Department of Labour Safety Audit Guide for South African Sites

Start with the worksite, not only the file

An inspection can test whether the controls described in the safety file are visible in the work area. Walk the site and compare actual conditions with the baseline risk assessment, safe work procedures and inspection registers.

Prioritise immediate exposure to serious harm: work at height, excavations, moving plant, electrical risks, lifting operations, housekeeping and emergency access.

Five areas to review before an inspection

Use a short, documented pre-audit so the team can close obvious gaps and preserve evidence of corrective action.

• Documents: confirm the safety file is current, indexed and specific to the project.
• Appointments: verify responsible people are appointed, available and familiar with their duties.
• People: check inductions, competency evidence, medical fitness and supervision for the work being performed.
• Controls: inspect barricading, access, fall protection, plant safeguards, PPE and housekeeping in the field.
• Evidence: reconcile open findings, corrective actions, toolbox talks, inspections and incident records.

What to do after a finding

Record the finding in clear language, assign one accountable owner and set a realistic close-out date. Attach photographs, inspection records or revised documents that demonstrate the corrective action.

Do not backdate records or create evidence for controls that were not performed. A transparent close-out trail gives the project team a more reliable basis for preventing recurrence.