A readiness checklist built around what a WorkSafeBC prevention officer asks for first. Work through it before the visit rather than during it — most orders written against BC employers are documentation gaps, not equipment failures.
How to use it. Complete it as a desk review first, then verify the high-risk lines on the floor. Where a record exists, write down exactly where it lives so anyone can produce it under pressure. To print: Click "Print" below → select Portrait orientation → enable Background graphics in print settings → Print. To fill in: Print and complete by hand, or use your browser's "Save as PDF" and fill the fields in any PDF editor.
Want a second set of eyes before the officer arrives?
HSE Advisor Canada is CRSP Certified, COR & ISO 45001 Lead Auditors. We will review what you have
written, confirm it lines up with the requirements in your province, and help you close the gaps.
The first conversation is free.
The PDF is free to read and print, no sign-up needed. If you want a copy you can edit with your company name, sites and contacts, we will email you the Word file. The full library is at Free HSE Resources.
We send occasional Canadian OHS updates. Unsubscribe any time.
WorkSafeBC Inspection Readiness
Self-audit checklist · British Columbia employers
HSE ADVISOR CANADA hseadvisor.ca
Employer / company:
Worksite:
Completed by:
Position:
Date:
Worker count:
1. Occupational health and safety program
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Written OHS program
Formal program (OHSR 3.1) where you have 20 or more workers and at least one moderate- or high-hazard workplace, or 50 or more workers. Smaller operations: monthly worker meetings with records (OHSR 3.2).
Health and safety policy
Signed by senior management, dated, and posted where workers can read it.
Responsibilities defined
Employer, supervisor and worker duties written down, not assumed.
Annual review documented
Dated evidence the program was reviewed, with what changed.
Regular workplace inspections
On a documented schedule, with findings assigned and closed out.
Record which program threshold applies to this worksite and keep the reasoning with the program. An officer may ask why you concluded what you did.
2. Joint committee or worker representative
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Correct structure in place
Joint committee at 20 or more workers (WCA s. 31); worker health and safety representative at 10–19 workers (WCA s. 45).
Membership documented
Names, worker and employer representatives, and how worker members were selected.
Meets on schedule
Meets at least monthly (WCA s. 37(2)) and the record shows it.
Minutes retained and posted
Minutes are written, kept, and posted where workers can see them.
Committee training
Joint committee members: at least 8 hours of training within 6 months of joining (OHSR 3.27). Worker representatives: 4 hours. Records kept.
Recommendations answered
Written employer response within 21 days of a committee recommendation that requests one (WCA s. 39(2)).
3. Incident reporting and investigation
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Reportable incidents identified
Staff know which incidents must be reported to WorkSafeBC immediately.
Preliminary investigation
Report completed within 48 hours of the incident (WCA s. 71).
Full investigation report
Report submitted to WorkSafeBC within 30 days of the incident (WCA s. 72).
Corrective actions closed out
Actions assigned, dated and verified as complete.
Investigations involve the right people
Employer and worker representatives participate as required.
Incident date
Type
Preliminary done
Full report done
Actions closed
4. Orientation and training
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Young and new worker orientation
Delivered before work begins and covering the prescribed topics, with signed records.
Site-specific orientation
Covers this worksite’s hazards, emergency procedures and reporting.
Supervisor competency
Supervisors are trained and can demonstrate knowledge of the work they oversee.
Task-specific training current
Certificates in date for equipment, confined space, fall protection and any other regulated task performed here.
Training records retrievable
You can produce any worker’s record on request without a search.
5. First aid
The OHSR first aid requirements were amended effective November 1, 2024 (B.C. Reg. 132/2023). The lines below reflect the current text.
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
First aid assessment completed
Written assessment (OHSR 3.16) covering workers present and their locations, hazards, likely injuries, barriers to first aid, and transport time and methods. Reviewed within 12 months and on significant change, with the joint committee or worker representative.
Attendants certified and on shift
Valid certificates covering every shift worked.
First aid procedures and drills
Written, posted procedures, including how injured workers will be reached and moved where there are barriers and where emergency transport is kept; drills at least once a year and when procedures change (OHSR 3.17).
Supplies and equipment match the assessment
Stocked, in date and accessible.
Transportation arrangements
Written procedure for getting an injured worker to care, including remote or after-hours work.
First aid records kept
A record of every first aid treatment, kept at least 3 years (OHSR 3.19(2)).
6. Hazard-specific programs
Requirement
What good looks like
Y / N / N-A
Evidence or gap
Exposure control plans
In place for every substance or agent that requires one, and reviewed.
Bullying and harassment
Policy, procedures and training in place, with records.
Working alone or in isolation
Written procedure and a check-in system that is actually used.
Emergency preparedness
Evacuation, rescue and drill records.
Contractor and multi-employer coordination
The prime contractor is identified in writing and coordination is documented.
7. Findings and corrective actions
#
Finding
Action required
Owner
Due
WorkSafeBC Inspection Readiness Checklist · HSE Advisor Canada · Free to use and adapt.
WorkSafeBC Inspection Readiness Checklist · Version 1.1 · Reviewed October 2026 · HSE Advisor Canada. Free to use and adapt. General guidance, not legal advice.
Scan to contact us
This resource is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm every requirement against the current regulation in your jurisdiction before relying on it.