What this checklist covers
The Workshop Safety Checklist is a 15-point scorecard for PPE usage, lift safety, hazardous materials, emergency exits, and housekeeping. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 5 on what the auditor sees on the day, and every gap goes into an action plan with an owner and a close date.
AutoSmart tip: Workshop safety audits should include an unannounced PPE spot-check during active work, not only when the team is aware they are being observed. PPE compliance rates visible during an announced audit are consistently higher than actual day-to-day compliance — the gap between the two numbers is the real safety risk.
The checks
Tap Yes, No or Maybe to try it: your answers stay in this page and clear when you refresh. For a detailed walkthrough, download our PDF or book a demo.
PPE usage and tool condition
- Are all workshop staff wearing required PPE (safety shoes, gloves, eye protection) appropriate to their current task at the time of audit?
- Is PPE available in sufficient quantity and condition, with damaged or expired items removed from service and replaced promptly?
- Are hand tools and power tools inspected regularly, with damaged or unsafe tools removed from use and tagged for repair or disposal?
- Is there a documented process for staff to report unsafe tools or equipment, with reported items tracked to resolution?
Lift safety and equipment certification
- Are all vehicle lifts inspected and certified as per the required schedule, with current certification records available?
- Are lift safety features (auto-lock, load capacity markings, emergency lowering) functional and confirmed in each inspection?
- Are technicians trained on correct lift operation, vehicle positioning, and load limits before being permitted to use lifts independently?
- Is pressurised equipment (compressors, pneumatic tools) maintained and inspected as per the manufacturer schedule, with records on file?
Hazardous material handling
- Are chemicals and fluids (oils, solvents, brake fluid) stored in clearly labelled, sealed containers in designated storage areas away from ignition sources?
- Are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) available for all hazardous substances in use, accessible to the staff who use them?
- Is hazardous waste (used oil, contaminated rags, batteries) stored in designated containers and collected by a licensed contractor with records maintained?
Emergency exits, fire safety and housekeeping
- Are fire exits clearly marked, unobstructed, and functional, with emergency lighting operational?
- Is fire fighting equipment available, inspected on schedule, and positioned in compliance with civil defence or local authority requirements?
- Is the workshop floor free from oil spills, standing water, and trip hazards, with a documented cleaning schedule assigned to named individuals?
- Is a safety incident and near-miss reporting process in place, with records maintained and incidents reviewed for corrective action?
How to run it
How the scoring works
Before the visit, fill in the dealer or centre, the auditor, the date and the audit cycle. Then score each of the 15 checks from 1 to 5 on what you see on the day, not on what the site aims for, and add them up out of 75.
- 1Not in place
- 2Attempted
- 3Defined
- 4Managed
- 5Fully sustained
- Green60–75 · 80–100%Compliant. Keep the standard.
- Amber38–59 · 50–79%Improvement needed: a structured action plan within 30 days.
- Red0–37 · Below 50%Priority intervention, escalated to regional management.
Then close every gap
Each gap goes into the action plan tracker and moves through four stages until the auditor closes it.
- 1PendingOwner and close date set
- 2In progressWork under way, evidence gathered
- 3CompletedEvidence submitted for review
- 4ApprovedVerified and closed by the auditor
