Published 15 Sept 2025
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4 min read
What is an Accessibility Checklist?
An accessibility checklist is a structured tool that provides a list of specific criteria and standards—such as ramps, signage, or digital screen readers—to help identify and address barriers that might prevent equal access for everyone.
Within manufacturing, it is used to ensure that workplaces, equipment, and processes are safe and usable for employees with disabilities. This typically includes specifics like accessible machinery controls, clear pathways, ergonomic workstations, and proper signage to create a safe, inclusive and compliant manufacturing environment for all workers.
Importance
Using an accessibility checklist is important because it helps identify and remove barriers that could exclude people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and safety in the workplace. This can result in more inclusive workflows, better productivity, and a more conducive work environment for all employees, as everyone can benefit from improved accessibility standards.
Moreover, an accessibility checklist makes it easier to comply with relevant legislation, as it can be tailored to specific laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Accessible Canada Act, the UK Equality Act 2010, and the European Accessibility Act. By following these standards, companies create more inclusive, legally compliant environments that protect employee rights, reduce risks, and improve productivity for everyone.
What to Include in an Accessibility Checklist
The items included in an accessibility checklist can vary on the kind of regulation it’s based on, the nature of accessibility being inspected, and the place being checked (e.g., warehouse layouts). However, it’s essential to include core elements such as:
Entrances and Exits
An accessibility checklist should ensure that all entrances and exits are easily accessible to people with disabilities. This includes features like ramps, automatic doors, and clear, wide pathways free of obstacles, so everyone can enter and leave the facility safely and independently.
Pathways and Workspaces
Check that all internal pathways, aisles, and work areas are wide enough for mobility devices and free of obstructions. Workstations should be adjustable or ergonomically designed to accommodate different needs, promoting comfort and productivity for all employees. This can also cover general maintenance within the workplace to ensure there are no hazards present in any working space.
Equipment and Machinery
Verify that equipment and machinery have accessible controls and displays within easy reach and height for all users. Emergency stop buttons and safety mechanisms should be usable by people with various physical abilities to maintain safety at all times.
Signage and Communication
Ensure clear, visible, and tactile signage is in place throughout the facility. Signs and symbols should include braille where needed and use high-contrast colors. Emergency alarms should have visual and audible signals to support people with hearing or visual impairments.
Emergency Procedures
Include emergency plans that address the safe evacuation of employees with disabilities. This could mean designated refuge areas, visual alarms, and staff training to assist in emergencies, ensuring everyone’s safety during critical situations.
Training and Policies
A good checklist also covers training for staff on disability awareness and proper use of accessible features. Clear policies should reinforce the commitment to accessibility and outline procedures for reporting and addressing any barriers that arise.
How to Use an Accessibility Checklist
To maximize the features of an accessibility checklist, it is crucial to know how to use the template properly. Here is a quick guide on using an accessibility checklist:
Fill out the identification details on the title page. Make sure to specify the type of facility being checked for accessibility.
Provide the necessary information as asked per section. Include precise observations on the facilities, emergency access, interior routes, and other aspects of accessibility being checked within the workplace. It is crucial to be as detailed as possible to catch any potential issues of noncompliance.
Attach photos and annotation notes as necessary to provide better context for recorded information.
Summarize the findings after concluding the inspection and include suggestions to address any identified deficiencies and the course of action to be taken.
Complete the checklist with a sign-off.
To give you a better understanding, here is a sample of a completed warehouse accessibility checklist:
