Safety observation determine the number of safe and unsafe actions or conditions in a work area during a given time. The goal of safety observation is to identify which tasks employees perform correctly and safely, in addition to observing any risky behavior. The purpose is to utilize these observations to implement corrective action and improve the safety of the workplace. Managers record safety observations through checklists. The managers can have separate sections or checklists for each safety topic.

Safety observations are crucial to

Identify and control risk exposures
Reinforce safe behaviors
Drive a speak-up culture
Reduce employee injuries
Increase safety awareness