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A health and safety compliance audit is an expert assessment of health and safety policies, systems, procedures, and operations.

While employers are not required to do so by law, audits are highly recommended and are the easiest way to ensure compliance. Frequent health and safety compliance audits are best practices for all companies, regardless of their size, type, industry, or type of business.

To be effective, audits need to be more than just a ticked-off exercise and they need to be more than just a defensive, reactive measure. They provide a variety of benefits to employers and employees, and allow employers to protect their employees and anyone who visits the premises.

If done right, it will also ensure the very existence of the company itself. Serious health and safety incidents have long-lasting effects that could expose the employer to law enforcement. This can cause further reputational damage and lead to significant financial sanctions.

There are two types of audits that can be performed by the organization, internal and external audits.

Internal and external audits

At least one employee who has the training and qualifications to carry out an audit is involved in internal audits. However, most audits typically consist of multiple role players representing different departments or segments of the organization. Internal or internal audits have the advantage that they have more control over the process.

The audit can therefore be carried out in several phases without major operational disruptions. In addition, it offers an inexpensive alternative. However, internal audits are often used by companies as the wrong economy. Internal audits can serve as an important management tool that improves each employee’s understanding of business performance. It also highlights potential issues that can endanger the health and safety of employees.

However, external audits remain the golden standard. This includes the organization appointing an independent external auditor to provide advice on health and safety audits. This external auditor then has the task of conducting the audit and providing feedback on its results.

Why should employers seek advice on health and safety audits?

These professional services are considered to be one of the most effective ways that safety, health and environmental management systems reflect compliance with relevant legal requirements.

When organizations seek advice on health and safety audits, it also ensures that the specific requirements are met and that the organization is in the best position to work towards effectively implemented best practice techniques.

Benefits of Consulting Health and Safety Audits

Appointing an outside auditor through health and safety audit advice offers several notable benefits, including:

• Compliance, the main reason to conduct an audit.
• Business and Systems Improvements – The external audit allows impartial review of internal systems and control of the organization, and enables auditing professionals to suggest improvements.
• Credibility – External audits provide an independent verification that the information, documents and all other aspects are a real and fair representation of the current situation of the organization.

How does SafetyWallet support its subscribers?

SafetyWallet offers employers a unique subscription program and the services of experts who guide the company through the latest standards and laws and their changes. SafetyWallet helps and supports by a committed, experienced and highly competent team that works in all industries in South Africa.

The audit team assists the subscriber in navigating the SHE risk management principles in their day-to-day business operations. The SafetyWallet team also helps the subscriber identify strengths, identify weaknesses and point out opportunities that exist to improve risk management related to safety, health and the environment. The process associated with checking compliance with health and safety regulations is as follows:

• The SafetyWallet auditor reviews all aspects of the health and safety program and measures it against the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, regulations and all other relevant laws as well as national standards, statutes and SafetyWallet test protocols.
• The implementation of this agreement and its effectiveness are assessed by the SafetyWallet auditor during an inspection of the premises and a random sample of operational activities.
• During the audit, key individuals will also be interviewed and their tasks, roles and responsibilities in relation to health and safety in the workplace discussed in confidence.
• After completion of the audit, the SafetyWallet auditor prepares the audit report and presents it to the management team. During this presentation, the auditor will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the OSH program, as well as areas for improvement.
• The audit report also contains comments, recommendations and an action plan for the audit.
• The subscriber will also be issued their Health and Safety Compliance Certificate if they are found to be compliant.