Ontario OHSA Safety Inspection Checklist

Workplace Safety Inspection Checklist

This document serves as a comprehensive tool for conducting routine health and safety inspections in compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Use this checklist to identify potential hazards, document findings, and track corrective actions to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

Inspection Details

• Inspection Date: [Date]
• Inspector Name: [Inspector Name]
• Department/Work Area: [Department Name]
• Supervisor: [Supervisor Name]

Safety Inspection Checklist

1. General Housekeeping and Exits

• Are aisles, walkways, and stairways clear of obstructions?
• Are emergency exits clearly marked and free of clutter?
• Are exit signs illuminated and functional?
• Are floors clean, dry, and free of slip/trip hazards?

2. Fire Safety and Emergency Equipment

• Are fire extinguishers mounted, accessible, and inspected within the last month?
• Are fire alarm pull stations unobstructed?
• Is the emergency lighting system functional?
• Are evacuation routes posted and visible?

3. Electrical Safety

• Are electrical cords and plugs in good condition (no fraying or exposed wires)?
• Are power bars and extension cords used appropriately (not daisy-chained)?
• Are electrical panels accessible with at least 1 meter of clearance?
• Are all outlets properly grounded and covered?

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Is required PPE available and in good condition for all staff?
• Are employees wearing the appropriate PPE for their specific tasks?
• Is there an adequate supply of replacement PPE on-site?

5. Machinery and Equipment

• Are machine guards in place and functional?
• Are lockout/tagout procedures posted and followed?
• Is equipment showing signs of mechanical failure or unusual noise?

6. Hazardous Materials

• Are all chemical containers properly labeled according to WHMIS 2015?
• Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) easily accessible to all employees?
• Is ventilation adequate for the chemicals in use?

Corrective Action Plan

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Pro Tips

• Involve Workers: Conduct inspections alongside a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) to gain diverse perspectives on workplace hazards.
• Document Everything: Take photos of identified hazards and attach them to this checklist for clearer reporting.
• Follow Up: Always verify that corrective actions have been completed by the target date to ensure the hazard is fully mitigated.
• Consistency: Schedule inspections at regular intervals (monthly or quarterly) to maintain a proactive safety culture.

FAQ

How often should I conduct a safety inspection?

Under Ontario law, workplace inspections should be conducted at least once a month. However, high-risk environments may require more frequent inspections.

Who is responsible for conducting the inspection?

The employer is responsible for ensuring inspections occur. Typically, this is delegated to a supervisor or a member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC).

What should I do if I find an immediate hazard?

If a hazard poses an immediate danger to life or health, stop work in that area immediately, secure the site, and report it to management for urgent remediation.

Do I need to keep these records?

Yes. You should maintain copies of completed inspection checklists as part of your company’s safety records to demonstrate due diligence during Ministry of Labour inspections.