OHS Audits: Requirements, Steps & Best Practices (+ Free Checklists)

Workplace safety matters, and not just because it’s a legal obligation. At the end of the day, it’s about making sure everyone goes home safe. That’s where occupational health and safety (OHS) audits come in. Acting as workplace health check-ups, OHS audits assess your safety policies, everyday practices, and potential trouble spots before small issues become big problems. 

This article will break down different OHS audit types, outline how to perform them, and explain why they’re worth the time and effort you invest. Also, we’ve included free downloadable & customizable checklists to help you get started.

What are OHS Audits?

​An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) audit is a systematic evaluation of an organization’s compliance with health and safety regulations and standards. It involves a thorough review of workplace policies, procedures, and on-the-ground practices to ensure they effectively mitigate risks and protect employees. 

OHS audits and inspections serve several critical functions:

• Uncovering potential workplace hazards that may not be evident during routine operations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and standards.
• Assessing the effectiveness of existing safety management systems and identifying areas for improvement.
• Providing insights that inform the development and enhancement of safety policies and procedures.
• Facilitating the process of obtaining and maintaining recognized safety certifications.

OHS compliance audits should be conducted at least annually. However, the frequency of OHS audits depends on multiple organizational and regulatory factors. They are:

• Industries with inherently higher risks, such as construction, manufacturing, and mining, require more frequent audits as these environments present greater hazards.
• Legal obligations often dictate minimum audit intervals. For instance, some jurisdictions or agencies, like OSHA, may mandate OHS compliance audits at specific intervals, such as every three years.
• Larger organizations or those with complex structures may face a wider range of safety risks, necessitating more frequent and systematic audit schedules.
• A history of workplace incidents, especially frequent or severe ones, indicates underlying issues. In such cases, increasing audit frequency can help identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Introducing new equipment, processes, or workflows can bring unknown risks. Audits after such changes can reassess and mitigate emerging hazards effectively.

Who Performs OHS Audits 

OHS audits can be conducted either internally or externally.

OHS internal audits are conducted by employees within the organization, typically members of the health and safety team or other trained staff. Internal audits are generally more cost-effective and can be performed more frequently. However, it’s crucial to ensure that internal auditors maintain objectivity and impartiality to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

External audits are performed by independent third-party professionals or organizations specializing in OHS compliance. External audits are particularly beneficial for obtaining objective assessments, benchmarking against industry standards, and achieving or maintaining certifications such as ISO 45001. The independence of external audits enhances the credibility of the audit findings.

Aspect	Internal Audits	External Audits
Conducted by	Employees within the organization	Independent third-party professionals
Objectivity	May be influenced by internal relationships; requires measures to ensure impartiality	High, due to independence from the organization
Cost	Generally lower, using existing internal resources	Higher, involving fees for external services
Frequency	Can be conducted regularly	Typically less frequent, often aligned with certification or regulatory schedules
Expertise Level	Familiarity with internal processes; may require additional training for specialized knowledge	Specialized knowledge and experience with current industry standards and regulations
Credibility	Valuable for internal assessments and improvements	Enhanced credibility with external stakeholders and regulatory agencies

How are OHS Audits Different from OHS Inspections and Risk Assessments?

​Understanding the distinctions between OHS audits, inspections, and risk assessments is crucial for maintaining a safe workplace. ​

OHS Inspections

They are more frequent, focused examinations of the workplace aimed at identifying immediate hazards and ensuring that safety measures are in place and functioning correctly. They concentrate on specific areas, equipment, or processes to detect potential risks that could lead to accidents or injuries. OHS inspections are often conducted by safety officers or supervisors and may occur daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the organization’s needs and the nature of the work environment.​

OHS Risk Assessments

They involve a thorough analysis of workplace activities to identify potential hazards, evaluate the associated risks, and determine appropriate control measures. OHS risk assessments are conducted during the planning stages of new processes, when introducing new equipment, or in response to changes in the work environment. The process includes identifying hazards, assessing the likelihood and severity of harm, and implementing measures to eliminate or control the risks. 

