The reasons for companies to commission a safety audit are long and varied. While larger companies may use audit management software, smaller companies may prefer to draw up a report manually. There are, however, one or two things that all good auditors adhere to, no matter what the size or sector the business in question may fall under.
Firstly, if you have been asked by a small business owner, maybe your boss, to perform an audit, there are a few things you will need to have to hand in order to successfully complete your task. While these things are really common sense items, having a checklist will help you remember to each item:
- Notepad or Dictaphone – Whichever you prefer, it is essential to have some way to take note of anything that you feel will need to be written up at a later date when you come to make your report. If you decide that you prefer the written form a hardback pad will help if you have to write on the move.
- Camera – A camera is a very handy tool for backing up the notes made, or even to be used as a way to jog your memory when you reach the report writing stage.
- Tape measure – A lot of safety regulations require objects or structures to be a certain height, width or length. Having a tape measure with you means that you can accurately record your findings.
Now you have the basic kit needed to perform an audit we can look at some of the best practices employed by auditors.
- Talk to those on site – If there are people working on site when you visit make sure that you find the time to speak with them and hear their views. It is likely that the people on the ground will be able to offer you a far more valuable insight into how the site operates than those in senior management.
- Ask for site records to be made available – Having access to site records will allow you to assess the compliance levels of the site and help you build your report when you come to do so.
- Check the operating standards – Ask to see the operating standards for the site and enquire as to when these were last reviewed. Risk assessment and hazard analysis should be included within this.
- Check the emergency response plans – Be sure that those on the ground are aware of the sites emergency procedure and that it is regularly tested and reviewed.
While this is by no means a comprehensive list of dos-and don’ts it will give you some guidance as to the sort of things you should be looking for when compiling your report. Making a thorough report, and initiating a follow-up, will help to ensure that the company in question is meeting all of the requirements necessary to operate in a compliant manner.
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Cover photo credit: Casey Fleser
