Site Inspection Checklists + Near Miss / Incident Forms
Free construction site inspection checklists, near miss report forms, and incident investigation templates. Build an audit-ready safety record.
Overview
Regular inspections identify hazards before they cause harm. Combined with robust near miss and incident reporting, inspections form the backbone of a proactive safety management system. These templates help you establish consistent inspection routines and capture incidents properly.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Conditions on construction sites change daily. Regular inspections catch deteriorating conditions, identify non-compliance, and demonstrate active safety management to clients and enforcement agencies.
- Identify hazards before they cause incidents
- Monitor compliance with RAMS and site rules
- Track resolution of identified issues
- Demonstrate due diligence to regulators
- Build a record of safety performance
Inspection Frequency Guidance
Different elements require different inspection frequencies. Some inspections are statutory requirements (scaffolding every 7 days), others are best practice.
- General site conditions: Weekly minimum
- Scaffolding: Every 7 days and after adverse weather
- Excavations: Daily when work is ongoing
- Lifting equipment: Before each shift/use
- Welfare facilities: Daily check
- Fire precautions: Weekly
Near Miss Reporting
For every serious injury, there are hundreds of near misses. Capturing and acting on near misses prevents future incidents. Create a culture where reporting near misses is encouraged, not punished.
- Near miss: Unplanned event that could have caused harm
- Report immediately while details are fresh
- Investigate root causes, not just blame
- Share lessons learned across the team
- Track trends to identify systemic issues
Incident Investigation
When incidents occur, thorough investigation helps prevent recurrence. Focus on root causes and system failures, not just individual mistakes.
- Secure the scene and provide first aid
- Gather evidence (photos, statements) quickly
- Identify what happened and why
- Determine root causes, not just immediate causes
- Implement corrective actions and verify effectiveness
- Report to RIDDOR if applicable
RIDDOR Reporting Requirements
Certain incidents must be reported to HSE under RIDDOR. Know the reporting thresholds and timescales to ensure compliance.
- Deaths and specified injuries: Report immediately
- Over-7-day injuries: Report within 15 days
- Occupational diseases: Report when diagnosed
- Dangerous occurrences: Report immediately
- Report online at HSE website
Key Takeaways
- Establish regular inspection routines
- Act on findings and track to closure
- Encourage near miss reporting
- Investigate incidents thoroughly
- Know your RIDDOR reporting obligations
Download Templates
Weekly Site Inspection Checklist
Comprehensive weekly inspection checklist covering all common construction site hazards.
Scaffold Inspection Register
Scaffold inspection register compliant with statutory 7-day inspection requirements.
Near Miss Report Form
Simple near miss reporting form to encourage capture of all unplanned events.
Incident Report Form
Comprehensive incident report form for injuries, property damage, and dangerous occurrences.
Incident Investigation Template
Root cause analysis template for thorough incident investigation.