WHS inspection checklist for builders
The categories a WHS inspector commonly checks, and the records worth having ready before they show up — not a guarantee of what any specific inspection will cover.
This page is general information only, based on publicly available sources as at the date this page was last reviewed (see the sources listed further down this page for that date). It is not legal, compliance, or insurance advice, is not exhaustive, and may not reflect the most current requirements -- regulations, licensing rules, and insurance thresholds change, and requirements can vary by project, site, and contract. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant state or territory regulator, your insurer, or a qualified advisor before relying on anything here.
This is a general list of commonly checked categories, not an exhaustive or official inspection checklist. What a specific inspector actually checks depends on the site, the work, and the regulator involved.
Construction induction and site induction records
Evidence every worker on site holds a current White Card, plus records showing they've completed that specific site's induction -- see our White Card expiry explainer for how these two differ.
Licences and tickets for the people actually on site
Trade licences, builder registration, and high-risk work licences (crane, forklift, scaffolding, rigging) for everyone carrying out that specific work, not just the business as a whole.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Written, available on site, and specific to high-risk construction work being carried out -- a generic template that doesn't reflect the actual task and hazards present won't hold up.
Fall prevention and edge protection
Guardrails, scaffolding, harnesses, or other controls appropriate to the work at height being carried out -- a leading cause of serious incidents on construction sites.
Electrical safety
Tagged and tested portable electrical equipment, and appropriate residual current devices (RCDs/safety switches) in use.
PPE and site signage
The right personal protective equipment in use for the task, and signage covering site hazards, exclusion zones, and PPE requirements.
Emergency procedures and amenities
A current emergency/evacuation plan, first aid provisions, and basic site amenities appropriate to the number of workers on site.
Incident and hazard records
A register of incidents and hazards, and evidence they've actually been followed up -- not just a blank form kept for appearances.
Insurance evidence
Current certificates of currency for public liability insurance and, where applicable, the project's home warranty or building indemnity cover -- see our public liability insurance explainer for what each actually covers.
This page was last reviewed on 1 October 2026. See the full sources list of WHS regulators for every state and territory.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the complete legal list of what a WHS inspector checks?
No -- what an inspector actually checks depends on the site, the work being carried out, and the specific regulator, and can go well beyond this list. Treat it as the categories most commonly checked, not an exhaustive compliance audit.
What happens if an inspector finds something missing?
Responses range from informal advice through to improvement or prohibition notices depending on the severity and the regulator's assessment -- see our explainer on what happens if a licence specifically lapses for how that particular gap plays out.
Who should keep these records -- the builder or the subcontractor?
In practice, both. Individual workers and subcontractors are generally responsible for holding their own current licences and induction evidence, while the builder or principal contractor running the site carries separate WHS duties that typically include checking who's actually on site is appropriately licensed and inducted.
Are WHS inspections announced in advance?
Not necessarily -- WHS regulators generally have the power to enter and inspect a workplace without prior notice, particularly in response to a complaint or incident. Routine or proactive inspections may sometimes be flagged in advance, but a site shouldn't rely on that.
Do small residential projects get WHS inspections too?
Yes -- WHS obligations aren't limited to large commercial sites. Any workplace where construction work is carried out, including residential renovations and small builds, falls within a WHS regulator's jurisdiction and can be inspected.
What's the difference between a WHS inspection and a building inspection?
A WHS inspection, run by the state WHS regulator, checks safety practices, licensing, and site conditions for the people doing the work. A building inspection, usually run by a building surveyor or certifier, checks whether the physical construction itself complies with the building code and approved plans. They're separate processes with separate regulators.
Have every record in this checklist ready, automatically.
ComplySite tracks each subcontractor's White Card, licences, and insurance in one place, so the paperwork is already organised before an inspector ever asks.