Division of Human Resources
Workplace Inspections & Reporting
Training
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
WHS Workplace Inspections can be also known as:

Safety Inspection

Risk Identification

WHS Workplace Assessment

Hazard Identification
In the end, the terms above are all referring to the same general
process. That is, an WHS workplace inspection is a systematic
approach that, through visual inspection, looks to identify areas of the
physical work environment or our work practices that have the
potential to cause harm to ourselves or others.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Sources of Workplace Hazards
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. There are
a number of potential sources of harm in our workplaces, for
example:
 The equipment we use
 The substances we use, handle or store
 The work systems we adopt
Generally, hazard sources can be divided into 6 main categories
1.Physical
2.Chemical
3.Ergonomic
During the inspection, consider if any of these categories of hazard
are present
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Purpose of a Workplace
Inspection
 To identify, eliminate or control hazards in the workplace.
 To identify and manage occupational health issues in the workplace.
 To identify and manage work activities that could result in an
accident or illness.
 Monitor new equipment or processes.
 Promote a positive health and safety environment.
 Create open communication.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Tools for Workplace
Inspection
 Checklists, Proforma, Guidance Notes.
 Regulations, Standards and Codes of Practice,
 Safety Notices, Alerts, Bulletins or Advice.
 Standard Operating Procedures.
 Accident Statistics or Data, Accident Investigation Details, Sick
Leave Trends etc.
 Camera.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Planning Your Inspection
 Determine the extent of the area to be surveyed.
 Determine the number of people to be involved in the inspection.
Generally about three people (or perhaps include your HSR).
 View and assess applicable Regulations and Standards.
 View previous inspection reports and data if available.
 Use general checklist for initial survey, then develop your own for
future surveys.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Using the Checklist
 Focus on hazards.
 Items are either acceptable or NOT.
 Note location of deficiencies in ‘comments’ field.
 Elaborate on concerns in the ‘comments’ field.
 Do not aim to find faults.
 Look for indications of unsafe work practices.
 A follow-up may then be required for a close look at the task, whilst
it is being undertaken
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Using the Action Sheet
 Transfer ‘A’ (Action Required) items from checklist to the Action Sheet.
 Assign level of priority for actioning (S, P1-5 or ER).
 Determine what action(s) is required to reduce the risk of the
identified hazard.
 Each problem may have more than one action.
 Don’t forget to list administrative actions, such as SOPs and training.
 Ensure assignment of resolution to appropriate staff, with target and
review dates.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Using the Action Sheet
 Keep track of progress, and update sheet.
 Sign off on completed items.
 Retain the Workplace inspection reports (consisting of completed
Checklists and Action Sheets) locally as evidence of compliance with
workplace inspection requirements and for audit purposes.
 Don’t forget, the workplace inspection process and related reports
form a part of our legislative requirements for risk management.
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES
If after reading the Workplace Inspections and Reporting Training
presentation and you would like further information, please email the
Manager, Work Health & Safety at ohs@csu.edu.au
DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES