Perform OHS Workplace Inspection using eAuditor
OHS Workplace Inspection is a systematic examination of a work environment to identify hazards, assess risks, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. It aims to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by verifying that safety measures, equipment, and practices are properly implemented and maintained.
Performing an OHS Workplace Inspection using eAuditor enables a comprehensive, digital-driven approach to identify workplace hazards, assess risks, verify safety compliance, and foster a proactive health and safety culture. This method leverages eAuditor’s powerful tools for real-time data capture, detailed reporting, and efficient corrective action management.
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Purpose of OHS Workplace Inspection
- Identify and evaluate existing and potential hazards in all workplace areas.
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international occupational health and safety regulations.
- Prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and accidents through proactive risk identification.
- Validate the effectiveness of implemented safety controls and programs.
- Promote a culture of safety awareness and employee involvement.
- Maintain accurate documentation for legal compliance and continuous improvement.
- Enhance overall workplace safety performance and reduce downtime.
- Preparation and Setup in eAuditor
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Define Inspection Scope
- Determine specific areas, departments, and processes to inspect, including high-risk zones.
- Review past incident reports, hazard assessments, and prior inspection results.
- Identify relevant legal and organizational safety standards.
- Incorporate feedback from employees and safety committees regarding risk areas.
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Customize or Select Inspection Template
- Use or tailor eAuditor templates to cover extensive OHS aspects:
- Physical hazards: slips, trips, falls, electrical safety, machine guarding.
- Chemical hazards: safe storage, labeling, handling, and spill containment.
- Biological hazards: exposure risks, sanitation, waste disposal.
- Ergonomic risks: workstation design, repetitive strain, and manual handling.
- Fire safety: extinguishers, alarms, emergency exits, evacuation plans.
- PPE: availability, suitability, maintenance, and usage.
- Emergency preparedness: first aid kits, drills, response plans.
- Training and communication: safety briefings, competency records.
- Environmental factors: lighting, noise levels, ventilation, temperature control.
- Housekeeping and waste management: cleanliness and orderliness.
- Incident reporting and near-miss documentation.
III. Assign Inspectors and Schedule Inspections
- Appoint trained OHS officers or qualified safety representatives.
- Schedule inspections across different shifts and operational areas to ensure full coverage.
- Equip inspectors with necessary tools (cameras, measuring devices, PPE).
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Conducting the OHS Workplace Inspection
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Visual and Physical Checks
- Examine work areas for hazards like damaged floors, exposed wires, and spills.
- Inspect machinery for safety guards, proper functioning, and lockout/tagout compliance.
- Check chemical storage for correct containment, labeling, and ventilation.
- Assess PPE stations for inventory, accessibility, and condition.
- Verify fire safety equipment’s accessibility, maintenance records, and signage.
- Confirm emergency exits are unobstructed, well-lit, and clearly marked.
- Review housekeeping standards, including waste segregation and clutter control.
- Evaluate ergonomic factors such as seating, tool placement, and manual handling practices.
- Functional Testing
- Test fire alarms, emergency lighting, and communication systems.
- Verify operation of ventilation, noise control, and environmental systems.
- Assess the adequacy of lighting and temperature control for worker comfort and safety.
III. Employee and Procedure Review
- Interview employees regarding awareness of safety procedures and hazard reporting.
- Review training records, licenses, and certifications relevant to safety.
- Observe real-time adherence to PPE use and safety protocols during tasks.
- Examine incident and near-miss reports for trends and follow-up status.
- Confirm that supervisors conduct regular safety briefings and toolbox talks.
- Documentation and Evidence Collection
- Take detailed photos and videos documenting hazards, controls, and corrective actions.
- Record inspection observations, hazard ratings, and compliance statuses digitally.
- Note any non-conformance or unsafe practices with clear descriptions.
- Capture inspector and witness signatures electronically.
- Reporting and Follow-Up
- Generate Comprehensive Inspection Report
- Summarize inspection scope, methodology, and key findings.
- Include photos, hazard ratings, and detailed notes.
- Highlight urgent and high-risk issues requiring immediate attention.
- Provide actionable recommendations for corrective and preventive measures.
- Attach training, incident, and compliance documentation as needed.
- Share reports with management, safety committees, and regulatory bodies.
- Assign, Monitor, and Verify Corrective Actions
- Use eAuditor’s task assignment feature to delegate corrective actions with deadlines.
- Monitor progress through automated reminders and status updates.
- Conduct follow-up inspections to validate completed actions.
- Escalate unresolved or critical safety issues to senior management promptly.
III. Foster Continuous Safety Improvement
- Schedule regular, surprise, and targeted inspections for ongoing risk control.
- Update inspection checklists and procedures based on lessons learned and regulatory changes.
- Analyze inspection data trends to identify systemic risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Promote ongoing employee safety training, awareness campaigns, and engagement.
- Recognize and reward departments or individuals demonstrating exemplary safety practices.
Summary
Using eAuditor to perform OHS Workplace Inspections ensures thorough hazard identification, real-time documentation, and streamlined corrective action tracking. This leads to enhanced regulatory compliance, a proactive safety culture, and safer, healthier workplaces with reduced incidents and improved operational efficiency.