Workplace Safety Walk: How to Complete This Weekly Inspection

Why workplace safety walks matter

Workplace conditions change constantly. Deliveries arrive and are left in walkways. Equipment develops faults. Spills happen and are incompletely cleaned. Storage areas become disorganised. Staff take shortcuts that create risks.

The people working in a space every day often stop seeing these hazards — they become part of the background. A formal weekly walk with fresh, safety-focused attention catches what daily familiarity misses.

Safety walks serve multiple purposes:

• Hazard identification — Finding problems before they cause injury
• Control verification — Confirming that safety measures are working
• Culture building — Demonstrating that safety is actively managed
• Record creation — Documenting ongoing diligence
• Trend detection — Identifying recurring issues that need systemic solutions

Legal context

Health and safety legislation worldwide requires employers to maintain safe workplaces. This is not a one-time obligation — it requires ongoing monitoring and management.

In the UK, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to review their risk assessments and monitor the effectiveness of preventive and protective measures. Regular workplace inspections are how most organisations meet this requirement.

In the US, OSHA General Duty Clause requirements and specific standards often reference the need for workplace inspections. Many safety management systems (like ANSI Z10) include regular workplace inspections as a core element.

Similar expectations exist throughout Europe, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere. The principle is universal: you must monitor workplace conditions, not just set up controls and hope they work.

What safety walks are not

Safety walks are general inspections, not replacements for specific equipment checks:

• Fire extinguisher checks have their own protocol
• Emergency lighting tests follow specific procedures
• First aid kit inspections verify specific contents
• PAT testing requires qualified assessment

Safety walks observe overall conditions and may identify equipment issues, but detailed equipment checks are separate activities.

Frequency and timing

Standard frequency

Workplace safety walks should be conducted at least weekly. This is frequent enough to catch developing hazards while being sustainable as a routine activity.

Adjust frequency based on:

• Risk level — Higher-risk environments may need more frequent walks
• Change rate — Environments that change rapidly (events, construction) need more frequent observation
• Issue history — If walks consistently find problems, more frequent walks may be warranted until issues are addressed

Best timing

Mid-week is often effective — early enough to address issues before weekend operations, late enough to see how the week's activities affect conditions.

Vary the timing occasionally. If walks always happen Tuesday morning, staff may prepare for Tuesday morning and let standards slip the rest of the week.

Consider walking at different times:

• Start of day (before operations fully active)
• Peak operation (see how conditions hold under pressure)
• End of day (observe state left by the day's activities)
• Different days of the week (conditions may vary)

Duration

A safety walk should not be rushed. Plan for 15-30 minutes for a small premises, longer for larger spaces. The walk is not just walking — it is observing, checking, and noting.

How to complete the check

1. Areas inspected

Record which areas you covered during this safety walk.

Why it matters:

Most workplaces have multiple areas with different characteristics and risks. Recording areas ensures systematic coverage and helps identify if certain areas are being missed.

What good answers look like:

• "Kitchen, restaurant, bar, toilets, corridors, storage, outdoor seating area"
• "All customer areas, kitchen, office, cellar, yard"
• "Ground floor only — first floor inspected yesterday"
• "Full premises walk including staff areas and external"

How to answer this for yourself:

List all areas you physically walked through during this inspection. Be honest — if you did not enter the cellar, do not include it.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "All areas" — More specific is better; list them
• Including areas you did not actually visit — Only record areas you inspected
• Forgetting back-of-house areas — Storage, plant rooms, and external areas need inspection too

Best practices to follow:

• Create a standard route that covers all areas
• Vary the route occasionally so you see areas from different approaches
• Note if any areas were inaccessible and why
• Ensure back-of-house and external areas are included, not just customer-facing spaces

2. Safety inspection items

Work through the checklist, verifying each category of workplace conditions.

Why it matters:

The checklist ensures you consider all major categories of workplace hazards. Without structure, inspections can become superficial or focus only on obvious issues.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked if satisfactory. Items you cannot tick identify areas needing attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

As you walk through each area, observe and verify each checklist item:

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Floors clean and free from slip hazards

Look at floor surfaces throughout all areas.

Why this matters: Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries. Wet, greasy, or contaminated floors are primary slip hazards.

