Health & Safety Audits
Independent In-House Audit
The health and safety needs of a small, medium or large business can change over time and it is important that audits are carried out on a regular basis. This will ensure the continued welfare, health and safety of employees within an organisation, via the systematic appraisal of on-site procedures and processes. An audit will find specific areas in which improvements need to be made for the benefit of a business and its employees and help companies to comply with legal duties and promote well-being.
This unique approach allows you to take your existing in-house audit system to the next level. You combine the benefits of the audit system that you have developed to meet your specific needs and which enjoys uninterrupted benchmarking, with the advantages of using a third-party auditor:
- Provides an independent, external viewpoint – considered best practice by the Health and Safety Executive and typically viewed by stakeholders as being of higher value
- Creates a good impression when tendering, and in annual reports
- Has conducted audits for a wide range of organisations, therefore brings a wide variety of industry experience to bear
- Is likely to reduce the audit time scales, making this an extremely cost-effective option with minimum disruption for your organisation
- Provides a fresh pair of eyes, which are not desensitised to hazards and risks
- Is impartial, focused on the job and experienced in report writing
- As an added value service, can provide recommendations for system improvements and provide ongoing support
Though businesses differ in size and the industries in which they operate – for example, a warehouse will have different regulations to an office – an audit will in general look to assess the following factors:
- The strengths and weaknesses of the current system
- How the system performs within the aims of the organisation
- If the company is fulfilling its legal obligations within its industry
- If a proper performance reviewing system is in place
Why is it important?
Once you have health and safety procedures in place, there may be the temptation to think that you have done all you need to and that your business is set for the future. However, an audit is important and essential because it will help to:
- Reduce the risk of personal traumas or injury
- Prevent material loss from a business
- Promote employee morale
- Ensure customer confidence
What are other benefits?
Identify problems: If there are problems lurking behind the scenes, this can lead to accidents and other negative consequences for a business. The sooner they are identified and addressed, the better prepared your business will be for assisting its clients.
Credentials: If you are bidding for clients or looking into new business, you will find that the majority of companies expect you to have proper health and safety procedures in place. Having positive public relations on the back of this will ultimately benefit your business goals.
Save money: A health and safety audit provides a calculated analysis of procedures and provides fact-based changes to be implemented. This will save you from wasting money on what may be little more than second guesses about procedures and benefit areas such as employee sick leave.
Law abiding: There are different regulations and laws in place to ensure safety within different industries. If you are not abiding by these laws, it can lead to your business getting in trouble with the authorities or possibly being shut down. Being in the know that you have the proper regulations in place and eliminating the risk of injury in the workplace will ultimately benefit you and your employees.