checklist
Workplace Safety Checklist
Ways to stay safe at work, secure your workspace, and discreetly communicate with your employer.
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WORKPLACE SAFETY
Workplace Safety Checklist
Safe Arrival / Departure Routine
Options to make getting to and from work more predictable and documented.
- Plan your usual route to and from work, plus at least one backup route.
- Decide in advance where you prefer to park or get dropped off (well lit, near entrance if possible).
- Consider varying the exact time you arrive and leave if that feels safer.
- Let a trusted person know your typical work schedule and commute pattern.
- Set up a simple “I arrived” message routine with a trusted contact (text, email, or app).
- Decide whether you want anyone to walk you to your car, rideshare, or public transit.
- Check that your phone is charged before leaving for work and before leaving work.
- Keep keys, ID, and phone in a consistent, easy-to-grab place.
- Identify safe nearby locations along your route (busy stores, public buildings) you could go to if needed.
- Review any workplace security options for entering or exiting the building (escorts, security desk, cameras).
Discreet Communication
Ways to communicate about safety without drawing extra attention.
- Choose one or two trusted people who understand you may need discreet check-ins.
- Agree on simple code words or phrases for:
- “I am safe”
- “Please call me”
- “Please contact help or security”
- Decide which channels feel safest to use at work (text, email, messaging app, desk phone).
- Review notification settings so message previews do not appear on your lock screen if that feels safer.
- Consider using neutral subject lines or message text for safety-related emails or chats.
- Organize key contacts in your phone:
- Trusted colleague(s)
- Supervisor or HR contact (if you choose to involve them)
- Building security or front desk, if available
- Decide what information you are comfortable sharing by work email and what you prefer to keep on personal devices.
- Plan how you would discreetly step away to make a call (restroom, hallway, stairwell, outside bench).
- Identify any workplace policies about personal calls, phone use, or visitors that may affect your plan.
ID Badge / Building Access
Items to review about how people enter your workplace.
- Check how building access works:
- Badge, key fob, keypad, receptionist, or open door
- Camera or buzzer entry systems
- Confirm where your ID badge or keys are stored when not in use (wallet, lanyard, secure pocket).
- Decide whether wearing your badge visibly outside the building feels safe or if it draws attention.
- Ask (if you feel comfortable) whether security or reception can:
- Refuse entry to specific individuals if needed
- Call you before allowing a visitor to come back
- Review visitor procedures:
- Sign-in requirements
- Visitor badges
- Escort rules
- Check if your workplace can update:
- Do-not-admit lists for certain people
- Notes on your profile for front desk or security
- Make a list of any doors, entrances, or shortcuts that feel less safe and consider avoiding them where possible.
- Know where security cameras are located near entrances, exits, and parking areas if that information is available.
- Review how lost or stolen badges or keys are reported and handled.
Trusted Colleague Contact
Options for involving one or more co-workers you trust.
- Choose at least one colleague you feel comfortable informing in general terms that you are managing a safety concern.
- Decide exactly what details you want to share and what you prefer to keep private.
- Share practical information only, if you prefer:
- What to do if someone comes to the office asking for you
- What to do if they notice repeated calls, visits, or messages
- Who they can contact internally if they are concerned for your safety
- Agree on:
- How often they might check in (if at all)
- Preferred method (chat, text, in-person)
- What they should avoid doing (for example, not confronting anyone)
- Consider providing a recent photo or description only if you are comfortable and it fits your workplace policies.
- Identify a backup trusted colleague in case your primary contact is away.
- Make sure your trusted colleague knows:
- Any internal security numbers or extensions
- How to describe your location in the building
- Review and update any arrangements if your role, schedule, or workspace changes.
This checklist can be combined with broader planning tools and local workplace policies. Additional safety-focused resources and professional supports may also be listed at DV.Support.