Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
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Labour

www.labour.gc.ca

Inspection Means Prevention!

Why take a chance?

Conducting an inspection before the work begins is the best way of preventing accidents. An inspection can save time and money – but most importantly, lives!

Types of inspections

General inspection

The work place must be inspected. To facilitate the inspection of some work places, it is suggested that the work place be subdivided into sections, for example, storage areas, garages, offices and loading platforms.

Specific inspection

Some aspects must be inspected more rigorously, including storage and handling of harmful materials, tools and equipment and work methods and processes.

Action plan

What should be inspected?

The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations specify elements for inspection, including:

  • Buildings, docks, ramps, dock plates, heating and ventilation
  • Scaffolds, ladders, excavations
  • Elevators, manlifts
  • Boilers and pressure vessels
  • Levels of lighting, emergency lighting
  • Levels of sound
  • Electrical installations and equipment
  • Toilet rooms, showers, lunch rooms, cafeterias, potable water
  • Identification, storage, handling and use of hazardous material
  • Entry procedures and emergency equipment for confined spaces
  • Safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing
  • Tools and machinery
  • Materials handling equipment, training of operators, storage of materials
  • Records and investigation of hazardous occurrences
  • First aid supplies, training of first aid attendants, instructions in case of injury
  • Evacuation and emergency procedures, fire protection equipment
  • Diving methods and procedures

When and how often?

All or part of the work place shall be inspected each month so that every part of the work place is inspected at least once each year.

Who must conduct an inspection?

The employer must ensure that inspections are conducted by the work place health and safety committee or health and safety representative.

Who will implement corrective actions?

The employer must respond in writing to recommendations made by the work place committee or representative within thirty (30) days after receiving them indicating what, if any, action will be taken and when it will be taken.

Follow-up

Follow-up of corrective actions is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of inspections.

Inspection means prevention!
Why take a chance?

According to the Canada Labour Code, it is every employer's duty to protect the health and safety of every employee while at work. The employer must ensure that regular inspections are conducted.

To find out more about:

  • Inspection requirements
  • Creating a work place health and safety committee
  • Your responsibilities under the Code

All employers under federal jurisdiction are subject to the Canada Labour Code. The Labour Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is responsible for enforcement of the Code.

For paper copies, indicate ministry catalogue number, LT-119-12-04 to:

Publications Services
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
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Date Modified:
2012-05-14