A check of the whole system, not just one part of it
The HSE defines audits as “the collection of independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing up plans for corrective action”.
Audits are often confused with inspections and risk assessments. They are not the same thing.
Audit
Tests the total management system: is it efficient, effective and reliable?
Inspection
A moment in time check of a site, its conditions and the work taking place.
Risk assessment
Identifies the hazards of an activity and the controls needed to reduce them.
The good, the bad and the ugly
Health and Safety Audits are one method of monitoring health and safety performance. A good audit will get into the good, the bad and the ugly, and highlight where improvement needs to happen.
Audits are needed as part of the “check” element of the Plan, Do, Check, Act approach supported by the HSE.
Highlights where improvement needs to happen
Shows what you are doing well
Complies with your health and safety policies
Verifies that systems are working
Aids with gaining accreditations
Demonstrates an effective system to clients
Reassurance, confidence and peace of mind
An audit shows what you are doing well, not just what needs fixing, so you know where you genuinely stand.
We get to know you, then we’re there when you need us
Our audits are carried out in person, using a number of approaches to gauge a true reflection of where your business is in terms of compliance.
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We audit against the right standards
Your existing arrangements and procedures, policies, industry standards and current legislative requirements.
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We speak to your people
Short interviews with a selection of employees at varying levels, including leadership.
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We review the documentation
Assessments, policies, training records, checks, tests and inspections.
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We see how it really works
Most importantly, we look at premises, activities and behaviours to see how health and safety works in practice.
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We present it back to you
The audit is presented along with an action plan that has clear priorities for you to take away and action.
