WHS self-audit checklist (small builders and trades)
This self-audit is a health check on your WHS basics: the documents a builder or inspector asks for first, the licences and training your crew holds, and the site conditions you control. Run it quarterly, or before starting with a new principal contractor.
WHS self-audit checklist (small builders and trades)
Company: ____________
Site: ____________
Date: ____________
Documents
| Current SWMS for every high risk construction work activity you perform | N/A · Action | |
| SWMS are site-specific for current jobs, not recycled | N/A · Action | |
| Site induction records for the crew on each active site | N/A · Action | |
| Toolbox talk records up to date | N/A · Action | |
| Incident and near miss reports filed, corrective actions closed | N/A · Action |
Training and licences
| General construction induction (white card) held by every worker | N/A · Action | |
| High risk work licences current for the classes you use | N/A · Action | |
| Trade licences and registrations current | N/A · Action | |
| First aider trained and identified for the crew | N/A · Action |
Site conditions (walk your current site)
| Edge protection and penetration covers in place where working at heights | N/A · Action | |
| Electrical leads tested and tagged, RCDs in use | N/A · Action | |
| Plant inspected, operators licensed for the class | N/A · Action | |
| Exclusion zones and signage where required | N/A · Action | |
| Housekeeping: access clear, materials stored safely | N/A · Action |
Emergency readiness
| First aid kit stocked, in date, location known to the crew | N/A · Action | |
| Emergency contacts and assembly point known | N/A · Action | |
| Who calls the regulator after a notifiable incident, and how, is understood | N/A · Action |
Completed by: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
swmspack.com · Free printable checklist. Not legal advice; adapt to your site.
Common questions
▸How often should a small contractor self-audit?
Quarterly is a sensible rhythm, plus before starting with a new principal contractor, because their prequalification questions cover exactly these items.
▸What do builders ask for most?
Site-specific SWMS for the high risk work, white cards and licences, and evidence of induction and toolbox talks. If this checklist is green, their paperwork is easy.
Found a gap in the documents row? A site-specific SWMS for your trade takes minutes to generate.
A checklist confirms controls are in place; a SWMS is the document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Generate a site-specific one for your trade.