Health and safety audits and consultancy for business located in the south of Johannesburg

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

Even though employers are not legally required to do this, audits come highly recommended and are the easiest way to ensure compliance. Frequent health and safety compliance audits are best practice for all organisations regardless of their size, type, industry or nature of business.

To be effective, audits must be more than just an exercise where boxes are ticked, and they must be more than merely a defensive, reactive measure. They offer employers and employees a variety of benefits and they allow employers to protect their employees and any visitors to the premises.

When done correctly, it also safeguards the very existence of the company itself. Serious health and safety incidents have long-lasting repercussions that could expose the employer to prosecution. This may cause further reputational damage and could lead to substantial financial penalties.

There are two types of audits that can be conducted by the organisation, namely internal and external audits.

Internal and external audits

Internal audits involve at least one staff member who possesses the training and qualifications to conduct an audit. However, most audits typically consist of several role-players who represent different departments or segments of the organisations. In-house or internal audits have the advantage of having more control over the process.

The audit can therefore take place in several phases without much disruption to operations. In addition, it offers a low-cost alternative. However, internal audits are often used by businesses as a false economy. Internal audits can serve as an important management tool that enhances the understanding of each employee regarding business performance. It also highlights potential issues that may threaten the health and safety of employees.

External audits, however, remain the golden standard. These involve the organisation appointing an independent, external auditor through a health and safety audit consultancy. This external auditor is then tasked with conducting the audit and providing feedback on their findings.

Why should employers make use of health and safety audit consultancy?

These professional services are recognised as one of the most effective ways through which safety, health and environmental management systems reflect compliance with the relevant legislative requirements.

When organisations make use of a health and safety audit consultancy, it also ensures that the specific requirements are met and that the organisation is in the best position to work towards best practice techniques that are effectively implemented.

Benefits of health and safety audit consultancy

There are several notable benefits from appointing an external auditor through a health and safety audit consultancy, including:

• Compliance, the main reason for having an audit conducted.
• Business and system improvements – the external audit allows for an impartial examination of the internal systems and control of the organisation, and allows auditing experts to suggest improvements.
• Credibility – external audits provide an independent verification that the information, documents and all other aspects are a true and fair representation of the current situation of the organisation.

How does SafetyWallet support its subscribers?

SafetyWallet offers employers a unique subscription programme and the services of experts that guide the organisation through the latest standards and legislation, as well as any changes in these. SafetyWallet helps and supports through a dedicated, experienced and highly competent team that operates across all industries in South Africa.

The audit team will help the subscriber in navigating the SHE risk management principles in their daily business operations. The SafetyWallet team also helps the subscriber identify strengths, pinpointing weaknesses and highlighting opportunities that exists to improve risk management in safety, health and environmental aspects. The process involved with the health and safety compliance audit is as follows:

• The SafetyWallet auditor reviews all the aspects of the health and safety programme, measuring it against the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, and all other relevant legislation as well as national standards, by-laws and SafetyWallet audit protocols.
• The implementation of these arrangement and their effectiveness will be assessed by the SafetyWallet auditor during an inspection of the premises and sampling of operational activities.
• Key personnel will also be interviewed during the audit and their duties, roles and responsibilities regarding occupational health and safety will be discussed confidentially.
• After the audit is concluded, the SafetyWallet auditor compiles the audit report and presents it to the management team. During this presentation, the auditor will discuss the strengths and weaknesses in the OHS programme, as well as areas for improvement.
• The audit report will also provide observations, recommendations and an action plan for consideration.
• The subscriber will also be issued their health and safety compliance certificate if they are found to be compliant.