Auditing Techniques
Auditing is an essential skill for health and safety professionals.
A health and safety audit can be used to assess a workplace's strengths and weaknesses prior to developing their safety management system and to check their progress in implementing their safety system.
Auditing Techniques is a five-day course that covers the techniques and principles of auditing, then takes participants into the field to conduct a mock audit and write a report. The program is fast paced and puts participants in a very realistic assessment role. Participants are required to put in extra time in the evening when on-site at the client facility.
A laptop and digital camera may be required. PPE will include hard hat, steel-toed boots, eye protection and hearing protection.
Who should attend
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Lead hands
- Team leaders
Week at a Glance
Day 1: Theory
Day 2: Audit Interview and Report
Day 3: Practice Audit
Day 4: Practice Audit
Day 5: Evaluation & Report Presentation
Optional – A SSM auditor can perform a calibration audit at your facility if required. An additional fee is required for this service.
Course Outline
Day 1: Introduction and Theory
- Systems
- Audit types
- Standards
- Audit process
- Legislation
- Process: Checklists, audit activity, planning exercise
Day 2: Audit Interview and Report
Interview Topics
- Communication
- Questions
- Rules
- Interview
- Accident/Incident exercise
Report Topics
- ABCs of report writing
- Format
- Practical exercise
Day 3 & 4: Practice Audit
Day 3 Activities
- Interview
- Document review
- Identify SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
- Report writing
- Begin preparing presentation
Day 4 Activities
- Inspection
- Observation
- Report writing – recommendations
- Audit score
- Prepare final presentation
Day 5: Presentation
- Introduction – Site Management Team & Safety Committee
- Team 1 report
- Team 2 report
- Team 3 report
- Overview
- Quiz
- Closing comments - Director Occupational Health & Safety Presentation of Safety Auditor Certificates
Participant Requirements
- OH&S experience or training
- Good communications skills
- PPE: exact requirements to be determined based on audit site; basic PPE requirements include gloves, boots, eye protection, coveralls.
- Site confidentiality agreement
- Transportation to and from client site
- Camera
- Laptop, if possible
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
There may be additional requirements depending on the site selected for assessment. Participants will be notified of these requirements and it will be the participant’s responsibility to meet them.
Preparation
To prepare for the course, participants are advised to review:
- Safety systems
- Local legislation