Workplace Inspections
PURPOSE
Workplace inspections help prevent injuries and illnesses. Through critical examination of the workplace, inspections identify and record hazards for corrective action. JHSC members plan, conduct, report and monitor inspections. Regular workplace inspections are an important part of the overall health and safety program.
DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
JHSC: Joint Health and Safety Committee
RESPONSIBILITIES
Role of Manager/Head Office
Senior management will prepare and implement the policy, provide the requisite Inspection Forms, and supply training to appropriate individuals.
Role of Supervisors
The Occupational Health and Safety Act places general responsibility on supervisors to inform workers of any hazards in the workplace and to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. Carrying out effective and regular inspections keeps the supervisor aware of hazards and activity in the workplace, and involves management in the inspection process. Supervisors are able to identify hazards by reviewing on-the-job practices, assessing equipment, and listening to concerns.
Role of Workers
Everyone in a workplace has a legal obligation to report hazards
Role of Joint Health and Safety Committees
JHSC members will carry out Workplace Inspections as stated in the JHSC Terms Of Reference.
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES
General
Formal workplace inspections are performed by Supervisors and JHSC Representatives. Informal inspections are always being done by anyone who notices a hazard and reports it to someone who can take action to correct it.
- Comment on good practices, as well as bad practices
- Check that any previous items identified have been rectified
- Talk to people, ask about concerns but avoid long discussions
- Look outside the usual eye level – look up, look down, look into closed rooms, look into cupboards, look behind, look around
- Point out immediate dangers for correction on the spot, note other items on the report
- Record all questionable items
Inspection Report:
In order for the inspection to be a valid activity, information obtained through inspections must be reviewed and decisions taken as soon as possible as to the action required. In some cases immediate action can be taken, in other cases action will be recommended to the next level of supervision, and in other cases review may be required prior to any action being taken. It is important to correct the underlying cause of the problem.
Review of inspection reports over a period of time will help identify needs and establish priorities, improve safe work practices, identify areas that require more in-depth analysis and highlight the need for training.
A timely response to the person(s) doing the inspection is important to validate the activity. If no action is planned on recommendations, reasons should be given.
Inspections by Worker Members of the JHSC
The Occupational Health and Safety Act mandates that worker members of the JHSC must inspect the workplace at least once every year, with a part of the workplace inspected in each month. Section 9 (23) – (30).
Critical or emergency hazards or concerns will be documented on an incident report and sent to the relevant department ASAP. It will also be included in the countermeasures on the inspection forms
Training will be conducted by the certified JHSC members. Suggestions for improvements should be made at JHSC meetings.
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