OSHA self-inspection checklist (small contractors)

Walk your jobsite against this checklist before an inspector, a GC, or an insurance auditor does it for you. It covers the paperwork OSHA looks for first, the Focus Four hazards that drive most construction fatalities (falls, struck-by, electrocution, caught-in/between), and the site basics that signal a run-right job.

CompanyJobsiteDate

OSHA self-inspection checklist (small contractors)

Company: ____________

Jobsite: ____________

Date: ____________

Postings and records

	OSHA "Job Safety and Health" poster displayed	N/A · Action
	OSHA 300 log current (recordable cases entered within 7 days)	N/A · Action
	Form 300A summary posted February 1 to April 30	N/A · Action
	Training records available for the crew on site	N/A · Action
	Safety documents (JHA, safety plan) current for the active work	N/A · Action

Falls (Focus Four #1)

	Fall protection in use at 6 feet in construction	N/A · Action
	Guardrails, covers, or personal fall arrest at edges and openings	N/A · Action
	Floor and roof holes covered and marked	N/A · Action
	Harnesses and lanyards inspected, anchor points adequate	N/A · Action

Struck-by

	High-visibility clothing worn around vehicles and equipment	N/A · Action
	Loads never suspended over workers	N/A · Action
	Vehicle and equipment backup alarms working, spotters used where needed	N/A · Action
	Materials stacked and secured against falling	N/A · Action

Electrocution

	GFCI protection on temporary power and cord sets	N/A · Action
	Cords intact: no damaged insulation, no missing ground pins	N/A · Action
	Overhead line clearances identified and kept	N/A · Action
	Lockout/tagout used before servicing equipment	N/A · Action

Caught-in / between

	Trenches 5 feet or deeper protected (sloping, shoring, or shielding)	N/A · Action
	Trench inspected by the competent person daily and after rain	N/A · Action
	Spoil piles and equipment kept back from trench edges	N/A · Action
	Machine guards in place on tools and equipment	N/A · Action

PPE and housekeeping

	PPE hazard assessment done; required PPE provided and worn	N/A · Action
	Hard hats, eye protection, footwear appropriate to the work	N/A · Action
	Walkways and stairs clear; debris removed; materials stored safely	N/A · Action
	Adequate lighting in work areas	N/A · Action

Chemicals, fire and first aid

	Safety data sheets accessible for chemicals on site	N/A · Action
	Containers labeled	N/A · Action
	Fire extinguishers present, charged, inspected	N/A · Action
	First aid kit stocked; trained first aid responder identified	N/A · Action
	Emergency numbers and muster point posted	N/A · Action

Completed by: ____________________

Signature: ____________________

tailgatedocs.com · Free printable form. Not legal advice; adapt to your jobsite.

Common questions

▸How often should a small contractor self-inspect?

A quick walk weekly and a documented pass monthly is a sensible rhythm, plus before any GC or insurance audit. The Focus Four sections deserve attention every time: falls, struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in/between drive most construction fatalities.

▸What does an OSHA inspector ask for first?

Typically the paperwork: the 300 log and 300A posting, training records, and the safety documents for the work under way, then the walk-around. If the postings and records section of this checklist is green, the visit starts on the right foot.

The checklist finds the gaps; the written safety program is the document that closes the paperwork ones. Generate yours for $149.

Forms record what happened on the job; the JHA, safety plan, or written program is what a GC, prequal portal, or inspector asks to see. Generate a verified, job-specific one in minutes.

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