Free OSHA Checklists for Inspections and Compliance
Free library of OSHA compliance checklists & templates: conduct efficient internal audits & inspections, improve safety and compliance in your organization, get ready for external inspections.
OSHA Checklists: Simplify Internal Safety Audits & Ensure OSHA Compliance
📃: Eliminate paperwork
⏳: Save time in inspection
📈: Generate actionable insights
Pick the right template from our library of free OSHA safety inspection checklists. Conduct efficient internal audits to systematically evaluate workplace safety initiatives, reduce the risk of workplace injuries, ensure compliance with OSHA standards, and promote a proactive safety culture.
Our OSHA checklists cover topics such as hazard communication, employee responsibilities, and complaint-handling procedures, facilitating thorough internal audits.
Featured OSHA Checklists for Safety & Compliance
What are OSHA Checklists?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures workplace safety across various industries. However, despite its efforts, certain violations remain prevalent, often leading to significant penalties and, more critically, workplace injuries. Recognizing these common violations can substantially mitigate risks and enhance compliance.
Most common OSHA violations occur across these categories:
- Fall protection
- Hazard communication
- Control of hazardous energy (Lockout/Tagout)
- Ladders
- Respiratory protection
- Powered industrial trucks
- Machine guarding
- Personal protective and life-saving equipment
- Electrical wiring methods and practices
- Electrical installations
Understanding these frequent violations is only the first step to workplace safety. To prevent them, you need a proactive and structured approach to performing internal audits and inspections. That’s where OSHA checklists come in.
OSHA checklists are structured tools designed to help employers, safety professionals, and organizations systematically assess workplace safety and health conditions to ensure compliance with the standards set by OSHA. OSHA safety inspection checklists facilitate internal inspections or self-audits to identify and address potential safety and health hazards before they result in incidents or OSHA violations.
Key Components to Include in OSHA Compliance Checklists
Here are the key components every OSHA safety checklist should have.
1. Workplace Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Begin by systematically identifying potential hazards in your workplace. This involves collecting existing information, inspecting the workplace, and analyzing tasks to uncover risks. Assess the severity and likelihood of each hazard to prioritize mitigation efforts.
👉 Use these free GoAudits checklists to identify workplace hazards and associated risks.
2. Work Environment
The OSHA audit checklist should include environmental factors, such as assessing lighting, ventilation, noise levels, and exposure to hazardous substances. Ensure that the workplace layout promotes safe operations and that emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.
👉 GoAudits offers a free work environment survey template and environmental health inspection checklist to help you assess your work environment.
3. Walking and Working Surfaces
Inspect all walking and working surfaces to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Ensure that floors are clean, dry, and free from obstructions. Verify that stairways, ladders, and scaffolding meet safety standards and are in good condition.
👉 Here are some related checklists:
- Stair Inspection Checklist
- Fall Prevention Checklist
- Scaffold Inspection Form
- Scaffold Safety Checklist
4. Equipment and Machinery
OSHA inspection forms should help you confirm that machines have appropriate guards in place and that safety features are functional.
👉 GoAudits equipment inspection software offers free checklists to help you perform regular maintenance checks and ensure all equipment and machinery are functioning properly and safely.
5. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan
Develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency action plan tailored to your workplace’s specific hazards. This emergency response plan should outline procedures for various emergencies, including fires, chemical spills, and natural disasters.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The OSHA checklist template should help you identify tasks that require PPE and determine the appropriate equipment needed, such as gloves, safety glasses, or respirators. Ensure that PPE is readily available, and properly maintained and that employees are trained on its correct use.
👉 GoAudits offers a wide range of PPE checklists to help you perform regular PPE inspections to assess the effectiveness of PPE and update requirements as necessary.
- PPE Hazard Assessment Template
- Daily PPE Inspection Checklist
- Donning and Doffing PPE Checklist
- Arc Flash PPE Suit Inspection Checklist
- Confined Space PPE Checklist
- Monthly PPE Inspection Checklist
7. Electrical Safety
An OSHA checklist should include criteria for identifying electrical hazards. This involves verifying compliance with all electrical systems and components, including proper wiring, circuit load management, and grounding. The presence of lockout/tagout procedures and employee awareness of electrical safety practices.
