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Training Tips May 19, 2026

Equipment Inspection & Maintenance: The Audits Revealing Contractor Failures

USACE safety audits are increasingly citing equipment failures—not from manufacturing defects, but from inadequate inspection and maintenance protocols. Here's what inspectors are finding.

When USACE auditors arrive, they don't just check for proper documentation—they inspect the equipment itself. And they're finding that many failures stem from poor maintenance practices, not equipment defects.

Common Audit Findings

Inspectors frequently cite these issues:

  • Expired lift equipment certifications
  • Worn slings with visible damage
  • Missing inspection tags on fall protection equipment
  • Outdated fire extinguisher inspections
  • Defective ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

Documentation Requirements

EM385-1-1 requires documented inspections for:

  • Cranes and rigging equipment
  • Fall protection systems
  • Excavation shoring and shielding
  • Powered industrial trucks
  • Fire protection equipment

Building a Compliance Culture

The key to passing audits is making inspection part of daily operations. This means scheduling regular checks, maintaining logs, and replacing worn equipment before it fails.

Get Training on Equipment Inspection

Learn proper inspection protocols and maintenance requirements under EM385-1-1 to pass your next audit.

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