What it means
A corrective action is the step that fixes a problem found in an inspection, an observation, a near miss or an investigation. It has a clear description, one owner and a due date.
Some fixes are quick, like replacing a frayed sling. Some are bigger, like changing a procedure or retraining a crew. Where you can, remove the hazard instead of relying on people to remember.
A corrective action isn't done when it's assigned. It's done when someone checks that the fix is in place and holds. Follow your company's procedure for how that check works.
Why it matters
Finding hazards is easy. Closing them is what counts. A long list of open items with no owner tells the crew nothing changes, and they stop reporting.
What it looks like on a site
- Each finding becomes an action with one name next to it and a due date.
- Urgent hazards are controlled the same shift. Equipment is tagged out until it's fixed.
- The lead reviews open actions at the weekly meeting, oldest first.
- When an action closes, someone confirms the fix, and a photo goes on the record.
- Overdue items go to the next level up, not off the list.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rule and your own procedures. Back to the glossary