8. Fire Safety
Fire safety elements should be clearly outlined in the checklist. These include the placement and accessibility of fire extinguishers, visibility and functionality of fire doors and emergency exits, and the presence of operational fire alarms and smoke detectors. OSHA inspection forms must also account for the maintenance of fire suppression systems, documentation of fire drills, and employee training in evacuation procedures.
👉 GoAudits fire inspection software offers a wide range of fire safety audit checklists. You can use these checklists to assess whether fire safety systems are functioning properly.
- Fire Prevention Inspection Checklist
- Fire Safety Inspection Checklist
- Fire Safety Risk Assessment Checklist
- Fire Sprinkler System Inspection Checklist
- Fire Extinguisher Checklist
- Fire Protection Equipment Checklist
- Fire Door Inspection Checklist
- Fire Pump Inspection Checklist
- NFPA 25 Fire Pump Inspection
- Workplace Fire Safety Checklist
- Fire Protection System Maintenance Checklist
9. Chemicals and Hazardous Substances
The OSHA safety audit checklist should contain provisions for managing chemicals and hazardous substances, including up-to-date chemical inventories, accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper labeling, and designated storage practices. It should also address the availability of PPE, the presence of ventilation systems, and containment measures for spills.
👉 You can use these checklists to ensure the proper use, storage, and handling of disposal, in addition to assessing risks and ensuring compliance with COSHH.
- Chemical Safety Checklist – COSHH
- Chemical Risk Assessment Template
- Hazardous Material Inspection Checklist
- MSDS Checklist – COSHH
10. First Aid and Medical Services
A well-structured OSHA safety inspection checklist should cover a first aid and medical services plan. Key components include the presence and accessibility of fully stocked first aid kits, designated trained personnel, and clear medical emergency procedures. It should also require documentation of workplace injuries and incidents for ongoing evaluation.
11. Employee Training and Awareness
Training and awareness must be reflected in the OSHA safety checklist as a core compliance area. This includes verifying records of safety orientations for new employees, ongoing training in hazard recognition and response, and safe equipment operation. OSHA checklists should also ensure that training sessions are documented and updated regularly.
12. Regular Safety Audits and Inspections
OSHA compliance checklists should incorporate requirements for periodic safety audits and inspections. These include documented inspections of workspaces, machinery, and equipment, as well as procedures for identifying and correcting hazards.
13. Incident Reporting and Recordkeeping
OSHA audit checklists must include a structured process for incident reporting and documentation. It should cover elements, such as accessible reporting systems, protections against retaliation, and detailed records of all incidents.
👉 Case study: How Heat Treating Services digitised safety and quality inspections with GoAudits.
Industry-Specific OSHA Checklists
OSHA standards are categorized into four main areas: General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture. However, these checklists are used by organizations across various industries. To ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance, it’s essential to utilize OSHA checklists tailored to your specific industry. These checklists help identify potential hazards, implement safety measures, and maintain a healthy work environment.
General Industry
Applicable to a wide range of workplaces, this OSHA workplace inspection checklist covers common safety concerns:
- Hazard communication
- Emergency preparedness
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Electrical safety
- Machine guarding
- Walking-working surfaces
Agriculture
Agricultural operations present unique hazards. Key areas covered in the OSHA checklists include:
- Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): Implement a comprehensive program addressing workplace hazards.
- Heat Illness Prevention: Provide water, rest, and shade to prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Pesticide Safety: Ensure proper training and PPE for workers handling pesticides.
- Machinery Safety: Install guards on equipment and train workers on safe operation.
- Confined Spaces: Identify and implement safety measures for work in silos, tanks, and other confined areas.
Construction
Construction sites are dynamic and pose various risks. The OSHA construction inspection checklist includes:
- Fall Protection: Use guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems where necessary.
- Scaffolding: Ensure scaffolds are properly erected and inspected regularly.
- Ladders: Use ladders appropriately and inspect them for defects.
- Excavation Safety: Implement protective systems for trenches and excavations.
