Formal Workplace Inspections

Formal workplace inspections provide a systematic means to identify and correct potentially hazardous conditions associated with the work environment, monitor the effectiveness of hazard controls, and ensure safe work practices in faculties/units have been implemented. The purpose of this procedure is to provide a standard process for conducting formal workplace inspections required at the university including responsibilities, frequency requirements, and to identify resources such as employee training.

Administrative Area Inspections

• Required to be conducted by managers and supervisors with participation of an employee. A department head or director may participate in the inspection.
• The completed inspection form must be reviewed with signature at one level above the most senior manager or supervisor who carried out and documented the inspection.
• For the purpose of this procedure, administrative areas are spaces assigned by the department including but not limited to: offices, reception areas, internal corridors, conference rooms, photocopier rooms, storage areas/rooms, and kitchen alcoves/rooms, etc.

Laboratory Inspections

• Laboratory inspection requirements are met by a combination of self-directed Annual Key Actions and EHS-led compliance inspections on a risk-based schedule.
• Refer to the Laboratory Safety webpage for more information on the Checklists & Explanation Guides and university resources.

Workshop Inspections

• Required to be conducted annually by the workshop personnel using the Chematix^TM Inspection Module. A department head or director may participate in the inspection.

Faculty/Unit-specific Inspections

• Faculties/units are responsible for developing their own faculty/unit-specific inspection checklists and conduct inspections to address the activities and equipment that are specific/unique to their faculty/unit (not included in this procedure). Some examples of where unique area or specific equipment inspections may be required at the university include, but are not limited to: theatres, recreation facilities, backflow prevention systems, forklifts, cranes, etc.
• Required to be conducted (as applicable) by the manager/supervisor with participation of an employee. A department head or director may participate in the inspection.
• Required to be conducted as per legislative requirements and/or manufacturer’s specifications.
• The completed inspection form must be reviewed and signed off at one level above the most senior manager or supervisor who carried out and documented the inspection.

Compliance Inspections

• Compliance inspections, planned and unannounced, can be conducted by both internal and external inspectors. These inspections are conducted to verify regulatory compliance and relevant reports will be made available to affected employees.