The Safety Manager’s Toolkit: 8 Essential Features of Papertrail

Michael Butler
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

If you’re responsible for a fleet of safety equipment, whether it’s climbing equipment for arboriculture, lifting equipment for construction, or turbine-mounted assets for wind energy, you know that the stakes are higher than just "organisation." You are managing life-critical assets.

Using a tool like Papertrail isn't just about moving away from paper; it’s about building a bulletproof safety culture. Here are the 8 features that make it a non-negotiable part of a high-performing safety team. 


1. PartnerHub: The End of Manual Data Entry

PartnerHub is a game-changer for equipment procurement. Instead of manually typing in serial numbers and uploading certificates for new equipment, your suppliers and partners can share fully verified, inspection-ready records directly into your account.

When the equipment arrives on-site, the digital records are already there, waiting for you.

2. The Full Scanning Suite (NFC, RFID, and QR)

Manual data entry is the enemy of accuracy. Papertrail.io’s scanning suite allows your team to use NFC tags, RFID, or QR codes to instantly identify equipment.

A quick scan with a smartphone brings up the entire history of an asset, ensuring the right item is being inspected every time.

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3. Industry-Approved Checklists

Don't reinvent the wheel. Papertrail.io provides access to over 200+ manufacturer-approved checklists.

Whether you're inspecting fall arrest equipment or heavy machinery, you can ensure your team is following the exact standards required by the people who built the equipment.

4. Automated Inspection Reminders

"I forgot" is not a valid excuse during an audit. You can set custom inspection frequencies, whether they are weekly, monthly, or statutory (like LOLER or OSHA checks). The system sends automated alerts to the right people, so you never miss a deadline.

5. Staff Competency & Certification Tracking

Safety is about the person as much as the equipment. Papertrail.io allows you to store staff training records and competency certificates (like IRATA or GWO) alongside your asset data. If a technician’s certification expires, you’ll know before they ever step onto a job site.

6. Offline Mode for Remote Sites

Safety doesn't stop just because the Wi-Fi does. Whether your team is at the top of a wind turbine or deep in a forest, the Papertrail mobile app works offline. They can complete checklists and take photos on-site, and the data will automatically sync as soon as they’re back in range.

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7. Photographic Evidence & Audit Trails

A "pass" on a checklist is good; a "pass" with a timestamped photo of the stitching is better. You can attach photos directly to inspection records. This creates an immutable audit trail that provides total accountability and protection in the event of an investigation.

8. Global Inventory Visibility & Unlimited Records

Stop guessing how much equipment you have or what state it’s in. Whether you are managing ten harnesses or ten thousand, Papertrail offers unlimited records, meaning your safety system grows alongside your business without penalising you for being thorough.

The central dashboard gives you a bird’s-eye view of your entire inventory across multiple sites and teams. You can instantly see what’s "Fit for Use", what’s "Quarantined", and what’s nearing its "End of Life", allowing for smarter budget forecasting and total asset transparency.

 

Ready to build a safer, smarter operation?

Papertrail.io is built by safety professionals, for safety professionals. It’s designed to be so simple that if your team can use a smartphone, they can use Papertrail.

Improve your inspection management system today

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