NDIS Site Safety Inspection

An NDIS Site Safety Inspection is a thorough assessment of the site, conducted by our WHS professional.

The purpose is to inspect and review safety areas by highlighting what sections are satisfactory and unsatisfactory.

The NDIS Site Safety Inspection is tailored for all NDIS providers who offer services for their participants, such as Day Options, Respite, Accommodation, and other site-based support services. We have formulated a unique safety inspection to assist in ensuring the ongoing safety of your participants and support staff.

The inspection is generally conducted with a team leader or a support worker. This unique service is designed to help raise safety awareness amongst support staff by having them attend alongside our WHS Professional

Key Safety Focus Areas Covered in an NDIS Site Safety Inspection

Here's a detailed breakdown of the key areas covered during an NDIS Site Safety Inspection, aligning with legislative standards, NDIS Practice Standards, and WHS (Work Health and Safety Act 2012) principles:

General Site Safety Compliance

According to Safe Work Australia, slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of workplace injury in care services. NDIS inspection resolves this issue by assessing the overall safety of the physical environment. It includes:

  • Safe design and layout of the facility to prevent trips, slips, and falls.

  • Adequate lighting, ventilation, and signage throughout the site. Proper lux levels in line with AS/NZS 1680.1 and indoor air quality maintained per AS 1668.

  • Safe storage and labelling of hazardous substances in compliance with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and WHS Regulations Part 7.1.

  • Site cleanliness and maintenance standards (e.g., no exposed wires, cracked tiles, or damaged fixtures).

  • Secure fencing and gates if applicable, especially in accommodation settings. Especially for Supported Independent Living (SIL) or group homes, perimeter safety (e.g., lockable gates, CCTV, alarms) must align with environmental risk assessments.

Emergency Management

Ensures the site is prepared for emergency situations such as fires, medical incidents, and natural disasters. This includes:

  • Must meet AS 1851 (Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment) and local fire authority requirements.

  • Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and online evacuation diagrams in working order and clearly visible.

  • Emergency exits accessible, unlocked, and unobstructed. 

  • Regularly updated emergency evacuation diagrams and drills. Plans should be person-centered and include visual aids or alternative formats. Staff and participant drills recorded per AS 3745-2010.

  • Staff trained in emergency response and first aid. WHS Act requires one first aider for every 10–25 workers, with kits accessible and contents maintained.

  • Appropriate signage and emergency contact numbers displayed.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 mandates equitable access to premises for people with disability. Hence, the NDIS Site Safety Inspection evaluates whether the site enables safe and equal access for all participants, regardless of mobility or cognitive ability:

  • Built environment must comply with AS 1428.1 and Section D3 of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

  • Ramps, lifts, and handrails available and functional.

  • Door widths accommodate mobility devices.

  • Use of braille, tactile surfaces, and high-contrast visual cues per AS 1428.4.1.

  • Accessible bathrooms with appropriate fixtures (e.g., grab rails, emergency call systems).

  • Inclusive design considering neurodivergent individuals (e.g., calm rooms, reduced sensory load).

Infection Control and Hygiene

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission emphasizes infection prevention as a core provider obligation. Particularly vital in shared care environments post-COVID-19. Inspections review:

  • Availability of handwashing stations, soap, and hand sanitiser.

  • Cleaning schedules for high-touch areas and communal spaces.

  • Waste disposal practices (especially clinical or biohazard waste).

  • Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and staff training in hygiene protocols.

  • Isolation procedures in case of communicable illness.

Participant Safety and Rights

Under the NDIS Code of Conduct, providers must respect participant rights and prevent harm. Hence our WHS professionals conduct inspection to ensure the environment supports the dignity, privacy, and safety of participants:

  • Safe room configurations that allow privacy but enable observation when necessary.

  • Safeguarding strategies in place for high-risk participants (e.g., behavioral supports, elopement prevention).

  • Protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

  • Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care practices observed on-site.

Staff and Contractor Safety

Focuses on ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors:

  • WHS inductions and regular safety training provided.

