How frequently should safety inspections be conducted in the workplace?

Safety inspections in the workplace should be conducted regularly, at intervals determined by risk assessments or at least annually, because this approach allows for the identification and mitigation of hazards before they result in accidents or injuries. Regular inspections help maintain a proactive safety culture, ensuring that all potential risks are assessed based on their likelihood and severity.

Conducting inspections only when accidents occur fails to prevent incidents in a systematic way, as it may result in a reactive rather than proactive approach to safety. Additionally, while the frequency of monthly inspections might seem thorough, it can lead to unnecessary resource allocation if a workplace has already demonstrated a low level of risk. Simplifying inspection frequency based solely on a set timeline, such as once every two years, neglects the fact that workplace risks can change over time due to various factors, including changes in operations, equipment, or workforce. Therefore, relying on risk assessments to determine inspection frequency creates a more effective safety management strategy.