety Audits in Coworking Spaces
Safety checks play a critical role in preventing physical harm. Consider the numerous shared areas, kitchens, lounges, hot desks, and phone booths.
Each day, countless interactions occur. Coffee spills near electrical cords, trip hazards from misplaced equipment, blocked emergency exits, and overloaded power outlets. Ignoring even a single safety concern can result in accidents. Threats exist everywhere for workers, whether in offices, co-working spaces, factories, or warehouses.
For instance, the tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, on December 10, 2021, tragically claimed six lives. First Alert 4 reports that this incident raised serious questions about safety protocols and the building’s structural integrity.
Survivors recounted their harrowing experiences, expressing confusion and fear during the crisis. Investigations revealed that the building might not have been structurally sound, with support columns inadequately anchored, violating building codes.
In such cases, victims reach out to a local Edwardsville personal injury lawyer for assistance.
As per TorHoerman Law, if someone sustains injuries due to safety oversights, they may pursue compensation. Personal injury attorneys specialize in helping individuals harmed in these situations, which can lead to costly legal disputes. If such a disaster can strike a major facility like an Amazon warehouse, coworking spaces are certainly not exempt from similar risks.
Regular safety audits serve as a preventive and protective measure. They help document your commitment to compliance, reduce liability, and prove that appropriate safety steps have been taken. Skipping these audits could cost far more in legal fees, insurance claims, and lost trust.
Ways to Carry Out a Safety Audit in a Coworking Space
Start by reviewing historical data to identify recurring problems or trends:
- Past audit reports
- Employee or member complaints
- Incident and accident records
- Insurance claims
These documents can offer valuable insights. For example, a recent report highlighted the Utah State School Board’s inadequate oversight of school construction projects. Auditors found that this lack of oversight has allowed school districts to bypass building codes and inspection requirements. KPCW notes that as a result, recent projects have faced safety issues and code violations.
The report, presented to the Legislative Audit Subcommittee, follows a 2022 internal audit that revealed similar concerns. This highlights the importance of proactive auditing and resource planning to prevent similar lapses.
Once the groundwork is laid, conduct a detailed inspection of the coworking space. Examine all areas, including shared desks, private offices, kitchens, restrooms, and event spaces. Look for common hazards such as loose cables, blocked emergency exits, expired fire extinguishers, poor lighting, or malfunctioning smoke alarms.
Take pictures and make thorough notes to keep a clear record of any follow-up steps. It is equally crucial to interact with the people who use the space daily.
Ask them questions like, “Have you observed any unsafe areas?” or “Do you know where the emergency exits are located?” Their insights not only help identify overlooked hazards but also encourage a safety-conscious culture within the community. After gathering your findings, compare them against local safety regulations, building codes, and OSHA standards.
Summarize your findings in a structured report. Include inspected areas, identified hazards, risk ratings, recommended actions, assigned responsibilities, and deadlines. Finally, implement the necessary changes promptly and train staff and members on any new safety procedures.
FAQs
How often should a coworking space conduct a safety audit?
A coworking space should conduct safety audits at least twice a year. If there’s high foot traffic, frequent layout changes, or regular events, quarterly audits are ideal. Frequent checks help identify hazards early and ensure compliance with evolving safety standards and building regulations.
What distinguishes a risk assessment from a safety audit?
A safety audit checks whether the workspace complies with safety laws and internal policies. A risk assessment, on the other hand, identifies potential hazards and evaluates their likelihood and severity. Both are essential but serve different functions in maintaining a safe coworking environment.
Are coworking spaces legally required to conduct safety audits?
Requirements vary by location, but most coworking spaces must meet general workplace safety laws. Regular audits help fulfill these obligations, support insurance compliance, and reduce liability risks. Even where not legally required, audits strengthen your legal defense in case of incidents or inspections.
Safety audits are not merely a procedural formality for coworking spaces. They are essential for fostering a secure and productive environment. As these dynamic workspaces continue to grow, the complexity of managing safety risks increases. By prioritizing regular audits, coworking operators can proactively identify hazards, enhance compliance with legal standards, and ultimately protect their members.
Photo credits: Pexels
