What are the best ways to conduct workplace safety audits?

2 Communicate your audits

The second step to conduct a successful workplace safety audit is to communicate it effectively. You need to inform the auditees about the purpose, scope, and schedule of your audits, as well as the expectations and requirements for their participation. You also need to establish a clear and open communication channel with the audit team and the management. Communicating your audits in advance can help you build trust, cooperation, and engagement among the stakeholders involved in the audit process.

3 Conduct your audits

The third step to conduct a successful workplace safety audit is to conduct it professionally. You need to follow the audit plan, checklist, and criteria that you have prepared, as well as the relevant audit standards and guidelines. You also need to collect sufficient and reliable evidence, such as observations, interviews, records, or tests, to support your audit findings and recommendations. Conducting your audits professionally can help you ensure the accuracy, consistency, and credibility of your audit results.

4 Report your audits

The fourth step to conduct a successful workplace safety audit is to report it clearly. You need to document your audit findings, recommendations, and conclusions in a concise and comprehensive audit report. You also need to communicate your audit report to the auditees, the management, and any other relevant parties. Reporting your audits clearly can help you provide feedback, recognition, and improvement opportunities for your laboratory safety performance and culture.

5 Follow up your audits

The fifth step to conduct a successful workplace safety audit is to follow up on it diligently. You need to monitor and verify the implementation and effectiveness of the corrective and preventive actions that you have recommended or agreed upon with the auditees. You also need to evaluate and review the audit process and outcomes, as well as the feedback and satisfaction of the stakeholders involved in the audit process. Following up your audits diligently can help you ensure the sustainability and continuous improvement of your laboratory safety management system.

6 Learn from your audits

The sixth and final step to conduct a successful workplace safety audit is to learn from it continuously. You need to identify and analyze the root causes, trends, and patterns of your audit findings and recommendations. You also need to share and disseminate the best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from your audits. Learning from your audits continuously can help you enhance your laboratory safety knowledge, skills, and culture.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?