A Health and Safety Compliance Checklist is an essential tool that every Health and Safety Representative should have. The health and safety checklist helps to quickly and effectively inspect premises for health and safety compliance, to ensure workplace health and safety.
A Health and Safety Compliance Checklist can be compiled by health and safety professional according to the structure and nature of their activities. However, more importantly, they must be compiled according to protocols stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 that premises should meet. These you must find in your Occupational Health and Safety Act South Africa checklist.
Health and Safety Compliance Checklist
The length and complicity of the Occupational Health and Safety Compliance Checklist can differ. Below I have listed some aspects that should be included. These are just some of the basic aspects, but more can certainly be considered. Examples are Working Environment, Electrical Safety, Health and Hospitality, etc.
1. Working Environment
- Is there proper and adequate ventilation?
- Are all lights working and is there sufficient lighting?
- Are security systems (CCTV cameras, radios, alarms) in place and working?
- Is there enough working space for employees?
- Are floors and floor coverings, e.g. carpets, in good condition?
- Are walkways free from foreseeable trip/slip hazards?
- Is fire equipment available, serviced and in working order?
- Are emergency exits available and easily accessible?
- Are all important and legally required signs available in your workplace?
- Are they compliant with the SANS standards and in the correct position? (E.g. emergency exit, first aid kit location, prohibited areas etc.)
2. Electricity Safety
- Is access to electrical system restricted to authorised persons?
- Are plugs and leads in good condition?
- Are socket outlets at least 1m away from running water?
3. Health and Hospitality
- Is there an easily accessible and adequately stocked first aid boxes?
- Are there suitable and sufficient toilet facilities?
- Are suitable washing facilities available?
4. Working Equipment / Resources
- Is all working equipment/machinery in a safe and sound manner?
- Is machinery security features (guards, sensors) in place and working condition?
- Is the Personal Protective Equipment being used of the required standards?
- Is excess PPE available for any visitors who may require to enter into hazardous areas in your premises?
5. Employees
- Are employees adequately trained on health and safety in the workplace, training in aspects like fire drills and emergency preparedness
- Do employees know the location of emergency services (first aid, fire equipment, alarms etc?)
6. Other aspects
- Are wall mounted fixtures, shelving, furniture etc. in good condition and secure?
- Is storage of small quantities of flammable/hazardous substances suitable?
- Are all parts of the building maintained in a clean and tidy condition?
A Health and Safety Compliance Checklist should contain the date, name and signature of person who conducted an inspection. They should also indicate the next review date.
An effective Health and Safety Compliance Checklist would have a 'yes' as the answer to all the above. Issues arising from questions that produce a “no” as an answer should be addressed immediately. However, skill and expertise is required to know which corrective measures can be implemented for each hazard and risk identified.
What is the difference between a health and safety checklist and a health and safety compliance audit?
A health and safety checklist is a tool used to assess the compliance of a workplace with relevant laws and regulations, while a health and safety compliance audit is an independent assessment of a workplace's compliance with laws and regulations related to health and safety.
A health and safety checklist is usually a self-assessment tool which is used by the employer or a designated employee to go through and check if the workplace is meeting the requirements on health and safety regulations. A checklist may include items such as checking that emergency exits are clear, fire extinguishers are properly maintained, and hazardous materials are labeled correctly. These checklists typically focus on identifying specific hazards and potential hazards that are present in the workplace.
On the other hand, A health and safety compliance audit is typically carried out by an independent, qualified auditor or inspector who will evaluate the entire health and safety program of the workplace. They will look at the overall management systems, policies, procedures and records related to health and safety. An audit may include a review of the workplace's health and safety policies, procedures and checklists, interviews with employees, and inspections of the physical workplace. An audit will provide a comprehensive report and recommendations on areas of compliance, non-compliance and opportunities for improvement.
In summary, a health and safety checklist is a tool used by employers to self-assess their compliance with relevant laws and regulations, while a health and safety compliance audit is an independent assessment carried out by an expert to assess the overall compliance of the workplace with laws and regulations.
