Construction Site Safety Inspection Checklist

Inspecting Records of Recent Site-Safety-Walks

Documentation Review

Review the site-safety-walk reports, which should include:

• Date and time of the walk
• Names and roles of participants
• Areas inspected
• Identified hazards and risks
• Actions taken or required
• Follow-up actions and deadlines

Frequency: Conduct site-safety-walks weekly or more frequently depending on site conditions.

Participants: Include site manager, safety officer, and representatives from different trades.

Procedures, Equipment, and Tools to Check

Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage

Condition and maintenance of machinery and tools

Proper storage and labelling of hazardous materials

Housekeeping and waste management practices

Emergency exits and equipment accessibility

Verifying Compliance with Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• High-Risk Work Requiring SWMS
• Work involving heights above 2 meters
• Work with asbestos
• Demolition work
• Work in confined spaces
• Use of explosives
• Work near traffic or mobile plant

Evidence of Training and Compliance

• Verify that each worker has signed the SWMS acknowledgment form.
• Check for training records or certifications related to the SWMS.
• Observe work practices to ensure adherence to SWMS procedures.

Actions for Variance from SWMS

• Immediately stop the work if non-compliance poses a risk.
• Conduct a meeting with the involved personnel to address the variance.
• Update the SWMS if necessary and retrain workers.
• Document the incident and corrective actions taken.

Maintaining Records

Observations

• Note any safety observations, including positive practices and areas for improvement.
• Record date, time, and location of observations.

Incidents

Document all incidents, including near misses, with details such as:

• Date and time
• Description of the incident
• Persons involved
• Immediate actions taken
• Root cause analysis
• Preventive measures

Inspections

Maintain records of all inspections, including:

• Date and time
• Areas inspected
• Findings and actions required
• Follow-up actions and deadlines

Directions

Record any safety directions given to workers, including:

• Date and time
• Person(s) directed
• Specific instructions
• Compliance verification

Meetings

Keep minutes of safety meetings, including:

• Date and time
• Attendees
• Topics discussed
• Decisions made
• Action items and responsible persons

Construction Site Safety Inspection Report

Date: ______________________

Inspector(s): ______________________

Weather Conditions: ______________________

1. Site-Safety-Walk Review

- Documentation Reviewed: ______________________

- Frequency and Participants: ______________________

- Procedures, Equipment, and Tools Checked: ______________________

- Notes/Comments: ______________________

2. SWMS Compliance Verification

- High-Risk Work Identified: ______________________

- Evidence of Training: ______________________

- Observations of Work Practices: ______________________

- Actions for Variance: ______________________

- Notes/Comments: ______________________

3. Record Maintenance

- Observations: ______________________

- Incidents: ______________________

- Inspections: ______________________

- Directions: ______________________

- Meetings: ______________________

Additional Notes/Comments:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Inspector Signature: ______________________

Date: ______________________

The WHS Regulations define high-risk work as follows:

• where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metre
• on telecommunication towers
• involving demolition
• involving the removal or likely disturbance of asbestos
• involving structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse
• involving a confined space
• involving a trench or shaft if the excavation depth is more than 1.5 metres
• involving a tunnel
• involving the use of explosives
• on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
• on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
• on or near energised electrical installations or services
• in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
• involving tilt-up or precast concrete
• on or adjacent to roadways or railways
• at workplaces where there is movement of powered mobile plant 
• in an area where there are artificial extremes of temperature
• in, over or adjacent to water or other liquids where there is a risk of drowning
• involving diving
•  If there is variance from SWMS instruct that the high-risk work conform to SWMSs or cease until it can be performed in accordance with the SWMSs. Use your common sense if the SWMS appears to be inadequate