Workplace safety inspections

Workplace safety inspections are planned and systematic physical inspections of the workplace to

• identify and monitor workplace hazards
• identify changes to work areas which may pose new risks
• monitor effectiveness of previous corrective actions, and
• monitor that safety standards are being maintained.

University workplace inspections are required across the University campus to periodically check rooms and spaces to ensure hazards are identified and are subsequently addressed.

Workplace safety inspection may also occur due to change of equipment, work area layout, if a new work area is commissioned or if requested by a supervisor, manager or health and safety representative. 

Workplace inspections need to occur regularly and the frequency they need to be conducted  will vary according to the type of work area with specific details found in the Workplace Safety Inspection Procedures.

Checklists

Staff undertaking workplace safety inspections must use the University’s workplace inspection checklist templates to assist them in identifying hazards. Checklist are available for the various area types as below

Common areas / Office spaces inspection checklist

Laboratory inspection checklist

Workshop inspection checklist

I have done an inspection, what next?

Any hazards identified throughout the inspection should have corrective actions assigned to an appropriate person and the hazard entered onto ServiceOne (infrastructure and general maintenance) or FlinSafe for other safety hazards. The inspection team should follow up with a review to see whether the corrective actions have commenced or are completed.

For more information see the Work Health and Safety Risk Management Procedures.