You’ve probably heard a lot about health and safety audits in the last year, as businesses have needed them to reopen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But, do you know what really goes into an audit of your health and safety?
This article will hopefully give you a better idea of audits in health and safety and understand the benefits of using them regularly.
What is a health and safety audit?
A health and safety audit is an expert assessment of a company’s H&S policies, systems, procedures, and premises which looks at:
- The efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of the total health and safety management system
- If health and safety procedures and systems are in place and correct
- The wellbeing of the workforce
What are the benefits of a health and safety audit?
Regular audits are a great way of identifying and managing health and safety issues before they become problems and putting in place the necessary changes to improve safety standards. Audits are much more than just a box-ticking exercise or defensive measure – they can bring about positive benefits to businesses.
Health and safety audits also protect employees, customers, and visitors from harm. But ultimately, a professionally conducted audit can safeguard a company as serious health and safety incidents can result in prosecutions, reputational damage, and financial penalties.
Am I legally obliged to have a health and safety audit?
No, there is no legal obligation, but any company’s health and safety needs can change over time. It is important to carry out audits regularly to ensure the continued health, welfare, and safety of employees.
Why should I conduct a health and safety audit?
Health and safety audits reveal much more than just what is going wrong. They also highlight what is being done correctly.
Our top reasons for carrying out an audit are:
- Protecting employees and customers from injury and illness
- Increasing employee morale from knowing the employer is taking their duties seriously
- Protecting the company reputation
- Ensuring all health and safety documentation is in place
- Ensuring the correct level of health and safety management is in place
- Enhancing everyone’s understanding of how the business is performing
- Highlighting any potential problems
Should I use an external auditor, or can I audit in-house?
Health and safety audits can be internal or external. They can be conducted by a trained and competent employee or an independent external consultant, such as Law At Work.
Law At Work undertake health and safety audits for a wide range of industries.
Should you require any further information on the health and safety services that we can assist you with, please contact Matt Bougourd or call 887088.
