Workplace Inspections

Workplace Inspections

• What is a Workplace Inspection?
• Who can do a Workplace Inspection?
• How do you complete a Workplace Inspection?
• What type of Workplace Inspection checklists are there and how often should they be carried out?             
• I have completed an Inspection, what next?

What is a Workplace Inspection?

A Workplace Inspection is a planned event, where the workplace is inspected to identify potential hazards. It is the best way of pro-actively identifying hazards before they have the ability to cause an injury.

Who can do a Workplace Inspection?

Anybody can do a Workplace Inspection. Ideally though, an inspection would involve an experienced person from the area, a Safety and Health Representative or Safety Officer and the supervisor of the area. At least one of the team should be independent of the specific area.

How do you complete a Workplace Inspection?

Workplace Inspections use a checklist to help identify hazards. Using the checklist and looking at the area of concern is the best way about doing an inspection.
Once hazards are identified solutions are required to be put in place to ensure the hazard is controlled.

What type of Workplace Inspection checklists are there and how often should they be carried out?

There are a number of checklists depending on the type of area being inspected. These checklists include a detailed list of items to inspect, however it is recommended that you modify the checklist to make it more specific to your area.
All areas must complete a General Areas Checklist and then a specific checklist eg: Laboratory or Workshop Checklist.
Inspections should be carried out on an annual basis. High risk areas should be inspected more frequently.
Another indicator for detail and frequency of inspection is the frequency of change in an area. Changes may include new projects, personnel, plant or equipment, procedures and refurbishment.
The following checklists are available for use:

 
I have completed an inspection, what next?

Once an inspection is completed those items that require corrective actions need to be addressed. Any hazards identified throughout the inspection should have corrective actions assigned to an appropriate person and be documented. As part of the review process the inspection team should follow-up to see whether the corrective action has commenced or is completed. If the item is not resolved then the UWA ‘Resolution of Safety and Health Issues’ procedure should be followed.
Need more information? Please refer to Safety Management.