Regular workplace height safety inspections are one of the most effective ways to prevent falls, identify hazards early, and maintain compliance with Australian WHS regulations. By conducting proactive internal inspections – rather than waiting for external audits – businesses can detect issues before they cause incidents, ensure equipment such as anchor points and ladders remain compliant, and foster a stronger safety culture across their teams. Whether it’s a quick visual check or a detailed height safety inspection, consistent internal reviews play a vital role in protecting workers and keeping operations safe and compliant.
Why Workplace Safety Inspections Matter
By spotting issues like damaged anchor points or worn PPE before an incident occurs, you can prevent injuries and downtime. Internal inspections also show a proactive approach to safety – protecting your team and strengthening your compliance record.
What Is a Workplace Safety Inspection?
A workplace safety inspection is a proactive check of your site, equipment, and procedures to identify potential hazards before they cause harm. Unlike audits, which review systems and documentation, inspections focus on what’s happening day-to-day, how people are working and whether controls are effective.
These inspections should be conducted regularly, especially on sites with frequent height access or high-risk activities. Routine checks ensure anchor points, ladders, and PPE remain safe to use, and that your workplace continues to meet WHS compliance standards. Over time, consistent inspections help build safer habits and reduce the likelihood of costly incidents.
How to Perform a Workplace Safety Inspection
A structured approach helps ensure no safety risks are overlooked. Start by reviewing your workplace safety inspection checklist, covering both general hazards and height-specific risks such as roof access points, edge protection, and fall prevention systems.
Next, conduct a walkthrough inspection of all areas where work at height occurs. Check for damaged or missing signage, worn PPE, unmaintained anchor points, and any obstructions to safe access.
Record your findings in a workplace safety inspection report, noting any corrective actions and assigning responsibility for follow-up. Finally, review results against your WHS compliance procedure to ensure all issues are closed out promptly. Regular inspections, backed by clear documentation, provide proof of compliance and ongoing commitment to a safe workplace.
Create a Workplace Safety Inspection Checklist
Every workplace is unique, so your inspection checklist should be tailored to the specific hazards of your site – including both ground-level and height-related risks. A good workplace safety inspection checklist will cover areas such as access equipment, PPE condition, anchor point inspections, edge protection, and general housekeeping.
Safe Work Australia provides useful templates and guidance to help businesses develop their own checklists in line with national WHS standards. These resources ensure you’re assessing the right areas and recording findings consistently.
Check out Anchor Safe’s online height safety check.
Or download a copy of our height safety compliance checklist here:
Conduct Regular Height Safety Inspections
Scheduling height safety inspections at regular intervals is essential to maintain compliance and protect anyone accessing your roof. All anchor points, guardrails, walkways, and roof access systems must be inspected and recertified at least annually by a qualified height safety technician in line with AS/NZS 1891 and AS 1657:2018 standards.
Between formal certifications, internal workplace inspections should document any visible wear, corrosion, or damage. Keeping accurate records – including inspection reports, photos, and maintenance logs – ensures your systems remain compliant and ready for Safe Work Australia or WHS audits.
Record and Review Inspection Reports
Accurate and detailed inspection reports are vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring hazards are properly managed. Each report should clearly document:
- The area or system inspected (e.g., roof access ladder, guardrail section)
- Any hazards identified
- Recommended corrective actions
- Responsible person and due date for follow-up
Regularly reviewing these reports helps track progress, demonstrate compliance during audits, and prevent recurring issues.
Example report entry:
Location: Roof Level 2 – Anchor Point #4 (east corner near cooling tower)
Hazard: Moderate corrosion visible at base plate and anchor bolt threads. Tag faded and illegible.
Action Required: Replace corroded components, install new compliance tag, and re-certify system once repairs are completed.
Responsible: Site Maintenance Manager – J. Taylor
Follow-Up Date: 15/05/2026
Notes: Area temporarily restricted until recertification. Photo evidence attached in report.
Common Issues Found in Safety Inspections
Regular inspections often uncover hidden or developing hazards that pose serious safety and compliance risks. Some of the most common issues include:
- Damaged or corroded anchor points that can no longer provide reliable fall arrest protection.
- Missing or illegible compliance tags on safety systems, making it impossible to verify inspection history.
- Loose or unstable guardrails and walkway components caused by wear, vibration, or improper installation.
- Clogged or obstructed roof walkways that restrict safe access and increase slip or trip hazards.
- Unprotected roof edges or open voids where temporary systems have been removed or never installed.
- Lack of signage or height safety instructions, leaving workers unsure of safe access routes or anchor locations.
- PPE (harnesses, lanyards, or connectors) that are past expiry, damaged, or improperly stored.
- Inconsistent inspection records or no documented maintenance schedule, leading to lapses in compliance.
- Skylights hidden by moss and debris.
Each of these issues can compromise safety systems and increase the likelihood of a fall. Regular internal and certified inspections help identify these risks early – ensuring your workplace remains safe, compliant, and fully operational.
Understanding Work at Height Compliance
Work at height compliance means meeting the legal and safety requirements designed to protect anyone working where a fall could occur. In Australia, this includes following AS/NZS 1891.4, which outlines the correct selection, use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.
Under the WHS Act, the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for ensuring all height work is properly planned, supervised, and carried out using certified systems. This includes maintaining inspection records, keeping anchor points and guardrails compliant, and ensuring workers are trained and competent. Regular inspections help duty holders stay compliant and demonstrate that safety obligations are being met.
How Workplace Inspections Support Broader Safety Systems
Regular workplace inspections are a key part of an effective safety management system, helping identify issues before they escalate into serious incidents. By routinely checking equipment, access systems, and work areas, businesses can verify that safety controls remain effective and aligned with their WHS procedures.
These inspections also support ongoing equipment maintenance and risk control, ensuring that anchor points, guardrails, and PPE remain in safe working order. When combined with proper training, documentation, and follow-up actions, inspections create a continuous feedback loop – strengthening compliance, improving safety performance, and reinforcing a culture of prevention across the workplace.
Partnering with Anchor Safe for Safer Workplaces
Regular inspections are one of the most effective ways to maintain compliance and protect your team, but they require the right expertise to be done properly. Anchor Safe specialises in comprehensive height safety inspections, certifications, and system maintenance to ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and audit-ready.
Our qualified inspectors assess every component of your height safety system – from anchor points and walkways to guardrails and access ladders – providing detailed reports and recommendations for corrective action where needed.
Arrange a height safety inspection with Anchor Safe today to gain peace of mind that your systems meet Australian Standards and your workers are safe when working at heights.