Workplace inspections help prevent incidents, injuries, and illnesses. Through an examination of the workplace, inspections help to identify and record hazards for corrective action. Health and safety committees can help plan, conduct, report, and monitor inspections. Regular workplace inspections are an important part of the overall occupational health and safety program and management system if present.
Inspections are important because they allow you to:
- Listen to the concerns of workers and supervisors.
- Gain further understanding of jobs and tasks.
- Identify existing and potential hazards.
- Determine the underlying cause of hazards.
- Recommend corrective action.
- Monitor steps taken to eliminate hazards or control the risk (e.g., engineering controls, administrative controls, policies, procedures, personal protective equipment).