Audits

A health and safety audit is an expert assessment of an organisation’s health and safety policies, systems and procedures. A health a safety audit should address if current procedures and systems are correct and delivering the expected outcomes. It also audits whether businesses are protecting the wellbeing of staff and complying with relevant and current regulations.

Although it is not a legal requirement many organisations view it as a necessity to maintain best practice. An external health and safety audit is more than ticking a box it is a way to bring positive benefits to business. Not only does a h&s audit limit potential harm to employees, therefore reducing risk or legal actions, damaged reputation and finical losses, it shows them that the organisation is serious about their wellbeing producing a more productive workforce. As well as highlighting potential risk of injury and illness a h&s audit can also highlight strengths and successes of different areas in the workplace. When the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) brings prosecutions for health and safety breaches, they always cite failures that an audit would have highlighted. Prosecutions can lead to enormous fines and legal costs, even imprisonment.

A Health and Safety audit can be completed both internally and externally by a ‘competent person’. The law describes a competent person as “someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly.” Ideally your competent person should have succulent training such as a NEBOSH Diploma or a NEBOSH certificate and have experience in conducting an audit. Here at HTA we can offer qualified and experienced experts to carry out your audit for you and give you peace of mind knowing your health and safety is operating at the highest standard.