What to look for:

• No wet patches or spills
• No grease or oil on floor surfaces
• Anti-slip mats in place and secured
• Mats not creating trip hazards (curled edges, bunched)
• Drainage covers in place
• Floor surfaces in good condition

Common issues: Drink spills not cleaned up. Kitchen floor greasy. Mats kicked up at edges. Wet floor signs left out unnecessarily. Drainage grates missing.

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Walkways clear of obstructions

Check all corridors, passageways, and main traffic routes.

Why this matters: Obstructed walkways create trip hazards and can block escape routes. Clear pathways are essential for normal operations and emergencies.

What to look for:

• Corridors clear for their full width
• No boxes, equipment, or furniture blocking routes
• No trailing cables across walkways
• Stairs and stairwells clear
• No deliveries or stock stored in walkways

Common issues: Delivery boxes left in corridors. Cleaning equipment blocking passages. Cables trailing across walking routes. Stock overflow into walkways.

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Lighting adequate in all areas

Observe lighting levels throughout all spaces.

Why this matters: Poor lighting causes accidents — people trip over hazards they cannot see, misread equipment, or strain to work in dim conditions.

What to look for:

• All lights working
• No dark spots or poorly lit areas
• Work areas adequately lit for the tasks performed
• External areas lit during operational hours
• Emergency exit signs illuminated

Common issues: Failed bulbs not replaced. Dark corners in storage areas. Stairwells inadequately lit. External areas dark during evening service.

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Safety signage visible and in good condition

Check that required safety signs are present and readable.

Why this matters: Signs communicate hazards, requirements, and emergency information. Missing or illegible signs leave people uninformed.

What to look for:

• Fire exit signs visible
• Mandatory signs present (PPE required, hand washing, etc.)
• Warning signs in place (hot surfaces, slippery floors, etc.)
• Signs not faded, damaged, or obscured
• Signs relevant (remove outdated signs)

Common issues: Signs fallen and not replaced. Signs obscured by posters or menus. Faded signs no longer readable. Outdated signs still displayed.

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Electrical cables properly managed (no trip hazards)

Observe how electrical cables are routed and secured.

Why this matters: Trailing cables are trip hazards. Damaged cables are electrical hazards. Poor cable management creates both risks.

What to look for:

• No cables trailing across walking routes
• Cables secured with covers or trunking where crossing routes
• No damaged or frayed cables visible
• No overloaded sockets
• Extension leads used appropriately

Common issues: Cables stretched across walkways. Damaged cables still in use. Multiple extension leads daisy-chained. Phone chargers in unsuitable locations.

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Storage areas tidy and items secured

Check storage rooms, shelving, and anywhere items are stored.

Why this matters: Poor storage creates multiple hazards — items falling from height, unstable stacks, blocked access, and difficulty finding emergency equipment.

What to look for:

• Shelves not overloaded
• Heavy items stored at lower levels
• Items stacked stably
• Access to all areas maintained
• No items stored in inappropriate locations

Common issues: Shelves overloaded and bowing. Heavy items on high shelves. Unstable stacking. Items blocking fire equipment or electrical panels.

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Cleaning materials stored correctly

Verify chemical storage meets COSHH requirements.

Why this matters: Cleaning chemicals can cause burns, respiratory problems, and other injuries if mishandled. Proper storage prevents access by unauthorised persons and accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals.

What to look for:

• Chemicals in designated storage area
• Chemicals in original containers with labels
• Incompatible chemicals separated
• Storage area secured (if required)
• No chemicals stored near food

Common issues: Chemicals decanted into unlabelled containers. Bleach stored next to acids. Chemicals accessible to customers. Chemicals stored with food items.

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No damaged or faulty equipment visible

Look for equipment that appears damaged or in poor condition.

Why this matters: Damaged equipment may not function safely. Visible damage often indicates internal problems. Faulty equipment should be removed from use.

What to look for:

• No obviously damaged equipment in use
• No equipment with warning signs attached
• No makeshift repairs visible
• Equipment stored appropriately when not in use

Common issues: Damaged equipment still in use. "Do not use" signs ignored. Temporary fixes become permanent. Equipment left out where it can be damaged.

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Hand wash stations stocked (soap, paper towels)

Check all hand washing facilities.

