H&S Workplace Inspections

CHSP can offer H&S site inspections for companies that have one or more sites that may need an impartial independent person to provide an assessment of risks and practices.

Why Regular Workplace Inspections Matter

Routine workplace inspections serve multiple purposes:

• Identify Hazards Proactively – Inspections allow organizations to spot risks like faulty equipment, slip/trip/fall hazards, lack of PPE etc. before they cause incidents. Early hazard identification is key for risk mitigation.
• Promote Legal Compliance – Workplace inspections help ensure all facilities, equipment, procedures and documentation are compliant with relevant health and safety laws and regulations.
• Improve Safety Culture – Frequent inspections reinforce priorities, and boost morale and engagement around health and safety objectives. They signal a commitment to employee wellbeing.
• Prevent Injuries and Illnesses – Thorough inspections coupled with prompt corrective actions help avoid workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses – saving lives and resources.
• Reduce Costs – Preventing incidents through inspections is far more cost-effective than dealing with them after the fact. This saves on medical expenses, legal claims, productivity losses and reputational damage.
• Gather Employee Feedback – Inspections present the opportunity for management to consult with employees directly and gather their perspectives on potential risks.

Elements of an Effective Inspection Process

To maximise the benefits of workplace inspections, key elements should include:

• Comprehensive Scope – Inspections should cover all operational areas, activities, materials, machinery and equipment to identify the full range of hazards present.
• Trained Inspectors – Inspectors need requisite knowledge of safety principles, workplace processes, equipment, regulations and hazard identification skills.
• Routine Schedule – A regular calendar schedule removes randomisation and ensures inspections are frequent enough to proactively catch issues.
• Thorough Documentation – Inspection findings, recommendations, corrective actions and responsibilities should be fully documented for tracking and accountability.
• Corrective Action Plans – Hazards identified should lead to prompt, well-defined and documented corrective actions for meaningful risk mitigation.
• Employee Engagement – Consulting staff and safety representatives give inspectors informed guidance and boost buy-in on subsequent corrective actions.

Getting Started with Workplace Inspections

Organisations unsure where to begin with implementing workplace inspections can follow these steps:

• Review Regulations – Determine the legal requirements for inspection frequency, qualified inspectors and record keeping.
• Assign Responsibilities – Designate who will conduct, oversee, review and approve inspections.
• Create Schedules/Checklists – Develop consistent calendars and inspection protocols tailored to the workplace.
• Train Inspectors – Provide orientation on processes, documentation, regulations and hazard recognition.
• Communicate to Employees – Inform staff about inspection scope, benefits and opportunities for input.
• Audit and Review – Analyse the program’s efficacy and employee feedback regularly to drive continuous improvement.

Regular workplace inspections demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee safety and legal compliance. The effort to implement a robust inspection program pays dividends across occupational health and safety performance.