Workplace inspections make the workplace a safer place for everyone. The employer conducts them or a supervisor, with participation from the Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) committee or the worker health and safety representative. They must be done at regular intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, annually, etc.) depending on the type of inspection and the level of risk. They can be formal or informal. Formal inspections are scheduled inspections that follow a straightforward procedure and are documented. Informal inspections occur spontaneously and almost daily. It is less structured and involves employees being proactive and observant of hazards while performing their everyday duties and reporting any potential hazards to their supervisors.

Regular inspections will help:

• Identify unsafe acts and conditions that could cause injuries and illnesses
• Determine corrective actions
• Prevent unsafe work conditions from occurring

What must be inspected in the workplace?

• Buildings, structures, grounds, tools, emergency exits, tools, equipment, machinery, work methods and practices

Examples of items included on an inspection checklist:

• Tools, equipment, machinery (i.e., mechanical lifting devices, slings and transfer belts)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ergonomics
• First aid
• Emergency procedures
• Hazardous products
• Occupational Health and Safety bulletin board
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Signage, wall hangings, fixtures, shelving
• Floors, walkways, doorways
• Noise levels
• Work practices and procedures

Inspection dos and don’ts:

Dos:

• Involve workers to participate in the inspection process
• Ensure inspections are conducted systematically and consistently
• Document inspection process and results
• Prioritize hazards found in inspection using hazard ratings
• Develop corrective actions that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) – assign a due date and person responsible for corrective action
• Follow-up on identified issues
• Communicate inspection findings to workers
• Review previous inspection reports for any uncorrected issues
• Rotate inspectors to gain new perspective

Don’ts:

• Let inspections become routine or box-checking
• Rush the inspection process
• Ignore minor safety hazards
• Delay or cancel inspections
• Conduct an inspection without receiving appropriate training
• Falsify information during the inspection process
• Assume everything is fine and skip areas or items during the inspection
• Ignore employee concerns

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