Following on from our "Would your workplace pass a HSE inspection tomorrow?" post, this is a follow-up post to discuss a little more in-depth what they are likely to ask you during a visit.

The words HSE inspection can make even the most organised manager feel uneasy.

While inspections are designed to improve workplace safety rather than catch you out, being unprepared can quickly expose gaps within your procedures, training and documentation.

One of the best ways to prepare is to understand the questions that inspectors commonly ask.

1. Can you show me your Risk Assessments?

   This is often one of the first things that an inspector will request.

   Risk assessments demonstrate that you have identified workplace hazards, assessed the risk to your staff members and implemented the relative control measures.

   1. When was the assessment last reviewed?

   2. Have there been any significant workplace changes since it was completed?

   3. Are employees aware of the controls that are outlined within the assessment?

   Risk assessments should be living documents that are reviewed regularly rather than completed then filed away.

   
   

2. How Do You Ensure Employees Are Competent

   Training and competence are central to workplace safety.

   Inspectors will ask for evidence of;

   • Forklift operator training

   • Manual Handling Training

   • Working at height training

   • Health and safety awareness courses

   They may also speak directly with employees to check their understanding of safe working practices.

   Having training records organised and easily accessible demonstrates a proactive approach to safety management.

   
   

3. How Do You Report And Investigate Accidents?

   Every workplace should have a clear process for reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses.

   An inspector may ask:

   • How are incidents recorded?

   • Who investigates them?

   • What actions are taken to prevent recurrence?

   Near-miss reporting is particularly important. It shows that your business learns from potential hazards before they result in injuries.

   
   

4. How Do You Maintain Equipment?

   Unsafe equipment is one of the quickest ways to attract unwanted attention during an inspection.

   Inspectors may ask to see:

   • Maintenance records

   • Inspection schedules

   • Daily equipment checks

   • Defect reporting systems

   Whether it's forklifts, lifting equipment, machinery, or access platforms, documentation is crucial. If maintenance records are incomplete, inspectors may question whether equipment is safe to use.

   
   

5. What Happens in an Emergency?

   Every employee should know what to do if something goes wrong.

   An inspector may ask workers:

   • Where is your assembly point?

   • Who are the trained first aiders?

   • How would you report an emergency?

   • What should you do if you discover a fire?

   If employees struggle to answer basic emergency questions, it may indicate shortcomings in training and communication.

   
   

6. How Do You Monitor Workplace Safety?

   Safety isn't something that can be reviewed once a year and forgotten.

   Inspectors often want evidence that businesses actively monitor standards.

   This may include:

   • Workplace inspections

   • Safety audits

   • Toolbox talks

   • Employee safety meetings

   • Management reviews

   Businesses with a strong safety culture are usually able to demonstrate ongoing improvement rather than reactive fixes.

   
   

7. How Do You Know Your Controls Are Working?

   This is perhaps the most important question of all.

   It's one thing to create procedures. It's another to know they are effective.

   Inspectors may ask:

   • How do you measure safety performance?

   • Have accident rates reduced?

   • Are employees following procedures?

   • What improvements have been made recently?

   A strong answer shows that health and safety is being actively managed and reviewed across the organisation.

   
   

   The Real Purpose Behind These Questions

   Although these questions may seem challenging, they all focus on one key objective: protecting people.

   Inspectors are looking for evidence that employers understand their responsibilities and have practical systems in place to manage risks.

   The businesses that perform best during inspections are rarely those with the thickest folders. They're the businesses where safety is part of everyday operations.

   
   

Quick Self-Assessment

Before your next inspection, ask yourself:

• Are your risk assessments current?

• Can training records be located immediately?

• Are maintenance records up to date?

• Do employees understand emergency procedures?

• Are accidents and near misses properly investigated?

• Is workplace safety reviewed regularly?

• Can you demonstrate continuous improvement?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no", now is the ideal time to address the gap.

Need Help Preparing for an HSE Inspection?

At CoLa Training, we help businesses across Lincolnshire and the UK improve workplace safety through accredited training, refresher courses, and practical health and safety guidance.

Whether you need forklift training, manual handling training, first aid courses, or health and safety qualifications, investing in training today could help you answer these questions with confidence tomorrow.