| A Safety performance audit generally covers the | | | | methodology is objective, repeatable and recorded. It |
| activities required when reviewing safety | | | | also allows the audit team to establish the validity of |
| performance in workplaces. An increased focus on | | | | the risk profile. |
| safety management systems as opposed to inputs | | | | Step 6: Systems Audit |
| and processes should have a gradual but sustainable | | | | Conducting the systems audit comprises of |
| effect on the number of accidents occurring on | | | | compliance measurement and verification. This |
| industrial sites. | | | | includes conducting man-hour verification, disabling |
| When conducting safety audits, as is the case with | | | | injury frequency rate verification and corrective |
| most other activities, one can approach it in a | | | | action documentation confirmation. It also includes |
| number of different ways. There is however certain | | | | assessing whether all safety management system |
| basic activities that form a part of any auditing | | | | elements are correctly implemented by reviewing |
| process, which are explained in the following 10 steps. | | | | documents, interviewing staff and conducting physical |
| Different approached are possible, however practical | | | | inspections. The evaluation of the system to manage |
| experience indicated that should these steps be | | | | the identified risks is an integral part of the systems |
| followed the chances of achieving the audit | | | | audit. The evaluation includes determining whether |
| objectives are multiplied. | | | | the questions relating to who, what, where, why and |
| Step 1: Planning | | | | how are all answered. A testing plan based on the |
| When planning to conduct a safety audit it is | | | | risk profile should be used. |
| important to gather all relevant company information. | | | | Step 7: Evaluate Findings |
| The preparation should also include defining the audit | | | | Once all the data is assembled and scored according |
| scope. Once the audit scope is clear the audit team | | | | to the rules of the particular audit protocol points |
| should be assembled based on the required expertise. | | | | should be allocated. Part of the analysis of the results |
| In preparation the audit team should ensure that | | | | includes preparing for the exit meeting. |
| they review all relevant legislation, standards, | | | | Step 8: Feedback |
| standards, guidelines and codes of practices for the | | | | The feedback of the audit is normally done during |
| particular workplace. | | | | the exit meeting. If the audit includes a grading of |
| Step 2: Preparation | | | | some sort this criteria should be explained during the |
| In preparation the audit team should obtain all special | | | | exit meeting. It is normally advisable to start with |
| tools, equipment and safety gear to conduct the | | | | identifying the positive trends identified during the |
| audit effectively and safely. This includes ensuring | | | | audit. If is also important to isolate the negative |
| that any specialized tools are operational and can be | | | | trends found during the audit. It is also important to |
| safely operated by at least one of the audit team | | | | focus on the crucial issues before announcing the |
| members. Any personal protective equipment that | | | | audit grating allocated by the team. |
| would be needed during the audit by the audit team | | | | Step 9: Report |
| members should be made available. Part of the | | | | The audit is not finished until the audit report is not |
| preparation is ensuring that escort arrangements are | | | | done. The report should include an executive |
| in place, company risk profiles are studies and the | | | | summary, a score sheet and graph of the individual |
| team familiarize themselves with the site. | | | | element scores, a trend analysis and a finding with |
| Step 3: Pre Audit | | | | recommendations if applicable. |
| It is very useful to conduct a pre audit. This normally | | | | Step 10: Post Audit Activities |
| ensures that the time of the audit team is optimally | | | | Before the audit report is submitted to the site it |
| used. This step also identifies all the key role players, | | | | should be reviewed by peers. The report should be |
| clarifies the audit objectives and simplifies the | | | | reviewed for quality and conformance to standard |
| approach to be followed during the audit. | | | | reports. The report should be presented to the site |
| Step 4: Incident and Accident Review | | | | by the lead auditor during which presentation all |
| The review of all incidents and accidents that | | | | questions about the audit should be answered. |
| occurred during the audit period is a vital part of | | | | Conclusion |
| understanding the uncontrolled risks in the workplace | | | | The main objective of safety performance audits is |
| to be audited. It is also important to establish the | | | | to support better management decision-making |
| additional controls that were recommended by the | | | | leading to improved conditions for the workforce. It |
| investigation team to establish their width and depth | | | | also facilitates the improved ability to meet external |
| of the implementation when conducting the field | | | | accountability requirements. Performance safety |
| audit. | | | | audits can be used to improve the safety |
| Step 5: Risk Assessment EvaluationAssessing the risk | | | | performance of a site, to improve control and |
| assessment methodology used by the workplace | | | | accountability mechanisms, to inform the stakeholders |
| being audited is a critical part of ensuring that the | | | | and to motivate staff. |