Australia Construction Site Safety Inspection (SafeWork Australia WHS)

This construction site safety checklist ensures compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, WHS Regulations, SafeWork Australia Codes of Practice, and state/territory WorkSafe requirements. All persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace. Complete this inspection daily before work commences.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Daily
Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
Role: WHS Officer / Site Safety Supervisor
Total Items: 37
Compliance: Work Health and Safety Act 2011, WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Codes of Practice, AS/NZS 4801, AS/NZS ISO 45001

Site Access & Security

Verify site perimeter, access controls, and signage per WHS Regulations.

Site perimeter fencing secure and intact?
Entry signage posted (PPE requirements, authorised persons only)?
Site induction register current for all workers?
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) available for high-risk work?
Emergency information board displayed at site entry?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Check PPE compliance per AS/NZS standards and WHS hierarchy of controls.

All workers wearing AS/NZS 1801 compliant hard hats?
AS/NZS 2210 safety footwear worn by all workers?
AS/NZS 4602 high-visibility clothing worn?
AS/NZS 1337 eye protection used where required?
AS/NZS 1270 hearing protection used in noisy areas (>85dB)?
All PPE in serviceable condition (no damage)?

Fall Protection & Heights

Assess fall risks per SafeWork Australia Managing the Risk of Falls Code of Practice.

Edge protection installed where fall risk >2m?
All floor penetrations and openings covered or guarded?
Fall arrest harnesses inspected and AS/NZS 1891 compliant?
Anchor points rated and certified?
Ladders secured, inspected, and used correctly?

Electrical Safety

Check electrical installations per AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3012.

Residual current devices (RCDs) installed and tested?
All electrical leads tagged and tested (test & tag current)?
Temporary switchboards secure and weatherproof?
No damaged cables, plugs, or sockets in use?
Exclusion zones maintained around overhead powerlines?

Housekeeping & Welfare Facilities

Site housekeeping and worker welfare requirements per WHS Regulations.

Work areas tidy and free of unnecessary materials?
Access ways and walkways clear of obstructions?
Waste bins provided and waste separated correctly?
Amenities (toilets, lunch areas) clean and adequate?
Clean drinking water available and accessible?

Plant & Equipment

Verify plant safety per WHS Regulations Chapter 5 and relevant AS standards.

Pre-start checks completed on all plant?
All plant operators hold current high-risk work licences?
Machine guarding intact and in place?
Safety devices (E-stops, alarms, lights) functional?
Maintenance and inspection records current?

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency management per AS 3745 and WHS Regulations.

Site emergency plan current and accessible?
First aid kits stocked and accessible per WHS Code of Practice?
Fire extinguishers serviced and accessible?
Trained first aiders on site?
Muster points identified and signposted?
Emergency contact numbers displayed (000, site office)?