Why this matters: Hand hygiene prevents foodborne illness and disease transmission. Empty dispensers mean people cannot wash hands properly.

What to look for:

• Soap dispensers filled
• Paper towels or hand dryers available and working
• Hot water available
• Sinks clean and draining
• Hand washing signs present

Common issues: Soap dispensers empty. Paper towel dispensers empty. Hand dryers not working. Sinks blocked or dirty.

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Welfare facilities clean and functional

Inspect toilets, changing rooms, and rest areas.

Why this matters: Welfare facilities are legal requirements and affect staff wellbeing. Dirty or non-functional facilities are unacceptable.

What to look for:

• Toilets clean and in working order
• Adequate supplies (toilet paper, soap, towels)
• Ventilation working
• Changing facilities secure and clean
• Rest areas clean and usable

Common issues: Toilets not cleaned adequately. Supplies not restocked. Ventilation failed. Lockers damaged. Rest area used for storage.

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Outdoor areas safe (if applicable)

If you have outdoor spaces, inspect them.

Why this matters: Outdoor areas have unique hazards — uneven surfaces, weather effects, public interface, and environmental factors.

What to look for:

• Surfaces level and in good condition
• No slip hazards (wet leaves, ice, moss)
• Furniture stable and in good condition
• Boundaries and barriers secure
• Lighting adequate for evening use
• Bins accessible and not overflowing

Common issues: Paving uneven or damaged. Wet surfaces not treated. Furniture damaged. Fencing damaged or missing. Inadequate lighting.

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No obvious security concerns

While primarily a safety walk, note any security issues observed.

Why this matters: Security and safety overlap. Unlocked doors, damaged locks, and visibility issues can create both security and safety risks.

What to look for:

• External doors secure (or appropriately monitored)
• No signs of forced entry or damage
• CCTV cameras operational (if fitted)
• Cash handling areas secure
• Secure areas actually secure

Common issues: Fire exit used as propped-open entrance. Damaged locks not repaired. CCTV not covering key areas. Secure areas left unsecured.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Ticking everything without really looking — Take time to actually observe
• Only checking public areas — Back-of-house often has more hazards
• Accepting "it is always like that" — If it is hazardous, it needs addressing regardless
• Walking too fast — Slow down and observe

Best practices to follow:

• Walk at a pace that allows proper observation
• Stop and look at each area, do not just walk through
• Look high (lighting, storage), middle (equipment, surfaces), and low (floors, cables)
• Consider how the space would appear to someone unfamiliar
• Think about what could go wrong in each area

3. Overall result

Record the overall outcome of the safety walk.

Why it matters:

This provides a summary status that can be quickly reviewed and tracked over time.

What good answers look like:

• Pass - no issues — All areas inspected, all checklist items satisfactory, no additional hazards noted.
• Issues found - see notes — One or more problems identified during the walk.

How to answer this for yourself:

Consider both the checklist and your overall observations:

• Were all checklist items satisfactory?
• Did you observe any other hazards not covered by the checklist?
• Would you be comfortable with current conditions continuing?

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Passing with "minor" issues — If issues were found, record them
• Always finding something — Not every walk will find problems; that is fine
• Downplaying recurring issues — If the same issue appears every week, it is not minor

Best practices to follow:

• "Issues found" is not failure — it means the walk is doing its job
• Record all issues, even if you address them immediately
• Track results over time to identify patterns
• Celebrate when walks consistently find no issues

4. Hazards identified

Describe any hazards found, their location, and action taken or required.

Why it matters:

Notes provide the detail needed to address issues and prevent recurrence. A pass/fail result does not capture what actually needs attention.

What good answers look like:

For no issues:

• "No hazards identified" or blank is fine

For issues found:

• "Wet floor in kitchen near dishwash station — no wet floor sign. Sign placed immediately. Possible leak from dishwasher — reported to maintenance for investigation."
• "Boxes blocking fire exit corridor. Moved immediately. Spoke with team about not using corridor for temporary storage."
• "Three failed bulbs in cellar stairwell creating dark area. Bulbs replaced today."
• "Storage room shelving overloaded — several shelves bowing. Items redistributed to reduce weight. Need additional shelving unit."

