A short, consistent walk of the work area catches more hazards than an occasional detailed audit. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your project’s scope, site rules and owner requirements.
How to use it: walk the area with the crew lead, note what you see, fix what you can on the spot, and record anything that needs follow-up with a responsible person and a date.
Access, housekeeping and walking surfaces
- Walkways, stairs and exits clear of material, cords and debris
- Floor openings and holes covered, secured and marked
- Adequate lighting in work areas and access routes
- Scrap and waste removed regularly; combustibles stored properly
Work at height
- Guardrails in place at open edges where required
- Personal fall protection worn, inspected and tied off to suitable anchors
- Ladders in good condition, set up correctly and extending above the landing
- Scaffolds inspected and tagged before use
Equipment, tools and electrical
- Cords and tools in good condition; GFCI protection in use where required
- Guards in place on tools and equipment
- Energy sources isolated and locked out before servicing
- Equipment operators trained and authorized; swing radius and travel paths controlled
Excavation, lifting and hot work
- Excavations inspected by a competent person; protective systems in place
- Lift plans followed; riggers and signal persons qualified; loads not traveling over people
- Hot work permits current; fire watch and extinguisher in place; combustibles removed or protected
People and paperwork
- Required PPE worn and suitable for the task
- Pre-task plan, JHA or AHA reviewed with the crew and matches the work being done
- Required permits posted and current
- Crews know how to report hazards and what to do in an emergency
Need a structured inspection program or help training supervisors to run one? See our safety consulting and safety training services.
This checklist is general guidance, not a complete list of requirements. Follow applicable OSHA standards, your contract and your site safety program. Published November 2026.