How to Prepare Your Organization for an External Safety Audit — Occupational Health & Safety

How to Prepare Your Organization for an External Safety Audit

An organization that is well-prepared for such an audit will make the process less stressful and time-consuming for everyone involved.

• By Kendall Kunz
• Dec 29, 2023

Safety audits are a great way to ensure that an organization adheres to the highest safety standards and regulations. They provide an objective assessment of workplace safety protocols, revealing both strengths and areas in need of improvement. This makes them an essential element in any robust safety strategy.

Thorough preparation is the bedrock of a successful external safety audit. An organization that is well-prepared for such an audit will make the process less stressful and time-consuming for everyone involved.

Understand What Is Being Audited

Grasping the scope and criteria of an audit is the first step toward targeted preparation. Organizations can allocate resources more effectively when they understand what aspects of their safety protocols will be under scrutiny. This focused approach ensures that key areas likely to be examined are given the attention they need.

Safety managers should take some time to study and remind themselves of all relevant safety standards and compliance requirements, especially if the organization is pursuing a specific certification.

Being able to anticipate the auditor’s questions and expectations will go a long way in ensuring a smooth audit process. Delving into past audit reports, seeking insights from industry counterparts, reviewing existing safety procedures and being aware of common compliance pitfalls are effective ways to prepare.

Review and Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Comprehensive review and preparation of safety documentation is a vital aspect of audit readiness. This includes the collection and organization of all pertinent safety records, such as:

Ensure their relevance and currency, as up-to-date documentation serves as evidence of compliance.

Documentation should be arranged in a manner that is both accessible and easy for auditors to navigate. Clarity, logical organization and highlighting areas of compliance and improvement will facilitate the auditor’s evaluation process. Making their job easier can lead to a more favorable assessment and a smoother audit experience overall.