How Often Should Workplace Safety Inspections Occur?

Date Posted:12 August 2025 

Regular workplace safety inspections are vital for preventing incidents, avoiding fines, and meeting workplace health and safety laws. Find out how often your business should conduct them.

Why Workplace Safety Inspections Are Important

Regular workplace safety inspections are essential for identifying hazards, preventing incidents, and maintaining compliance with Australian WHS laws. They’re also a key part of fostering a positive safety culture across your team. Inspections not only protect your workers, they also protect your business from costly fines, legal liability, and operational downtime.

At Verdex, we believe the frequency of safety inspections depends on a range of factors including your industry’s risk level, the type of work conducted, and specific regulations that apply to your location or sector. Whether you’re managing a construction site or a quiet office, inspections must be tailored and timely.

 

What Is a Workplace Safety Inspection?

A workplace safety inspection is a systematic review of a work area to identify and correct health and safety risks before they lead to harm. The purpose is to detect hazards, ensure compliance with WHS regulations, and implement corrective actions.

There are different types of inspections:

  • Formal inspections involve detailed checklists and documented outcomes.

  • Informal walk-throughs are quick, visual reviews done during regular duties.

  • Audits are more comprehensive, typically conducted by internal or external experts to assess overall compliance.

Typically, safety inspections are carried out by supervisors, WHS representatives, health and safety officers, or site managers. In some industries, third-party audits may also be legally required.

 

person standing on ladder conducting safety check in office

How Often Should Safety Inspections Be Carried Out?

General Workplace Guidance - MONTHLY

For most moderate-risk workplaces (such as warehouses, workshops, or logistics operations), safety inspections should be conducted at least monthly. This frequency helps identify evolving hazards and ensures safety controls remain effective.

Larger or busier sites may opt for weekly inspections, especially if multiple shifts are involved. Some businesses also conduct daily visual checks at the start of each workday to catch obvious hazards quickly. The key is consistency—whatever schedule you set, stick to it and document the outcomes.

High-Risk Industries (e.g., Construction, Mining) - DAILY

In high-risk industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing, inspections need to happen much more frequently due to the dangerous nature of the work.

  • Daily pre-start inspections are common and often legally required.

  • Toolbox talks may accompany inspections to remind workers of specific hazards.

  • Critical areas like scaffolding, electrical systems, and heavy machinery often require task-specific checks before every shift.

Failing to inspect regularly in high-risk environments can have devastating consequences—both legally and in terms of worker safety.

Low-Risk Workplaces (e.g., Office Settings) - QUARTERLY OR BIANNUALLY

For low-risk environments like offices or retail stores, quarterly or biannual safety inspections may be acceptable.

Inspections in these settings typically focus on:

  • Ergonomics: desk and chair setups

  • Electrical safety: power boards, cords

  • Trip hazards: loose mats, cables

  • Fire safety: extinguishers, exit signs

However, even in low-risk workplaces, inspections should still be done after any incident, reported hazard, or significant workplace change.

After Certain Events - AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Inspections should always be conducted after specific triggers, such as:

  • A workplace incident, near miss, or injury

  • A WHS complaint or report from staff

  • A major change in processes, equipment, or layout

  • Hiring a large number of new employees

These inspections help ensure the site remains safe and compliant as conditions evolve. Post-incident inspections are also critical for preventing repeat occurrences and fulfilling your legal obligations.

 

Legal Requirements (WHS Compliance)

Under Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice, employers have a duty to manage risks and conduct regular inspections. While no specific national schedule is mandated, state-based regulators (like WorkSafe Victoria or SafeWork NSW) may outline stricter requirements based on your industry.

Certain tasks or equipment may require legally scheduled inspections, such as:

  • Scaffolding

  • Fire equipment

  • Electrical testing and tagging

  • Pressure vessels or lifting gear

Failing to meet these inspection requirements can lead to penalties, enforceable undertakings, or even prosecution.

 

How to Create an Effective Inspection Schedule

Creating a strong inspection routine requires a thoughtful, risk-based approach.

  1. Assess your workplace risks: Use a hazard register to identify high-risk areas.

  2. Use checklists: Standardised forms help maintain consistency and thoroughness.

  3. Involve safety representatives: WHS reps provide valuable input and help with worker engagement.

  4. Document everything: Keep records of inspections, findings, and corrective actions.

  5. Assign responsibility: Make it clear who conducts inspections and when.

Set calendar reminders or integrate inspections into your digital WHS system to ensure they’re never missed.

 

site managers preparing workplace audit wearing safety clothing gear

What Happens If You Don’t Do Regular Inspections?

Failing to carry out regular safety inspections leaves your workplace vulnerable to:

  • Increased risk of injuries and incidents

  • Fines, penalties, and legal consequences for non-compliance

  • Breach of WHS duties under state and federal legislation

  • Loss of employee trust and poor safety culture

In extreme cases, serious incidents linked to poor safety management can result in criminal charges for businesses or individuals. Inspections are one of the easiest ways to stay on top of safety and reduce risk proactively.

 

Final Thoughts

Workplace safety inspections are not just a checkbox, they’re a frontline defence against injury, inefficiency, and non-compliance. By understanding your legal obligations and tailoring your inspection schedule to your specific risks, you can create a safer, more efficient, and more compliant work environment.

Review your current inspection practices, engage with your team, and consider professional audits or digital tools to strengthen your approach.

Need help improving the safety of your workplace environments? Explore our workplace safety equipment and supplies, PPE clothing and safety gear and safety information signage solutions to keep your site compliant.

If you’re searching for other material handling equipment solutions in Australia, reach out to our team by:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a workplace safety inspection?

It’s a structured review of a work area to identify hazards, assess controls, and improve safety. It can be formal or informal depending on the risk level.

Why are safety inspections important?

They help prevent accidents, meet legal duties, and promote a positive safety culture. Inspections ensure hazards are identified before they cause harm.

Who is responsible for conducting safety inspections?

Safety inspections are usually done by WHS representatives, supervisors, or managers. Some industries may require licensed inspectors for specific equipment.

What’s the difference between an inspection and an audit?

An inspection is a routine review of a specific area or task, while an audit is a broader assessment of your overall WHS systems and compliance.

Should inspections occur after an incident?

Yes. A post-incident inspection helps identify what went wrong, prevent recurrence, and fulfil legal obligations under WHS law.

Is a toolbox talk the same as an inspection?

No. A toolbox talk is a short safety discussion, often done before a shift. It can accompany an inspection but doesn’t replace one.

What are the consequences of not doing regular inspections?

Consequences include workplace injuries, legal penalties, regulatory action, reputational damage, and a decline in worker morale and safety culture.

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