MAKROSAFE in partnership with SAFETYWALLET and MY SAFETY SHOP can assist any company to draft a Health and Safety Compliance Checklist that specifically meet the needs of that particular workplace, thereby ensuring workplace health and safety. Their experts have knowledge and skill in drafting these checklists which meet all legal requirements. Contact them today and let them assist you in that field and many other areas, CONTACT US
FREE Health and Safety Checklists available in My Safety Shop:
- Free Download - Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist
- Free Download - SHE Representative Inspection Checklist
- Free Download - First Aid Box Inspection Checklist
- Free Download - Ladders (Portable) Inspection Checklist
Comments (10)
GOODDAY WERE CAN I GET A FIND OHSA AUDIT CHECKLIST PLEASE
2023-02-04 21:37:46May you inform me of the availability to download or purchase these documents please
2023-10-09 13:56:32Dear Shane Thank you for your request via our comments... If you scroll up on this blog I have added links to a few free inspection checklist downloads at the bottom of the blog...You can also follow this link and browse all the available free checklists for download: https://www.mysafetyshop.co.za/Shop/Category/Free-Downloads Alternatively, check out our current special for a free Audit with Expert Guidance Subscription: https://www.safetywallet.co.za/Health-and-Safety-Compliance-Audit You are welcome to contact me for more info: basil@safeywallet.co.za
2023-10-10 07:40:44Dear Anneline Thank you for your request via our comments... If you scroll up on this blog I have added links to a few free inspection checklist downloads at the bottom of the blog...You can also follow this link and browse all the available free checklists for download: https://www.mysafetyshop.co.za/Shop/Category/Free-Downloads Alternatively, check out our current special for a free Audit with Expert Guidance Subscription: https://www.safetywallet.co.za/Health-and-Safety-Compliance-Audit You are welcome to contact me for more info: basil@safeywallet.co.za
2023-10-10 07:36:25Registers and checklist in a Construction
2024-03-22 12:11:13Dear Thulo For a construction site, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations is crucial for the safety of all workers and stakeholders involved. Various registers and checklists are required to maintain, monitor, and manage health and safety standards effectively.Generally, the following registers and checklists are considered essential in a construction site: 1. Attendance Register: 2. Induction Training Register: 3. Health and Safety Meetings Register: 4. Incident and Accident Register: 5. Equipment Inspection Register: 6. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Issue Register: 7. First Aid Register: 8. Hazardous Substances Register: 9. Emergency Equipment Inspection Checklist: 10. Scaffold Inspection Register: 11. Work at Height Register: 12. Construction Site Safety Audit Checklist: These registers and checklists play a critical role in ensuring that construction sites operate safely and are compliant with health and safety legislation. It's important to regularly review and update these documents to reflect any changes in operations, personnel, or regulations. Additionally, engaging with platforms like SafetyWallet can help in maintaining these records effectively and ensuring that your site adheres to the highest safety standards.
2024-03-24 13:15:17Good day I want to find out where can I get a occupational health and safety inspection check list
2019-11-01 15:01:30Good day I want to find out where can I get a occupational health and safety inspection check list
2023-08-25 06:09:31Hi Damian Thank you for your request via our comments... If you scroll up on this blog I have added links to a few free inspection checklist downloads...You can also follow this link and browse all the available free checklists for download: https://www.mysafetyshop.co.za/Shop/Category/Free-Downloads
2023-08-25 11:18:20Good day I want to find out where can I get a occupational health and safety inspection check list
2019-11-01 15:01:33Good day, Just want to find out, I need to have my legal compliance certificate issued to me. Does it require for me to be registered with compensation for them to issue me with such certificate of compliance?
2022-03-10 10:31:48I am Chairman of a development/ lifestyle centre. We want to check that we comply with all safety regulations. Can you advise what we should do. Or who we need to contact. Our development is complete and sold out. We just want to comply with all regulations.
2021-04-12 13:12:21good morning Please could you quote me on a health and safety compliance certification for my school
2020-06-23 21:46:47Can you assist with a Health and Safety Audit ?
2021-11-24 15:22:33How do I check if the company manufacturing sauces and spices for me is food compliant?
2022-10-14 18:12:08Goodday I want to know who supply the seta certificate to operate a baler machine in Welkom.
2022-11-24 06:29:08