Workplace safety inspections

FlinSafe is the Work Health and Safety reporting and data management system used by Flinders University.  Inspections are completed through the FlinSafe / Field Trips Portal via Okta (using a mobile device or computer).  The inspection guide provides a step by step process on creating an inspection in FlinSafe.

Workplace safety inspections are planned and systematic physical inspections of the workplace to

• identify and monitor workplace hazards
• identify changes to work areas which may pose new risks
• monitor effectiveness of previous corrective actions, and
• monitor that safety standards are being maintained.

University workplace inspections are required across the University campus to periodically check rooms and spaces to ensure hazards are identified and are subsequently addressed.

Workplace safety inspections may also occur due to change of equipment, work area layout, or work processes introduce change.  Inspections may also occur if a new work area is commissioned or if requested by a supervisor, manager or health and safety representative. 

Workplace inspections need to occur regularly and the frequency they need to be conducted  will vary according to the type of work area with specific details found in the Workplace Safety Inspection Procedures.  The inspections should be undertaken by or in consultation with a person that has knowledge of the area (i.e. users / occupiers of the space).

Checklists

Staff should complete workplace safety inspections using the FlinSafe / Field Trips Portal via Okta (using a mobile device or computer).  The inspection guide provides a step by step process on creating an inspection in FlinSafe.  Printable versions of workplace inspection checklist templates can be generated in FlinSafe by starting a new inspection, returning to the first tab and clicking the Print button.

The workplace inspection checklist templates available in FlinSafe are:

• Office / Common areas
• Workshop
• Laboratory 

I have completed an inspection, what next?

If a hazard poses immediate danger, the inspection team must immediately make the area safe, which may require tagging out of items, removing items from use, barricading areas or placing warning signage then corrective actions identified and allocated.

All hazards identified throughout the inspection (i.e. usually those checklist questions with a 'No' answer) should have corrective actions assigned by the inspection team to an appropriate person (or area):

• through ServiceOne (for infrastructure and general maintenance) with the reference number also recorded in FlinSafe as a corrective action.  This facilitates follow up on any actions.
• through FlinSafe for other corrective actions identified.

The inspection team must inform the manager / supervisor of any corrective actions identified during inspections.

An inspection can only be marked complete when all corrective actions have been completed to ensure that the risk has been eliminated or controlled effectively

For more information see the Work Health and Safety Risk Management Procedures.