What the law requires
Workplace inspections are one of the main functions of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, s.9(23), the JHSC must designate a worker member to inspect the workplace. If possible, that worker should be a certified member of the JHSC, meaning they have completed JHSC Part 1 and Part 2 training (s.9(24)). The worker member must inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a month (s.9(26)).
The monthly inspection identifies hazards and monitors work practices to keep all workers safe. It determines:
- whether a hazard is present
- which workers are exposed or likely to be exposed
- any workers who have suffered illness or injury
- whether established health and safety procedures and processes are being followed
The four stages of an inspection
An inspection has four stages: preparation, inspection, reporting and follow-up. This article covers the first.
Area-specific knowledge
Once you know which area you are inspecting, JHSC inspectors need to understand it before the inspection, including:
- the area's workflow
- what goes on in the area
- the work processes used
- the materials used
- any known deviations from safe work practices
Without a solid understanding of what to expect in the area, it is difficult to recognize hazards or departures from safe work.
Common inspection tools
- A workplace inspection checklist gives the inspection focus, clarifies what to look at and helps make sure nothing is missed.
- A floor plan helps identify the physical layout, including hazardous areas and other areas of note. If the floor plan doesn't match what the inspector sees, report it.
- A material inventory is a complete list of all materials that could harm health. It should include by-products, controls and all relevant safety data sheets (SDSs).
- Equipment records must be available to the JHSC before the inspection, including power sources, location of guarding, maintenance schedules, lockout procedures, pre-shift inspections and other inspection reports.
- Flow charts of workplace processes help inspectors spot hazards by viewing each process step by step, rather than as a snapshot of what's happening at that moment.
Inspectors who prepare well find the inspection more productive and useful. Good preparation leads to better hazard identification, which can save a life.