Aspect	OHS Audits	OHS Inspections	OHS Risk Assessments
Purpose	Evaluates overall compliance and effectiveness of safety systems	Identifies immediate hazards and ensures compliance with safety measures	Assesses risks associated with workplace activities and determines control measures
When Conducted	Periodically (e.g., annually or bi-annually)	Regularly (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly)	Before starting new processes, introducing new equipment, or after incidents
Who Conducts It	Internal or external auditors	Safety officers, supervisors, or designated personnel	Safety professionals, management, or employees trained in risk assessment
Focus	Comprehensive review of policies, procedures, and compliance	Checking workplace conditions, equipment, and safety practices	Identifying hazards, analyzing risks, and implementing preventive measures
Outcome	Report with findings, compliance status, and recommendations for improvement	Identification of hazards and corrective actions	Risk control measures and strategies to minimize workplace hazards
Role in OHS	Ensures the effectiveness of safety management systems	Provides ongoing hazard monitoring and compliance checks	Prevents incidents by managing risks

While OHS audits, inspections, and risk assessments have distinct focuses and timings, they complement each other within an OHS management system. OHS risk assessments identify and mitigate potential hazards before they manifest. OHS inspections act as regular checks to ensure that control measures are effective and that new risks have not emerged. OHS compliance audits provide a periodic, comprehensive evaluation of the entire safety system, ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant regulations. 

Types of OHS Audits

Understanding the different types of OHS audits can help you ensure a safer work environment and maintain regulatory compliance.

OHS Compliance Audits

Compliance audits focus on verifying adherence to applicable laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies related to occupational health and safety. They involve a thorough review of safety programs, employee training records, and documentation practices to ensure they meet legal requirements. Conducting regular OHS compliance audits helps identify areas where your organization may be at risk of non-compliance, allowing you to address issues and avoid potential legal penalties.​

Program Audits

Program audits evaluate the design and effectiveness of specific safety programs within your organization. They assess whether these programs are achieving their intended safety outcomes and identify areas for improvement. Program audits provide insights into the practical implementation of safety initiatives by analyzing individual components and gathering input from employees. These audits are performed to ensure safety programs are well-designed and effectively executed.​

Management System Audits

Management system audits combine elements of program and OHS compliance audits to assess how well the safety management system aligns with company policies and regulatory standards. They typically involve reviewing documentation, conducting employee interviews, and observing workplace practices to provide a holistic view of the effectiveness of your safety management system.

Key Objectives and Benefits of OHS Inspections

OHS inspections offer numerous benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of employees and the efficiency of organizational operations.​

• Regular OHS inspections ensure adherence to laws and regulations, helping organizations avoid legal penalties and uphold their reputations. ​
• OHS inspections help identify potential hazards, allowing for the implementation of control measures to mitigate risks. This significantly reduces workplace injuries and illnesses. ​
• Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) during OHS inspections enables benchmarking against industry standards. This highlights areas for improvement and tracks the effectiveness of safety initiatives over time. ​
• OHS inspections identify trends and patterns that inform long-term improvements and assess the adequacy of existing safety policies and protocols. 
• Effective OHS inspections contribute to cost reduction by decreasing workplace accidents, leading to fewer compensation claims and reduced legal risks. ​
• OHS inspections demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, enhance morale and productivity, encourage proactive participation in maintaining a safe workplace, and reinforce a safety culture within the organization.

Essential OHS Requirements for Effective Audits & Inspections

Here are the key requirements for conducting OHS audits and inspections.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

Regular risk assessments identify and mitigate workplace hazards. The frequency of these assessments varies based on the organization’s nature, workplace changes, and specific regulations. While some workplaces conduct risk assessments monthly, others may do so semi-annually or annually. ​

Common hazards identified during OHS risk assessments include:​

• Physical Hazards: Machinery-related injuries, noise, and temperature extremes.​
• Chemical Hazards: Exposure to harmful substances like acids, solvents, or fumes.​
• Biological Hazards: Risks from bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.​
• Ergonomic Hazards: Issues arising from repetitive movements or improper workstation setups.​
• Psychosocial Hazards: Stress, workplace violence, or harassment.​

GoAudits offers a wide range of free checklists that can help you document and assess different types of risks and take corrective measures accordingly.

