Construction reports should separate the security observation from the trade or safety determination that may need to be made by a qualified person.
At a glance
- Security reports should be factual and standardized.
- Construction conditions can involve OHSA-regulated hazards outside a guard’s expertise.
- The useful security record states what was observed, where, when, who was notified and what immediate action was taken.
What this means in practice
The official rules establish a baseline, but a workable security assignment still needs property-specific decisions. The client and provider should turn general requirements into clear instructions about what is checked, who can authorize exceptions, what must be documented and when another authority takes over.
Questions to confirm
- Is this a security observation, a safety hazard, or both?
- Who is qualified to assess the underlying condition?
- What follow-up remains open?
Picture this at your property
A guard sees water pooling near electrical equipment. The report should describe the observed condition and escalation, not diagnose the electrical risk unless the guard is qualified to do so.
The value of the example is the decision process: identify what is known, what remains uncertain, who has authority, and what information should be preserved for follow-up.
Practical takeaway
The strongest security process is usually the one that makes responsibilities, observations and escalation clear. That creates a service that can be understood and reviewed without overstating what security can guarantee.
Official sources & verification
1. Section 4: Report writing — Government of Ontario
2. Achieve compliance on construction sites: access to and egress from a work area — Government of Ontario
3. Section 5: Health and safety — Government of Ontario
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08. This resource is general information for security planning and service discussions. It is not a guarantee that crime, loss, injury or other incidents will be prevented, and it does not replace a site-specific assessment, client instructions, emergency plans, regulator requirements, insurer requirements or legal advice.