WorkSafe Inspection Checklist for Surrey, BC

Labor and Employment British Columbia 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Surrey, British Columbia employers must be ready for WorkSafeBC inspections and for interactions with city bylaw or licensing officers. This checklist explains what inspectors review, what records and site conditions to have on hand, how enforcement and penalties work, and the practical steps to respond, appeal, or request compliance assistance. Use the sections below to assign responsibilities, gather documents, and complete internal checks so an inspection proceeds smoothly and risks are reduced.

Before the Inspection

Assign a workplace contact to meet inspectors, prepare a file with required documents, and plan safe site access. Keep communications clear and factual.

  • Designate an on-site representative and record their training and authorization.
  • Assemble documentation: current health and safety program, written procedures, worker training records, workplace exposure plans, and incident reports.
  • Ensure records are up to date for the inspection period requested by the inspector.
  • Secure site hazards and provide personal protective equipment for the inspector as required.
Have one person act as the liaison to avoid mixed messages.

During the Inspection

Allow inspectors reasonable access and cooperate while protecting privileged or confidential business information when entitled to do so.

  • Provide requested documents promptly; note any documents you claim are confidential and why.
  • Accompany the inspector during site walkthroughs and take notes on observations and orders.
  • Ask for clarification on any alleged contravention and the timeline for compliance.
Be professional and factual when speaking with inspectors.

Penalties & Enforcement

WorkSafeBC is the primary inspector and enforcer for occupational health and safety in Surrey; City of Surrey bylaw officers enforce local bylaws and licensing requirements where applicable. For provincial workplace safety matters, inspectors may issue compliance orders, stop-work orders, and penalties under provincial legislation. For municipal matters such as business licensing or local nuisance bylaws, Surrey bylaw enforcement may issue tickets or orders. For provincial inspection details see the official WorkSafeBC inspection pagesWorkSafeBC inspections[1], and for appeal or review procedures see the WorkSafeBC review and appeals resourcesWorkSafeBC appeals and review[2]. For municipal complaints and bylaw enforcement contact City of Surrey bylawsCity of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement[3].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited provincial inspection page or the cited city bylaw page; see the cited pages for specific ticket schedules or orders.
  • Escalation: inspectors may issue orders for immediate correction or ongoing compliance; the cited pages do not list a standard fine escalation table.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, equipment seizures, or requirements to alter procedures are possible under provincial and municipal authority.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathways: WorkSafeBC handles workplace health and safety enforcement; City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement handles municipal bylaw and licensing issues. Use the official contact links above to report concerns.
  • Appeals and review: timelines and processes for review or appeal are set out on WorkSafeBC appeal pages; specific time limits are not specified on the cited provincial inspection page and must be confirmed on the appeal pages.
  • Defences and discretion: inspectors consider evidence of compliance efforts, permits, variances or reasonable excuse; if a statutory defence applies, cite it during review or appeal.
Document corrective actions promptly to demonstrate good-faith compliance.

Applications & Forms

WorkSafeBC and the City publish forms and guidance for reviews, incident reporting, and licence applications. For example, WorkSafeBC provides appeal and review application instructions on their site and City of Surrey lists business licence application requirements on its business pages; specific form names, numbers, fees and submission steps are on the cited pages and may change, so confirm on the official pages cited above.

Practical Checklist - Documents & Site Items

  • Health and safety program, written procedures and safe work practices.
  • Training and certification records for supervisors and workers.
  • Incident and investigation reports for the relevant period.
  • Equipment inspection and maintenance logs.
  • Hazard assessments, control measures, and PPE inventories.

How to Respond to an Order

When you receive a compliance or stop-work order, follow the steps below to correct issues and document your actions.

  1. Read the order carefully and note the required remedies and deadlines.
  2. Assign responsibility and implement corrective measures immediately.
  3. Keep dated records, photographs, and witness statements showing completion.
  4. Notify the issuing inspector or authority when work is complete and request confirmation in writing.
  5. If you disagree, follow the appeal or review procedure on the cited WorkSafeBC pages within the stated time limits.
Keep clear evidence of all corrective steps taken and communications sent.

FAQ

Who inspects workplaces in Surrey for occupational safety?
WorkSafeBC inspects and enforces provincial occupational health and safety rules; City of Surrey bylaw officers enforce municipal bylaws and licensing requirements in parallel for local matters.
What records should I have ready for an inspection?
Prepare your health and safety program, training and certification records, incident reports, equipment maintenance logs, and hazard assessments.
Can I appeal a WorkSafeBC order?
Yes; WorkSafeBC provides review and appeal routes. Follow the procedures and timelines on their appeal pages.

How-To

  1. Assign an inspection liaison and gather the required records in one folder.
  2. Review the workplace program and fix obvious hazards before the inspector arrives.
  3. Ensure a safe walkthrough route and provide appropriate PPE for visitors.
  4. Attend the inspection, take notes, and request clarification on any orders.
  5. Implement corrective actions, document completion, and notify the inspector.
  6. If contesting an order, file a review or appeal per WorkSafeBC instructions on their site.

Key Takeaways

  • Keep records organized and readily available for inspectors.
  • Assign responsibilities and document corrective actions promptly.
  • Use official WorkSafeBC and City of Surrey contacts for questions, complaints, or appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WorkSafeBC - Inspections
  2. [2] WorkSafeBC - Appeals and review
  3. [3] City of Surrey - Bylaw Enforcement

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