Check sheets are so easy to make and use that everyone in any workplace environment could use them.

It's important for each employee to agree on the definition of an "observation" before anyone starts using a check sheet. Example: The team agrees to only record deliveries by truck, train, and air transport and not to record deliveries made by foot, bicycle, or bus. 

Check sheet data can be used for the whole population involved, or you can use a smaller sample size. The more data you have the better, but there are diminishing returns in most cases, so both answers are correct. 

It doesn't make sense to continue using a check sheet if there is no apparent knowledge to be gained. Example: XYZ company had a check sheet on the cupboard door of the employee break room. Employees were asked to put an "x" on the check sheet if they cleaned up after themselves. Only a few took responsibility for cleaning, and the break room was closed to everyone.

Check sheets work well for recording historical data as well as for current observations. Example: Counting the number of times a customer "clicks" on a particular store website could lead to targeted sale ads to that customer. 

A tally check sheet counts the number of rental cars that return every day. A location check sheet maps the dents, dings, and broken parts on the rental car that just returned. 

Check sheets can be an easy and quick way to spot obvious errors or problems, but trends and cyles may be harder to spot unless the check sheet is used over a longer period of time. 

If a check sheet recorder doesn't have the time or the knowledge needed, the information collected will be less than helpful. Example: A dock worker may be too busy to use a check sheet because of interruptions elsewhere in the plant. The loading dock is piled high with material but the dock worker doesn't know how many deliveries the pile equals. Also, the dock worker won't have the knowledge of which vehicle on the list (truck, train, air) actually dropped off the material.

Pay attention at your workplace and in your community and you will likely notice numerous examples of check sheets.