- Tool and Equipment Safety: Maintain tools in good condition and train workers on their safe use.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing environments require attention to several safety aspects. The OSHA safety inspection checklist includes:
- Machine Guarding: Install appropriate guards to protect workers from moving parts.
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Implement energy control procedures during maintenance.
- Noise Exposure: Monitor noise levels and provide hearing protection as needed.
- Chemical Handling: Ensure safe storage and handling of chemicals, with proper labeling and training.
- Ergonomics: Design workstations to minimize repetitive strain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Healthcare
Healthcare settings must address both patient and worker safety. An OSHA safety checklist for healthcare facilities should include:
- Bloodborne Pathogens: Implement exposure control plans and provide necessary vaccinations.
- Sharps Safety: Use safer needle devices and proper disposal methods.
- Infection Control: Maintain hygiene protocols and use appropriate PPE. GoAudits offers a wide range of checklists to help you prevent the control of infections across different healthcare settings. Some related checklists are: infection control inspection checklist, infection control audit template, deep cleaning for infection control, and aged care infection control checklist (Australia).
- Ergonomics: Train staff on safe patient handling techniques to prevent injuries.
- Chemical Safety: Handle and store hazardous drugs and chemicals safely.
Maritime
Maritime operations encompass shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring. Key OSHA audit checklist items include:
- Confined Spaces: Implement entry procedures and atmospheric testing.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure proper grounding and maintenance of electrical systems.
- Material Handling: Use appropriate equipment and techniques to move cargo safely.
- PPE: Provide and enforce the use of suitable PPE.
- Fire Protection: Install and maintain fire detection and suppression systems.
Food Industry
Ensuring food safety and worker protection is paramount. The OSHA self-inspection checklist includes:
- Sanitation: Implement cleaning protocols to prevent contamination.
- Temperature Control: Maintain proper storage temperatures for perishable items.
- Pest Control: Establish measures to prevent pest infestations.
- Employee Hygiene: Enforce handwashing and personal cleanliness standards.
- Allergen Management: Identify and control allergen cross-contact.
Why Do You Need Digital OSHA Audit Checklists
Digital OSHA checklists offer numerous benefits, including the following:
- Digital OSHA safety inspection checklists provide immediate access to safety data. The ability to capture photos, assign tasks, and set deadlines ensures corrective actions are implemented quickly, minimizing potential risks.
- You can use digital OSHA audit checklists to identify hazards as they occur, gain real-time visibility, and respond quickly to safety concerns, reducing the risk of workplace incidents.
- They minimize errors associated with manual data entry and reduce the administrative burden on your team by automating safety inspections and compliance tasks through standardized forms. Digital OSHA safety checklists promote accountability by providing clear records of who conducted inspections and when.
- Digital OSHA audit checklists simplify the reporting process by automatically generating reports and analytics. It saves time and provides valuable insights into safety trends, helping you identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance workplace safety.
- Eliminating the need for manual paperwork, digital OSHA checklists lead to cost savings associated with paper-based systems, from decreased printing expenses to reduced storage needs and minimized downtime due to faster issue resolution.
Digital OSHA checklists help maintain compliance by ensuring that all safety protocols are consistently followed and documented. Complying with current OSHA standards reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Streamline Internal Audits and Stay OSHA-Compliant With GoAudits
GoAudits safety inspection software helps you evaluate workplace safety and OSHA compliance without paperwork and a heavy admin workload. It offers functionalities required to streamline, automate, and scale internal audits.
With GoAudits, you can:
- Create efficient internal audit schedules.
- Conduct consistent inspections with standardized internal audit forms.
- Analyze audit data in real-time through a smart analytics dashboard.
- Build robust channels of communication to share information.
- Delegate corrective actions to specific team members, internally or externally.
- Document and store the proof of training completion of your employees.
With a rating of 4.8 stars on Capterra, GoAudits is trusted by some of the biggest names across industries.
» Customer Success Story: How businesses leverage GoAudits to maintain regulatory standards and compliance.
Easy Start with Digital Checklists
- Capture photos as proof of compliance or areas needing attention
- Instantly generate and share detailed reports after the inspections
- Assign follow-up tasks and track completion on a centralized dashboard
