Wondering how a safety audit can help your workplace stay safe and compliant? In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—what safety audits are, why they’re important, types of safety audits, who typically conducts them, and the six steps in carrying out a safety audit.
What is a Safety Audit?
A safety audit is a comprehensive review designed to evaluate an organisation’s safety practices, procedures, and adherence to relevant regulations and standards.
The safety audit process involves taking a close look at:
- The work environment;
- equipment;
- systems and procedures; and
- work practices.
Objectives of the Safety Audit
The objective of a safety audit is to determine if safety protocols are being properly followed, identify any areas that could use improvement, and ensure ongoing compliance.
Think of a safety audit as a crucial check-up for your organisation. It’s about making sure everything is running smoothly, spotting potential issues before they become problems, and keeping your workplace safe and compliant.
Why are Safety Audits Important?
Safety audits are important for several reasons.
1. Safety audits are your first line of defence against workplace accidents. By identifying and addressing potential hazards early, you reduce the risk of injuries and keep your workplace safe.
2. Stay on the right side of the law with regular safety audits. Safety audits help ensure you’re complying with regulations, avoiding fines, legal issues, and damage to your reputation.
3. Safety audits reinforce the importance of safety within your organisation, promoting a proactive approach and showing employees that their well-being matters.
4. By preventing downtime caused by accidents and injuries, you optimise work processes and boost overall efficiency.
5. Safety audits enhance employee morale and productivity – when employees feel secure, they’re more engaged and motivated, leading to a happier and more loyal workforce.
6. Regular safety audits help foster a culture of continuous improvement. They provide a comprehensive view of your safety practices, allowing you to identify areas for enhancement and implement effective solutions.
What Type of Safety Audits are there?
There are several different types of safety audits. Common safety audits include:
1. Desktop Audit
This involves reviewing existing documentation and records to assess compliance with safety standards. It’s typically conducted off-site and focuses on paperwork, policies, and procedures rather than physical inspection.
2. Compliance Audit
This type of safety audit checks whether an organisation complies with relevant Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws and regulations. It ensures that the organization meets statutory requirements and follows legal obligations.
3. Process/Procedural Audit
This safety audit evaluates the internal processes and practices of an organisation to ensure they align with safety policies and procedures. It involves examining how processes are implemented and whether they effectively manage safety risks.
Who Conducts Safety Audits?
When it comes to safety audits, you’ve got options: you can go with an internal auditor, an external one, or even a mix of both.
Some businesses opt to complete safety audits internally–this is known as an internal audit. The benefit of this approach is that the individuals who are performing the internal audit understand their organisation inside and out and can zero in on specific areas they want to review. It’s a great way to focus on internal priorities.
However, while beneficial in certain ways, internal audits do carry an inherent risk of bias. This bias can stem from several factors, including familiarity with the organisation, personal relationships, or the desire to present the company in a favourable light.
On the other hand, some businesses opt to complete safety audits externally–this is known as an external audit. The benefit of this approach is that external audits can provide a fresh perspective. That is, they can offer an unbiased view and spot issues that might be overlooked by those too close to the day-to-day operations.
How to Perform a Safety Audit
Ensuring the safety of your workplace is a continuous process, and one effective way to stay on top of potential risks is by conducting regular safety audits. Whether you’re using internal resources or bringing in a third party, the goal is to make your workplace safer for everyone.
Here’s a straightforward guide to auditing your workplace:
Step 1: Identify the Areas to Audit
While it may be tempting to audit the entire workplace at once, that’s often too overwhelming. Instead, focus on high-risk areas that need the most attention. Many organisations fall into the trap of auditing only low-risk areas because they’re quicker, leaving significant risks unaddressed. Start by identifying one or two high-priority areas that will benefit most from a thorough audit.
Step 2: Decide Who Will Conduct the Safety Audit
Who conducts the safety audit can make a big difference in its effectiveness. You could opt for an internal audit, which might be more cost-effective but could lack fresh insights. Alternatively, a third-party audit, such as those provided by professional WHS organisations, offers more objectivity and often uncovers risks that internal teams may miss. Third-party auditors may also suggest solutions and best practices that internal teams aren’t aware of.
Step 3: Conduct the Safety Audit
The specifics of the safety audit will vary depending on the area being assessed. Whether you’re taking samples, measuring workspaces, or reviewing staff competency, the key is to thoroughly assess the conditions. Pay close attention to high-risk areas that past incidents have flagged, such as slippery floors or poorly maintained equipment. Your findings should not just focus on identifying hazards but also on finding practical ways to address them.
Step 4: Document and Review Findings
During and after the safety audit, document your findings in detail. This should include reviewing relevant documents, checking whether policies meet legal and best practice standards, and recording any gaps. Highlight areas of both compliance and non-compliance so the business knows where it stands and what needs improvement. For clarity, it’s a good idea to organise your findings in a tabular format, making them easy to digest.
Step 5: Report the Results
A well-organised report is crucial for ensuring the audit’s impact. The report should clearly present areas for improvement but also highlight areas where the business is doing well. Make sure your report isn’t just compliance-driven—include operational insights and guidance on how to enhance overall safety. The safety audit results should be actionable, not overwhelming, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Step 6: Develop and Implement an Action Plan
A safety audit without action is a missed opportunity. Once you’ve identified issues and documented them, it’s time to create a comprehensive action plan. Ensure that all employees—not just management—are familiar with the safety policies and procedures. Make safety a daily focus for everyone in the organisation by implementing the recommendations, training managers, and following up with ongoing due diligence to maintain compliance and safety over time.
By following these six steps, you can create a safer, more compliant workplace while addressing both immediate risks and long-term safety goals.
