Construction Site Inspections - Workplace Inspection Checklists

Accidents occur every day in the construction industry, almost every conceivable hazard exists within this constantly changing working environment.

Preventative maintenance and management of dangerous construction site equipment can bring the following benefits:

• a reduction in injuries and the resulting financial and personal costs;
• better construction practice to help develop a sustainable business
• longer life for equipment and machinery;
• reduced repair costs resulting from unnoticed equipment faults;
• less chance of enforcement action and its costs, eg the cost of dealing with an incident and/or fines;
• reduced risk of damage to the reputation of the business;
• improved productivity, good morale and a happier, healthier workforce;

Equipment is constantly being used and moved on a construction site. Different trades will involve greater demands, but all involve some degree of risk. Whenever an employee is required to use workplace equipment (such as Excavators, MEWPS, Scaffold Towers etc), safety inspections must be carried out. Records of these checks must be maintained for verification. Responsible employers are aware of their duty of care to employees, visitors, and those that may be affected by their activities, and will manage the site effectively, implementing appropriate preventative maintenance inspections in order to reduce costs and accidents.