Safety Items Checklist
Safety Items Checklist: What Your Business Needs to Be OSHA-Compliant in Kenya
Every employer in Kenya is legally required to provide a safe and healthy work environment. Whether you run a factory, construction site, school, or office, compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, 2007) is not optional — it’s mandatory.
But what exactly does “OSHA compliance” mean in practice? It starts with ensuring your business has all the essential safety items and personal protective equipment (PPE) required by law.
In this guide, we share a comprehensive safety items checklist to help your business stay compliant, protect workers, and avoid costly fines.
Why OSHA Compliance Matters in Kenya
The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) enforces OSHA regulations across Kenya. Businesses that fail to comply can face:
- Heavy penalties and closure orders
- Increased workplace injuries
- Legal liability in case of accidents
- Damage to company reputation
Beyond legal reasons, a safe workplace improves employee morale, productivity, and retention — making OSHA compliance both a legal and business advantage.
Complete OSHA Safety Items Checklist for Kenyan Businesses
Below is a checklist of essential safety equipment and PPE every workplace in Kenya should have, depending on industry and risk level.
1. Head Protection
Item: Safety Helmets / Hard Hats
Purpose: Prevent head injuries from falling or flying objects.
Tip: Choose KEBS-certified helmets with adjustable chin straps.
2. Eye and Face Protection
Item: Safety Goggles, Face Shields, Welding Helmets
Purpose: Protect eyes from dust, chemicals, sparks, and radiation.
Pro Tip: Use anti-fog goggles for humid environments or extended use.
3. Hearing Protection
Item: Earplugs, Earmuffs
Purpose: Prevent hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure in factories or construction sites.
Bansi Suggests: Choose reusable silicone plugs for comfort and economy.
4. Respiratory Protection
Item: Dust Masks, N95 Respirators, Full-Face Masks
Purpose: Protect workers from dust, fumes, gases, and other airborne contaminants.
Safety Note: Ensure employees are trained on proper mask fitting.
5. Hand Protection
Item: Safety Gloves (Cotton, Rubber, Leather, Cut-resistant)
Purpose: Prevent cuts, burns, and chemical contact.
Use Case Examples:
- Rubber gloves for cleaning and chemical work
- Leather gloves for mechanical or welding tasks
6. Foot Protection
Item: Safety Boots or Shoes
Purpose: Prevent foot injuries from punctures, crushes, or electrical hazards.
Tip: Look for anti-slip, steel-toe, and water-resistant features.
7. Body Protection
Item: Overalls, Aprons, High-Visibility Reflective Vests
Purpose: Protect clothing and skin from dust, chemicals, and heat.
Pro Insight: Reflective vests are mandatory for road workers and site staff under OSHA Kenya.
8. Fall Protection
Item: Safety Harnesses, Lifelines, Lanyards
Purpose: Prevent serious injuries from falls during elevated work.
Mandatory for: Roofers, electricians, and scaffold workers.
9. Fire Safety Equipment
Item: Fire Extinguishers, Fire Blankets, Smoke Detectors
Purpose: Quickly control fires and prevent property damage.
OSHA Rule: Extinguishers must be serviced every six months by certified providers.
10. First Aid Equipment
Item: First Aid Kits, Eyewash Stations
Purpose: Provide immediate care in case of injury.
Regulation: Each department or work area must have its own kit.
11. Safety Signage
Item: Warning Signs, Directional Signs, Exit Markers
Purpose: Communicate hazards and guide evacuation during emergencies.
Tip: Use reflective and bilingual (English/Swahili) signs for clarity.
12. Emergency Preparedness
Item: Emergency Lighting, Alarms, Evacuation Plans
Purpose: Ensure safe evacuation during blackouts or disasters.
Checklist:
- Clearly marked exits
- Backup power for emergency lights
- Visible muster points
OSHA Inspection Readiness Checklist
To prepare for an OSHA inspection in Kenya:
✅ Keep PPE inspection records
✅ Maintain training logs for all employees
✅ Display your OSHA compliance certificate
✅ Ensure fire safety equipment is serviced
✅ Keep first aid kits stocked and accessible
Bansi Pro Tip: Schedule quarterly internal safety audits to identify and fix issues before official inspections.
How Bansi Safety Gear Helps You Stay OSHA-Compliant
At Bansi Safety Gear, we make OSHA compliance simple. We supply certified, affordable PPE and safety equipment tailored to your industry, including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transport and logistics
- Schools and institutions
Our commitment:
✅ KEBS- and ISO-certified products
✅ OSHA-aligned PPE recommendations
✅ Bulk supply and nationwide delivery
✅ After-sale maintenance support
Contact us today for a customized OSHA compliance checklist for your business and free consultation.
Where to Buy OSHA-Compliant Safety Items in Kenya
Looking for genuine, affordable OSHA-compliant safety gear?
Bansi Safety Gear supplies everything from helmets and boots to harnesses and fire extinguishers — all certified to meet Kenyan standards.
Available in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and online.
👉 Visit Bansi Safety Gear Kenya to request a quotation or book a compliance assessment.
Final Thoughts
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility — and compliance is the foundation.
By following this OSHA safety checklist and sourcing certified PPE, you protect your workers, your business, and your brand reputation.
Stay safe. Stay compliant. Partner with Bansi Safety Gear, Kenya’s trusted OSHA-compliant PPE supplier.