The construction industry remains one of the most exposed to workplace accidents. A rigorous and regular safety inspection is the first line of defense to prevent serious incidents. This checklist of 15 inspection points covers all the major risks on a construction site, in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and industry best practices.
Regulatory Framework: Health & Safety Coordination
Occupational health and safety legislation requires the appointment of a safety coordinator from the design phase onwards for operations involving multiple contractors. The coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all parties adhere to the established safety plan throughout the project.
The mandatory documents to establish include:
- General Safety and Health Plan: prepared by the coordinator, it defines the common prevention measures for all site activities
- Contractor Safety Plan: prepared by each contractor on site, detailing their specific safety procedures
- Risk Prevention Plan: required for operations exceeding 400 hours per year or involving hazardous work
- Utility Location Request: mandatory before any excavation work near underground networks and utilities
The project owner is responsible for appointing the safety coordinator and ensuring compliance with safety obligations. Contractors are required to participate in joint inspections and to update their safety plans whenever methods or working conditions change.
The 15 Essential Inspection Points
Site Access and Perimeter Fencing
Verify that the site is properly fenced, that access points are controlled, and that signage prohibiting unauthorized entry is in place. Traffic routes must be clear and properly marked.
Inspection Register and Documentation
Ensure that the general safety plan, contractor safety plans, the coordinator's logbook, and equipment inspection reports are all present on site and up to date.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Check that all workers are wearing the required PPE: hard hat, safety boots, high-visibility vest, appropriate gloves, and safety goggles where necessary. Verify the condition and expiry dates of all equipment.
Scaffolding and Work Platforms
Verify compliance of the assembly (inspection certificate), anchor stability, presence of complete guardrails (top rail, mid rail, toe board) and secure access points (cage ladders or staircases).
Working at Height
Check collective fall protection (guardrails, safety nets) and, where these are not feasible, individual protection (harnesses, lifelines). Verify operator authorizations and training records.
Construction Plant and Lifting Equipment
Verify periodic inspection reports for all plant equipment, operator licenses and certifications, proper functioning of safety devices (alarms, load limiters), and demarcation of operating zones.
Excavations and Trenches
Check shoring or benching of excavations deeper than 1.30 m, secure access points (ladders), perimeter barriers, and ensure no surcharge loads near trench edges.
Temporary Electrical Installations
Verify compliance of the temporary electrical installation: site distribution board, 30 mA residual current devices, cables protected against mechanical damage, and effective earthing.
Chemical Hazards and Dust
Identify hazardous substances on site, verify the availability of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper storage of chemicals, and extraction or ventilation systems where dust is present.
Asbestos Risk
For work on buildings constructed before 1997, verify that an asbestos survey has been carried out prior to works, that the removal plan is being followed where applicable, and that operatives are properly trained.
Noise and Vibration
Assess noise exposure (action level at 80 dB(A) over 8 hours), verify provision of hearing protection, and ensure compliance with exposure limits for vibrating equipment.
Waste Management
Check waste segregation (inert, non-hazardous, hazardous), presence of labeled skips, waste tracking documentation, and overall site cleanliness.
First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Verify the presence of a fully stocked first aid kit, display of emergency contact numbers, designation of trained first aiders, and knowledge of evacuation procedures among all workers.
Fire Prevention
Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers (powder, CO2) are located near hot work zones (welding, cutting), that hot work permits are in place, and that emergency exits are clear and unobstructed.
Weather Conditions and Multi-Contractor Coordination
Assess weather conditions (wind, frost, extreme heat) and adapt work activities accordingly. Verify coordination between contractors: scheduling of simultaneous operations and separation of traffic routes.
Documenting Safety Inspections
Every safety inspection should be documented in a written report and recorded in the safety coordination logbook. A digital reporting tool allows you to structure the inspection using this checklist, attach photos of any hazardous conditions observed, and automatically generate a report shared with all contractors on site.
Related Reading
- Template: Weekly Construction Progress Report
- Construction Reporting Software
- QHSE Audit Checklist: The Essentials
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