Ontario workplace safety inspection report template

Set up for Ontario

• If a monthly inspection of the whole workplace is not practical, the whole workplace is inspected at least once a year, with at least part of it inspected each month, on a schedule set by the committee (or agreed by the employer and the representative)Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8 (7), (8), 9 (27), (28)
• The worker members of the committee designate a worker member, a certified member if possible, to inspect the workplace; where a workplace regularly has more than five workers and no committee, the workers select a health and safety representative who inspects itOccupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8 (1), 9 (23), (24) · Guide for health and safety committees and representatives

Also required in Ontario

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• Unless a regulation or an inspector's order says otherwise, the designated worker member of the joint health and safety committee, or the health and safety representative, inspects the physical condition of the workplace at least once a monthOccupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, ss. 8 (6), 9 (26) · Guide for health and safety committees and representatives (ontario.ca, updated August 17, 2026)
• A joint health and safety committee is required at a workplace where 20 or more workers are regularly employed, where a designated substance regulation applies (other than certain small construction projects), or under an orderOccupational Health and Safety Act, s. 9 (2)
• The inspecting member informs the committee of situations that may be a source of danger or hazard to workers, and the committee considers them within a reasonable timeOccupational Health and Safety Act, s. 9 (30)
• The committee, and a health and safety representative, may identify situations that may be a source of danger or hazard and make recommendations to the employer for the improvement of workers' health and safetyOccupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8 (10), 9 (18)
• An employer who receives written recommendations from the committee, a co-chair or the representative responds in writing within 21 days, with a timetable for the recommendations it accepts and reasons for any it does notOccupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8 (12), (13), 9 (20), (21)
• The employer and the workers give the inspecting member or representative the information and assistance they need to carry out the inspectionOccupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8 (9), 9 (29)

What is in it

• Housekeeping and walking surfacesFloors, aisles and walkways clear, dry and in good repair, Stairs, handrails and guardrails, Storage, stacking and racking stable, Lighting adequate for the work
• Exits and emergency equipmentExit routes and exit doors clear, unlocked and marked, Exit signs and emergency lighting working, Emergency plan, alarms and assembly point posted and known, Eyewash stations and emergency showers where needed
• Fire preventionFire extinguishers in place, charged, inspected and unobstructed, Flammable and combustible materials stored safely, Sprinkler heads clear, with storage kept below them, Compressed gas cylinders secured and capped
• ElectricalElectrical panels closed, labelled and with clear access, Extension cords and power strips used properly and undamaged, Outlets, switches and cover plates; GFCI protection near water
• Machinery, tools and powered equipmentMachine guards in place and working, Lockout and tagout devices and procedures available and used, Hand and power tools in good condition, Forklifts and powered equipment: daily checks done, operators trained
• Hazardous productsContainers labelled, Safety data sheets current and available, Chemicals stored and separated safely; spill supplies on hand, Ventilation and exhaust working
• Personal protective equipmentRequired PPE available and in good condition, PPE worn where required
• Ladders, heights and material handlingLadders and step stools in good condition and used correctly, Work at height: guardrails or fall protection, Manual lifting and workstation ergonomics
• First aid, postings and recordsFirst aid kits stocked; first aid attendants or trained workers available, Required safety postings and notices displayed
• Corrective actionsHazard and location, Corrective action, Responsible, Due, Status
• Items from earlier inspectionsItems from earlier inspections or reports, and whether each has been fixed.

Rules last reviewed October 11, 2026. Read the full Ontario workplace safety inspection report requirements.