Here is a sample safety checklist for a building and construction job site, designed for use in Texas. This checklist is intended to be a starting point and should be customized to fit the specific hazards and conditions of your job site.
Job Site Inspection Checklist
Date: Inspector: Site Location:
Instructions: Inspect the following areas and items. Mark "Yes" if the item meets safety standards, "No" if it does not, and "N/A" if it is not applicable. Note any corrective actions needed and assign responsibility for completion.
I. General Site Conditions
- A. Housekeeping
- Work areas, passageways, and stairs are clear of debris, form and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and other hazards [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Combustible scrap and debris are removed at regular intervals [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Waste, trash, oily and used rags are properly collected and separated in containers; containers with covers are provided for garbage, oily, flammable, or hazardous wastes [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Work areas, passageways, and stairs are clear of debris, form and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and other hazards [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- B. Illumination
- Construction areas, aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas are adequately lighted with natural or artificial illumination [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Construction areas, aisles, stairs, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas are adequately lighted with natural or artificial illumination [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- C. Means of Egress
- Exits are arranged and maintained to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure [2]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Exits are marked by readily visible signs; access to exits is marked where the exit is not immediately visible [2]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Exits are arranged and maintained to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure [2]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
II. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- A. General Use
- Appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all employees where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by all employees where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- B. Specific PPE
- Hard hats are worn where there is a potential for head injury. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Eye and face protection is used when exposed to flying particles, dust, or chemical splashes. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- High-visibility clothing is worn when exposed to vehicular traffic. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Safety lines and harnesses are used in accordance with federal and state law [3]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Hard hats are worn where there is a potential for head injury. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
III. Fire Safety
- A. Prevention Program
- An effective fire protection and prevention program is developed and maintained at the job site [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- An effective fire protection and prevention program is developed and maintained at the job site [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- B. Equipment Availability
- Fire protection and suppression equipment is available as required [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Fire protection and suppression equipment is available as required [1]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
IV. Excavation Safety
- Employees at the edge of an excavation 6 feet (1.8 m) or more in depth are protected from falling by guardrail systems, fences, or barricades [4]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
V. Scaffolding Safety
- A. General Requirements
- Scaffolds and their components are capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended load [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause is immediately repaired and not used until repairs are completed [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Scaffolds are not loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Scaffolds and their components are capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended load [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- B. Two-Point Suspension Scaffolds (Swinging Scaffolds)
- Guardrails (2x4 in. or equivalent, 36-42 in. high), midrails (1x4 in. lumber or equivalent), and toeboards (minimum 4 in. high) are installed at all open sides on scaffolds more than 10 ft. above the ground or floor [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Guardrails (2x4 in. or equivalent, 36-42 in. high), midrails (1x4 in. lumber or equivalent), and toeboards (minimum 4 in. high) are installed at all open sides on scaffolds more than 10 ft. above the ground or floor [5]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
VI. Equipment and Machinery
- A. General
- Only employees qualified by training or experience are permitted to operate equipment and machinery [3]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Any machinery, tool, material, or equipment that is not in compliance with safety requirements is identified as unsafe and removed from service [3]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Only employees qualified by training or experience are permitted to operate equipment and machinery [3]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- B. Motor Vehicles
- All vehicles have a service brake system, an emergency brake system, and a parking brake system maintained in operable condition [6]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Vehicles have an adequate audible warning device at the operator's station in operable condition [6]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Vehicles with obstructed rear views have a reverse signal alarm or are backed up only when an observer signals that it is safe to do so [6]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- All vehicles have a service brake system, an emergency brake system, and a parking brake system maintained in operable condition [6]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- C. Excavators
- Swing drive is inspected for leaks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Covers and guards are securely attached and inspected for damage 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Steps, walkways, and handholds are inspected, cleaned, and repaired as necessary 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Operator compartment is free of trash buildup 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Swing drive is inspected for leaks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
VII. Other Hazards
- A. Utilities
- B. Fall Protection
- Employees on walking/working surfaces are protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes [4]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Employees on walking/working surfaces are protected from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet (1.8 m) above lower levels, by personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems erected around such holes [4]. [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A
VIII. Training and Communication
- A. General Training
- The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury [5].
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury [5].
- B. Hand Signals and Communication
- Confirm all workers understand all hand signals, flag signals and other means of communication used on the job site to avoid any accidents or injuries [8].
- Corrective Action:
- Assigned To:
- Confirm all workers understand all hand signals, flag signals and other means of communication used on the job site to avoid any accidents or injuries [8].
Notes/Comments:
Follow-up Actions:
Inspector Signature: _____________________________
Supervisor Signature: _____________________________
This checklist is a tool to assist in maintaining a safe job site. It is not exhaustive, and it is the employer's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations and standards.
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.