Workplace Inspection and Reporting Training

1. Workplace Inspection and Reporting Training

2. OHS Workplace Inspections can be also known as: • Safety Inspection • Risk Identification • OHS Workplace Assessment • Hazard Identification • In the end, the terms above are all referring to the same general process. That is, an OHS 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.

3. 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 • Physical • Chemical • Ergonomic • During the inspection, consider if any of these categories of hazard are present 4. Radiation 5. Psychological 6. Biological Hazards

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.