Visit Safety Checklist
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About this visit safety checklist
A visit safety observations checklist keeps your site visits consistent, evidence-based, and genuinely safer — without relying on memory or “common sense”. Use it before you arrive, while you’re on site, and as you close out actions, so nothing important gets missed.
Whether you’re an area manager, operations lead, or supporting multiple locations, the goal is the same: stop guessing what’s safe and start knowing what’s been checked, what’s been fixed, and what still needs action.
What this visit safety checklist covers
- Preparation checks so you arrive ready (PPE, known risks, lone working)
- In-process checks for common hazards (slips and trips, fire safety, equipment condition, vehicle movements)
- Clear escalation criteria for stop-work and urgent notifications
- Close-out actions with owners and due dates — not vague “we’ll keep an eye on it” promises
How to use it on a real visit
1) Do the prep before you travel. If the plan forces rushing, it’s already a safety risk. Reset timings early and make sure you know the local rules.
2) Sign in properly and get orientated. Confirm emergency exits, the assembly point, and who your site contact is for the day.
3) Walk the site with fresh eyes. Don’t just look for compliance. Look for the things people have normalised — blocked exits, worn flooring, unsafe shortcuts, missing barriers, rushed behaviours.
4) Act in the moment. If you can make something safer immediately, do it (or ask for it to be done) and record what changed.
5) Close out with clarity. Share a short summary, agree actions with named owners and deadlines, and escalate anything that needs urgent attention.
Escalation criteria you can stand behind
If you spot an immediate danger, your job is to reduce risk first and explain second. This checklist includes prompts for stop-work situations and who to notify, so escalation is consistent across every location.
Make it measurable, not memorable
Paper checklists and ad-hoc notes create gaps: missing evidence, inconsistent standards, and actions that never get followed up. When you run this checklist digitally, you get a repeatable process, a clear audit trail, and visibility of patterns across sites — so you can fix root causes, not just symptoms.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.
Included questions
Here's what's included in this visit safety checklist:
Before you start (6)
Set the visit up safely and remove guesswork before you arrive on site.
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Yes/No
Visit details confirmed (site, contact, time, scope)
Confirm who you’re meeting, where you’re going, what you’re checking, and any site rules you must follow.
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Yes/No
Known risks checked (recent incidents, works, local hazards)
Review any recent safety incidents, maintenance works, or temporary changes that could affect the visit.
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Dropdown
Lone working status confirmed
If you’re visiting alone, confirm your check-in plan and escalation route.
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Yes/No
PPE available and suitable for the site
For example: safety shoes, hi-vis, gloves, eye protection, hard hat — as required by the site.
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Yes/No
Phone charged and emergency numbers accessible
Make sure you can call for help and share your location if needed.
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Yes/No
Travel plan is safe and realistic
Avoid rushing. If timings force unsafe behaviour, reset expectations before you travel.
Arrival and sign-in (5)
Get orientated, follow local rules, and confirm how to stay safe on this specific site.
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Yes/No
Signed in and completed any required induction
Follow the site’s visitor process every time, even if you’ve been before.
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Yes/No
Emergency procedures confirmed (alarm, exits, assembly point)
Ask: What does the alarm sound like? Where do we go? Who leads the evacuation?
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Yes/No
First aid and defibrillator locations known
Confirm who the first aider is and how to contact them quickly.
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Person
Site contact for today confirmed
Who is responsible for escorting you or answering questions during the visit?
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Dropdown
Restricted areas and permit requirements checked
Only enter areas you’re authorised for. Don’t assume access because you’ve visited before.
In-process safety checks during the visit (10)
Spot hazards early, control risk, and record what you see while it’s fresh.
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Yes/No
Walkways and emergency exits are clear and unobstructed
Look for blocked doors, trip hazards, trailing cables, and stored items in escape routes.
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Dropdown
Slip, trip and fall controls are in place
For example: wet floor signage, clean-up in progress, good lighting, safe access steps and handrails.
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Dropdown
Manual handling risks are managed
Check for safe lifting practice, use of trolleys, and storage at safe heights.
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Dropdown
Equipment and tools appear safe and in good condition
Look for damage, missing guards, unsafe modifications, or overdue checks where visible.
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Dropdown
Fire safety controls look in place
For example: extinguishers accessible, fire doors not wedged open, alarms not obstructed.
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Dropdown
Chemicals and hazardous substances are controlled
Check for correct storage, labels, and access restrictions. Don’t handle anything you’re not trained for.
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Dropdown
Working at height is controlled (if applicable)
Check ladder condition and use, access equipment, and exclusion zones below.
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Dropdown
Vehicle and pedestrian routes are separated where needed
Look for clear markings, barriers, and safe crossing points in yards, car parks, and loading areas.
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Vibe
Safe behaviours observed during the visit
Consider PPE use, rushing, distractions, shortcuts, and whether people stop unsafe work.
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Text
Immediate actions taken on the spot
Record what you corrected immediately (for example: moved an obstacle, asked for a spill to be cleaned, stopped unsafe work).
Escalation criteria (4)
Know when to stop the visit, escalate fast, and create a clear record of what happened.
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Yes/No
Any immediate danger identified?
If yes: stop and make safe where possible, then escalate immediately.
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Dropdown
Was a stop-work decision required?
Use this when the risk is serious and immediate (for example: exposed live electrics, unsafe working at height, blocked fire exit during occupancy).
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Dropdown
If escalated, who was notified?
Choose the highest level required. If in doubt, escalate.
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Text
Escalation notes (what, where, when, who)
Capture the facts: location, hazard, people involved, immediate controls, and what you asked for next.
Close-out and follow-up (6)
Turn observations into action, confirm ownership, and leave the site safely.
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Yes/No
Summary shared with the site contact before leaving
Walk through the key risks, what was fixed immediately, and what still needs action.
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Text
Actions agreed (include owner and due date)
Write clear actions with a named owner and a realistic deadline. Avoid vague ‘monitor’ actions.
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Vibe
Overall visit safety rating
Your judgement of overall safety conditions and behaviours observed today.
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Yes/No
Signed out and left the site safely
Follow the site’s visitor process so they know you’ve left.
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Person
Completed by
Who carried out this checklist.
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Signature
Signature
Confirm the checklist is complete and accurate.