  • Access to safety data sheets (SDS) and risk assessments.

  • Appropriate manual handling aids to prevent injury.

  • Procedures in place for reporting incidents and near-misses. Platforms like SIRS (Serious Incident Reporting Scheme) may apply depending on support type.

  • Adequate rest areas and hydration facilities.

Hazard Identification and Risk Management

NDIS providers must implement a continuous improvement approach to risk management. During the inspection this aspect is kept mind, and it is ensured that risks are proactively identified and mitigated:

  • Up-to-date risk registers for the site. Regularly updated and reviewed, in line with ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems).

  • Hazard reporting mechanisms accessible to all staff.

  • Site-specific risk assessments regularly reviewed.

  • Controls in place for high-risk areas (e.g., kitchens, pools, medications).

  • Environmental risk factors considered (e.g., weather, pests).

Equipment and Vehicle Safety

Assesses the safety and maintenance of tools, aids, and transport:

  • Mobility aids, hoists, and other assistive tech are regularly serviced and checked.

  • Vehicles used for participant transport are roadworthy and fitted with appropriate restraints.

  • Staff trained in safe equipment use and emergency procedures (e.g., wheelchair loading).

  • Storage areas for equipment are secure and hazard-free.

Record Keeping and Documentation

Ensures that safety-related documents are up to date and accessible:

  • Incident and injury reports completed accurately and reviewed.

  • Maintenance logs for safety equipment.

  • Staff WHS training records and induction checklists.

  • Emergency drill records and compliance checklists.

  • Documented risk assessments and control measures.

(Documentation is a legal requirement and a critical part of provider compliance audits by the NDIS Commission)

Legislative and NDIS Requirements

Confirms that all safety practices align with national standards and sector-specific laws:

  • Compliance with WHS Act 2011, Disability Services Act, and Building Code of Australia.

  • Alignment with NDIS Practice Standards (2021) and Code of Conduct.

  • Adherence to Human Rights principles and anti-discrimination laws.

  • Registration obligations for high-risk supports (e.g., behavior support, restrictive practices).

Failing to meet legislative or NDIS compliance requirements can result in deregistration or penalties for providers.

Following the NDIS Site Safety Inspection, any gaps and other applicable elements that have been identified are collated with recommendations to ensure effective rectification.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • An NDIS Site Safety Inspection is a structured evaluation of a provider’s physical environment to ensure it meets the safety, accessibility, and compliance requirements under the NDIS Practice Standards and WHS legislation. It assesses risks, participant safety, emergency readiness, infection control, and staff wellbeing, supporting a safe and inclusive environment for people with disability.

  • Safety inspections help NDIS providers identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with legal obligations such as the WHS Act 2011 and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Framework. They safeguard participants and staff, prevent incidents, and support a culture of continuous improvement—crucial for maintaining registration and delivering high-quality, person-centered care under the NDIS.

  • Inspections cover a wide range of areas including general site safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, accessibility, staff and participant safety, equipment condition, documentation, and compliance with WHS and NDIS regulations.

  • If hazards are found, they are documented in a detailed report, often with a risk rating and recommended corrective actions. Providers are expected to address these issues promptly, in line with their incident and risk management policies. In cases of serious risk or non-compliance, follow-up inspections or reporting to the NDIS Commission may occur.

  • The duration depends on the site size and service type, but most inspections typically take between 1.5 to 4 hours. Larger or multi-site providers may require longer assessments.

  • Yes, a comprehensive report is provided post-inspection. It outlines observed hazards, compliance status, and actionable recommendations. The report serves as both a compliance record and a risk management tool, assisting providers in maintaining safety, documenting improvements, and preparing for NDIS Commission audits or quality evaluations.

  • While not all providers are legally required to conduct formal safety inspections, NDIS Practice Standards mandate regular risk assessments and safety management. Registered providers delivering supports such as accommodation, high-intensity care, or group activities are strongly advised—and often required—to undertake these inspections to remain compliant and safeguard participants effectively.