Workplace health and safety inspections are a cornerstone of any effective safety management system. Regular inspections help organisations identify potential hazards before they cause harm, verify that existing controls are working, and demonstrate a commitment to legal compliance. Whether you operate from a small office or manage a sprawling industrial facility, a structured inspection checklist ensures that no critical area is overlooked.
This guide provides a comprehensive workplace health and safety inspection checklist you can adapt to your own environment, along with practical advice on getting the most from every inspection round.
Why Workplace Health & Safety Inspections Matter
Inspections do far more than tick a regulatory box. They create a culture of awareness where every member of staff understands that safety is a shared responsibility. Proactive inspections reduce injury rates, lower insurance premiums, and minimise costly downtime caused by incidents. Regulatory bodies such as the HSE in the United Kingdom and OSHA in the United States expect employers to demonstrate systematic hazard identification. Failing to inspect can lead to enforcement notices, fines, and even criminal prosecution in severe cases.
Beyond legal obligations, frequent inspections provide data that drives continuous improvement. Trends spotted across multiple inspection cycles can reveal systemic weaknesses, allowing management to allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact on worker safety.
Workplace Health & Safety Inspection Checklist
General Housekeeping
A clean and orderly workplace is the foundation of good safety. Housekeeping failures contribute to slips, trips, and falls, which remain among the most common causes of workplace injury worldwide.
- Floors are clean, dry, and free of obstructions in all walkways and corridors
- Waste bins are emptied regularly and not overflowing
- Storage areas are organised with heavy items stored at waist height
- Spill kits are available and staff know how to use them
- All walkways and emergency routes are clearly marked and unobstructed
Fire Safety
Fire prevention and preparedness should be verified during every inspection. Even a small oversight, such as a blocked fire exit, can have fatal consequences in an emergency.
- Fire extinguishers are in place, clearly labelled, and within service date
- Fire exits are unobstructed, clearly signed, and open freely
- Emergency lighting is functional and tested at required intervals
- Fire alarm call points are accessible and tested regularly
- Evacuation plans are displayed and up to date
Electrical Safety
Electrical hazards are a leading cause of workplace fires and electrocution. Routine inspection of electrical equipment and installations is critical to preventing incidents.
- Portable appliances have been PAT tested within the required period
- Extension leads are not daisy-chained or overloaded
- Electrical panels are accessible and not blocked by storage
- Damaged cables, plugs, or sockets are reported and taken out of service
First Aid Provisions
Adequate first aid equipment and trained personnel can make the difference between a minor injury and a serious medical emergency. Inspections should verify that provisions match the assessed needs of the workplace.
- First aid kits are stocked, sealed, and within expiry dates
- Appointed first aiders are identified and their training is current
- Accident report forms are available and the reporting procedure is known
- AED devices, where provided, are in working order with in-date pads
Workplace Ergonomics
Poorly designed workstations contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, which account for a significant proportion of long-term sickness absence. Ergonomic checks should cover both office and manual work environments.
- Display screen equipment assessments are completed for all relevant staff
- Chairs, desks, and monitors are adjustable and set correctly
- Task lighting is adequate and glare is minimised
- Manual handling tasks have been assessed and controls are in place
Hazardous Substances
Any workplace that uses chemicals, fuels, or biological agents must manage them through COSHH assessments and strict storage protocols.
- Safety data sheets are available for all hazardous substances on site
- COSHH assessments are up to date and accessible to relevant workers
- Chemicals are stored in appropriate containers within bunded or ventilated areas
- PPE specified by COSHH assessments is available and in good condition
Signage and Communication
Clear signage ensures that hazards are communicated even to visitors and contractors who may not be familiar with the site.
- Safety signs conform to the correct colour and shape standards
- Prohibition, warning, and mandatory signs are visible and not obscured
- Notice boards display current safety information and emergency contacts
- Temporary hazards are marked with appropriate barriers and signs
Welfare Facilities
Adequate welfare facilities are a legal requirement and directly impact employee wellbeing and morale.
- Toilets and washing facilities are clean, stocked, and in working order
- Drinking water is available and clearly labelled
- Rest areas and break rooms are clean and adequately ventilated
- Temperature and ventilation in the workplace are at comfortable levels
Best Practices for Workplace Inspections
- Schedule inspections at regular intervals and stick to the timetable so that gaps do not appear
- Rotate inspectors across different areas to gain fresh perspectives and prevent familiarity blindness
- Involve employees from the areas being inspected, as they often know about hazards that management may miss
- Record findings digitally so that trends can be analysed over time and corrective actions tracked to completion
- Close out actions promptly and communicate results to staff so they see that inspections lead to real improvements
- Review and update your checklist periodically to reflect changes in legislation, processes, or equipment
How Checksheets Helps
Checksheets makes workplace health and safety inspections faster and more reliable. Our digital platform lets you build custom inspection checklists, assign them to team members, and track corrective actions from identification through to closure. With cloud-based storage, every inspection record is preserved and searchable, giving you a robust audit trail for regulators and insurers alike. Real-time dashboards highlight overdue items so nothing falls through the cracks.
Whether you manage a single site or a portfolio of locations, Checksheets scales with your needs and ensures that health and safety inspections remain consistent, thorough, and fully documented.