Do you want to improve occupational health in Wichita, KS? If so, it’s time to consider scheduling a workplace safety audit. What is a safety audit in the workplace, and how can it benefit your business?
This guide reveals everything you need to know. Learn proven tips from the experts at WorkSafe, a leading provider of occupational health and safety services.
Understanding Workplace Safety Audits
Health and safety concerns affect numerous employees across various sectors. To maintain occupational health standards, experts recommend conducting safety audits.
This process serves multiple purposes, including:
- Identifying hazards: Experts focus on hazard identification in light of the staff’s current working conditions.
- Evaluating risks: A risk assessment pinpoints any problematic employee behaviors that could lead to injury.
- Identifying compliance issues: An OSHA compliance evaluation may reveal safety concerns and potentially expose a business to fines or other penalties.
- Improving the work environment: Any issues raised during the safety inspection allow a company to take corrective actions.
Audits are crucial for businesses. They inform management of any compliance issues and enable them to take steps to protect all employees. This ultimately builds confidence and trust within the workforce.
Safety Inspections vs. Audits: Which Does Your Business Need?
What is a safety audit in the workplace? If you already conduct frequent safety inspections, you might think you’re all set. However, these two processes are distinct, which is why businesses should prioritize both.
The biggest differences between them include:
- Their frequency: Basic safety inspections may take place on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. Audits are not conducted as frequently, with some companies scheduling them only once a year.
- What they cover: Audits are more comprehensive, whereas inspections may only cover a specific part of the workplace.
- Who conducts them: Management or employees may perform regular inspections. For optimal results, an audit should be conducted by a third-party auditor.
Key Components of the Safety Audit Process
What is a safety audit in the workplace, and what should you expect during one? The findings may vary for every business, but the process is generally the same. Experts recommend the following tips to ensure the success of these safety checks.
1. Prepare the Team
You should never go into an audit unprepared. Alert your staff once you have one scheduled so they know what to expect. Some audits take several days to complete, so you don’t want your employees to be taken aback by an auditor’s presence.
Gather the necessary documentation, such as reports from past audits and your existing safety plans. Once you schedule the audit, it’s time to review your previous results. Ensure that your company complies with all relevant regulations and has taken corrective actions to address any prior safety concerns.
2. Let Experts Evaluate Working Conditions
Preparation is just one piece of the puzzle. The audit itself can be extensive, depending on your sector and work environment. It’s best to let a third-party expert conduct the check rather than an internal staffer.
They will complete the process in several stages and gauge the following:
- The staff’s knowledge: Experts assess how much employees know about current safety plans, OSHA regulations, and other relevant topics.
- A company’s safety hazards: Dangerous working conditions are a huge red flag for auditors. They’ll take note of any hazards that put employees at risk.
- The equipment’s performance: Some machines pose safety risks if companies fail to maintain them.
- The company’s safety records: How well does a business document its safety flaws and improvement measures?
3. Review the Results
What is a safety audit in the workplace if not a way to improve your operations? It’s crucial to review an auditor’s findings and take them to heart. Implement new measures that will address hazards and protect your workforce.
For example, if professionals find that your safety training is lacking, consider revising your approach. You may devote more time to training programs or require employees to pass an exam about the topics covered.
Contact WorkSafe – Wichita’s Leading Source for Occupational Health Services
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “What is a safety audit in the workplace?” While routine audits and safety inspections have their benefits, your business may need additional measures to ensure the health and safety of its employees. That’s where WorkSafe comes in.
We offer a diverse range of programs tailored to business owners. Whether you want to implement injury prevention initiatives, conduct physical ability testing, or take other steps, we’re here to help. Connect with us online or give us a call at (316) 262-8800 to learn more.