How to answer this for yourself:

For each hazard, record:

• What the hazard is (specific description)
• Where it is (location)
• What you did immediately
• What further action is needed
• Who needs to be involved

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Some issues in kitchen" — What issues? Where exactly?
• Not recording immediate action — Note what you did on the spot
• No follow-up plan — If further action is needed, record what and who

Best practices to follow:

• Be specific about location (not just "kitchen" but where in kitchen)
• Describe the hazard clearly (someone reading should understand the risk)
• Distinguish between fixed and outstanding issues
• Include who you reported issues to

5. Photo evidence

Photograph any hazards or issues identified.

Why it matters:

Photos provide clear evidence of what was found, support communication with others who need to address issues, and create records for tracking resolution.

What good answers look like:

For no issues:

• No photo needed if no hazards found (though general condition photos can be useful)

For issues found:

• Clear photo showing the specific hazard
• Context included (can see where in the premises)
• Multiple photos if multiple issues

How to answer this for yourself:

When you identify a hazard:

1. Take a clear photo showing the issue
2. Include enough context to identify the location
3. Photograph from an angle that clearly shows the hazard
4. For multiple issues, photograph each separately

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Blurry photos — Take a moment to focus
• No context — Include enough background to identify location
• Missing the hazard — Ensure the photo clearly shows what the problem is
• Forgetting to photograph — Get in the habit of photographing issues

Best practices to follow:

• Photograph before fixing (documents what was found)
• Good lighting helps — use flash if needed
• Include reference points for scale where relevant
• Caption photos if taking multiple (or order will be lost)
• Photograph resolution as well as the original issue

What to do when hazards are found

Immediate action

If you can fix a hazard safely and immediately, do so:

• Clear obstructions from walkways
• Mop up spills and place wet floor signs
• Replace failed bulbs
• Move items to appropriate storage
• Secure loose cables

Record what you did even if you fixed it — this creates evidence of action and may reveal patterns.

Report and escalate

Issues you cannot fix immediately need reporting:

• Equipment repair → Maintenance
• Structural issues → Management/facilities
• Repeated staff behaviour issues → Supervisors
• Serious hazards → Management (immediately)

Follow up

Finding and reporting hazards is only valuable if issues get resolved:

• Track outstanding issues
• Follow up on reported problems
• Verify at next walk that issues were addressed
• Escalate if issues persist

Patterns and systemic issues

If the same issues appear repeatedly:

• The walk is finding symptoms, not causes
• Investigate why the issue keeps recurring
• Address root causes, not just immediate hazards
• May need policy, training, or physical changes

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing the walk

A safety walk done in five minutes is not an effective inspection. Take time to properly observe each area.

Tick-box mentality

The checklist is a guide, not a limit. Observe anything that seems wrong, not just items on the list.

Only checking during quiet times

Walk during active operations too. Conditions during service may be very different from conditions before opening.

Accepting "normal" hazards

If something is always a hazard, it still needs addressing. "It has always been like that" is not acceptable.

Not following up

Finding issues and not addressing them is worse than not finding them — you now know about hazards and are responsible for them.

Only looking at obvious areas

Check everywhere — storage rooms, plant areas, roof terraces, cellars. Hazards often develop where people rarely look.

Building effective safety walks

Involve different people

Having different people conduct walks provides different perspectives. Rotate responsibility where practical.

Walk with fresh eyes

Consciously look at the space as if seeing it for the first time. What would a visitor notice? What would worry a parent of an employee?

Engage staff

During the walk, talk to staff working in each area. They know about developing issues and near-misses that you might not see.

Track over time

Review walk records monthly. Are there trends? Recurring issues? Areas that always have problems? Use this data to improve.

Celebrate success

When walks consistently find no issues, recognise this as evidence that systems are working. Do not create pressure to find something.

Summary

Workplace safety walks are structured inspections that verify overall workplace conditions. Weekly walks ensure:

• All areas are regularly inspected
• General hazards are identified and addressed
• Controls verified as working
• Conditions documented
• Trends detected

Remember:

• Walk all areas, not just the obvious ones
• Use the checklist as a guide, but observe beyond it
• Record what you find, including what you fix
• Photograph hazards for clarity
• Follow up until issues are resolved
• Track patterns over time

Safety walks complement specific equipment checks to provide comprehensive workplace monitoring. Done properly, they catch developing hazards before someone gets hurt.