Daily Self-Audit Inspections

By: Mia Liley, MBA, CRIS - Risk Control Consultant

Construction sites are in perpetual motion, changing from one minute to the next; and hazards created are eliminated just as quickly by changes in site conditions or activities. So naturally, it would make sense to conduct self-audit inspections on a frequent and regular basis.

We have all heard a site safety representative say, “I have until the end of the day to complete my daily.” But, how do you identify hazards at the end of the work day or shift? Well if the work-crew has left, then who’s left exposed to the hazards? No one. Yup, it is likely in this case the self-audit inspection is conducted if at all, at a minimum once a day.

As safety professionals it is worth our every effort and professional responsibility to coach, encourage, and remind the contractor’s onsite safety representative that such inspections are just as effective in the late morning/afternoon when site conditions (wind, heavy rains) or activities (hot work, excavation, concrete and masonry) change. The number or frequency of inspections may depend upon:

• the number of shifts worked

• activities being conducted

• introduction of new processes, equipment and workers

• prior inspection results from other agencies or authorities

• incident/near-miss reports

Conducting the self-audit inspection prior to the start of work provides a baseline or picture of existing conditions. It provides the opportunity to document and proactively eliminate or control identified hazards on the front end. Self-audit inspections conducted on a frequent and regular basis, promote risk/hazard, issue and opportunity management, in lieu of reacting to an event.

In fact, OSHA 1926 Subpart C, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, General Safety and Health Provisions, states in part:

“Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers.” - 1926.20(b)(2)

Recognized Hazards

Have you ever conducted a site inspection and reviewed the contractor’s daily self-inspection checklist to find the form not documented to reflect identified hazards/exposures, or corrective action(s) taken to eliminate or minimize the unsafe act(s) or condition(s)?

Self-audit inspections should be documented on the contractor’s daily self-audit inspection checklist. Standard checklists are intended to serve contractors as a guide or starting point and may not address all hazards and related exposures specific to any one project. Encourage contractors to customize checklists to suit their operations and activities, with the corrective actions taken to eliminate or minimize the hazard(s) documented.

Remember… It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a workplace place free from serious recognized hazards, and examine workplace conditions to ensure compliance with standards, rules and regulations under the OSHA Act.