Health & Safety > Workplace Inspections
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Reviewed Date: 7 September 2016
Purpose and Scope
The objective of this procedure is to describe the process whereby management and employees may together identify hazards and take action to prevent injuries and illnesses arising out of work at the workplace.
The process involves inspection, communication, evaluation and review.
A key feature of the process is to ensure management accountability and the commitment of all personnel to hazard elimination and control.
This is a formal process and must be complemented by informal inspections on a regular basis.
Responsibilities
The CEO is responsible to ensure that this procedure is complied with. Managers/Supervisors or delegated staff are responsible to participate in workplace inspections and take corrective action for remedying minor problems and for initiating longer term fixes. Staff are responsible for participating in workplace inspections and for assisting Managers and Supervisors in correcting areas of concern.
Workplace Inspections Procedure
When developing inspection systems it is important to establish:
− the emphasis and scope of the inspections;
− how they are to be conducted and what form reports should take;
− how often they are to be carried out;
− who should be involved in the inspections;
− who is responsible for ensuring that suggested improvements are presented to management and implemented; and
− what checks should be carried out to ensure that corrective action has been taken.
Workplace Inspection Strategy
•Formal workplace inspections will be undertaken seasonally by the Program Manager/Supervisor and an employee representative.
•A Workplace Inspection Checklists SF-05 is prepared and will be utilised for each inspection.
•All staff will have access to inspection reports.
Why carry out Inspections?
•Systematic inspections of the workplace play a key role in the control of workplace health and safety hazards.
•Health and safety issues can be detected and raised quickly for resolution before any harmful event takes place.
•Another reason for inspections is to ensure that the workplace complies with all relevant health and safety legislation, standards and Codes of Practice.
•Furthermore, regular inspections of the workplace will allow for discussion with employees on health and safety issues that concern them.
•It is the employees who are most familiar with all aspects of work, equipment and processes within the workplace and they are therefore an invaluable source of information.
•Fostering communication and cooperation between management and employees can only enhance good health and safety performance.
What will be Inspected?
To assist in determining what aspects of each workplace are priority areas for routine inspection, it is important to consider:
− the existing and potential health and safety hazards and problem areas within each workplace;
− any health and safety regulations or standards relating to particular hazards. occupations, industrial processes and operations which apply to each workplace" and
− health and safety issues that have come to light in the past.
Equipment, substances or situations that have caused injury or disease in the past may provide a focus for inspection activity.
Discussions with employees will assist in building up a more complete guide and will encourage their involvement in health and safety activities.
When the items for regular inspection have been established, simple questions or checklists which can be systematically completed during inspections should be drawn up.
Checklists will help save time and ensure that a thorough inspection is carried out. They form the basis of a comprehensive review of workplace practices on an on-going basis.
Conducting Inspections
Some points to remember when conducting inspections:
− Clarify procedure before commencing the inspection;
− Systematically complete all checklists for that workplace;
− Whilst completing checklists, employees should be asked whether they have any specific problems or observations;
− Make brief notes about anything not covered by checklists for the inspection report;
− Make observations on well organised areas for inclusion in the inspection report; this may act to balance the sometimes negative nature of inspections-,
− Where appropriate, give advice and guidance on any incorrect work methods that may be detected;
− Any unsafe or unhealthy conditions or working practices should be brought to senior management's notice as soon as possible or immediately in situations where speedy remedial action is necessary;
− Complete inspection reports immediately and ensure they are given to the appropriate management representative for action;
− Implement any corrective actions immediately; and
− A copy of inspection reports should be kept in the workplace with other inspection information for reference and comparison.
Records and Forms
Workplace Inspection Checklist - SC / Windward / Woodbox / GF SF-05
Workplace Inspection Checklist - Lalor Street SF-07
Workplace Inspection Checklist - Seawinds SF-09
Workplace Inspection Checklist - Accommodation Services SF-34
Workplace Inspection Checklist – Neighbourhood House SF-40
Routine Service All Sites (Non-ESM) Folder Front Sheet SF-49
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Fixed Hoists SF-60
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Portable Hoist SF-67
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner SF-27
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Flued Gas Heater SF-59
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Water Filter SF-29
Routine Service (Non-ESM) - Test & Tag SF-79