Informal inspections are part of a supervisor's daily observations.

Formal inspections are regularly scheduled.

For inspections to be of value, there must be a system in place to follow up.

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Workplace Inspections

Your organization’s Safety Manual should outline the objectives, direction and responsibilities of personnel involved with inspections.

The purpose of inspections is to identify and control hazards beforeaccidents/ incidents occur.

Helpful orientation for those conducting inspections is found in the Hazards Assessments Checklist, in Safe Work Practices, and by drawing on a worker’s or supervisor’s knowledge and experience.

Informal inspections are part of the supervisor’s daily observations on the worksite. If unsafe acts or conditions cannot be corrected immediately, the supervisor will record the situation for follow-up.

Workers have a right and an obligation to report their daily observations of unsafe acts or conditions.

Formal inspections are planned and conducted on a regularly scheduled basis.

Conduct formal inspections by:

• Reviewing reports of previous inspections;
• Using an Inspection Report Form;
• Observing workers and work conditions;
• Taking immediate corrective action when possible;
• Recording all unsafe acts and conditions;
• Identifying corrective action(s) needed;
• Following up to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Inspection follow-up:

• Assign a person to be responsible for each corrective action;
• Assign a date and time for completion;
• Ensure corrective actions are taken;
• Distribute copies of the Inspection Report to employees and management.