• Internal Audit Risk Assessment Checklist
• Job Risk Assessment Template
• Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
• Ergonomic Risk Assessment Template
• Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist
• Confined Space Risk Assessment Form
• WHS Risk Assessment Template
• Noise Risk Assessment Template
• Risk Assessment for Allergies in the Workplace Template
• DSEAR Risk Assessment Checklist
• Hazard Identification Form

Prioritizing these risks involves evaluating their severity and likelihood. Hazards with high severity and probability, or those affecting numerous workers, should receive immediate attention. 

Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)

An OHSMS provides a structured framework for managing health and safety risks. ISO 45001 is the internationally recognized standard for OHSMS, applicable to organizations of all sizes and industries. It emphasizes leadership engagement, context analysis, and risk-based thinking, aligning with other ISO management system standards. 

GoAudits offers a free internal OHSMS audit checklist to help you assess and evaluate your occupational health and safety plans, policies, and programs, as well as their implementations. With an ISO 45001 audit checklist, you can conduct a comprehensive audit of your OHSMS and prepare for ISO 45001 certification. 

Compliance with Laws and Standards

It involves understanding applicable regulations and identifying relevant local, national, and international OHS laws.​ Implementing necessary controls can help establish measures to meet legal obligations and safeguard employees.​ Regularly reviewing and enhancing OHS practices can ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.

Employee Training and Awareness

Effective safety programs begin with thorough employee training, so they can perform their tasks safely. Training should cover hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures, and instructing workers on how to report injuries, illnesses, incidents, and concerns ensures that issues are promptly addressed. ​

Consultation and Worker Participation

Involving workers in OHS planning, implementation, and evaluation processes through regular safety meetings and collaborative discussions is essential. Employees often have firsthand knowledge of workplace hazards and can provide valuable insights into potential risks and solutions. Establishing an open-door policy encourages workers to communicate safety and health concerns without fear of retaliation. ​

Incident Reporting and Investigation

A robust system for reporting and investigating incidents encourages employees to report injuries, illnesses, close calls, and unsafe conditions, enabling timely interventions. Employers should respond promptly to reports, involve workers in finding solutions, identify root causes, implement corrective measures, and communicate actions taken. ​

You can use these GoAudits checklists to report near misses, incidents, and accidents.

• Near Miss Incident Report
• Worksite Incident Report Checklist
• Incident Investigation Template
• Accident Investigation Checklist

Safety Measures

Implementing appropriate safety measures, such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear, is fundamental to protecting workers. Employers should assess workplace hazards to determine necessary PPE, ensure its proper use, and provide training on its correct usage. Regular inspections and maintenance of safety equipment are also essential to maintain their effectiveness. ​

Medical Evaluations and Health Monitoring

Regular medical evaluations and health monitoring help in early detection of work-related illnesses and conditions. Implementing health surveillance programs allows employers to assess the effectiveness of existing control measures and make necessary adjustments.

Steps to Perform Internal OHS Audits

Here are the key steps to perform an OHS internal audit:​

1. Define the Scope

Begin by clearly identifying the areas and practices to be audited. This includes specifying work areas, facilities, equipment, materials, and departments. A well-defined scope ensures a focused and efficient audit process. ​

2. Assemble the Audit Team

Form a team with diverse expertise, including representatives from operations, engineering, maintenance, and health and safety departments. Involving personnel with varied perspectives enhances the audit’s comprehensiveness. ​

3. Review Documentation

Examine existing safety policies, compliance records, and previous audit reports. This review helps in understanding current practices and identifying areas needing improvement. ​

4. Create a Digital Checklist

Develop a checklist aligned with health and safety SOPs and safety procedures to guide the audit process. Using digital checklists can streamline data collection and analysis, ensuring consistency and efficiency. ​

5. Conduct the Internal OHS Audit

Use OHS app & software like GoAudits to perform the OHS internal audit. Inspect the identified areas, observe work practices, and interview employees. Document findings, note any non-conformities or potential hazards, and engage staff during the OHS internal audits to gain valuable insights into the practical implementation of safety procedures.

6. Review and Analyze Audit Results

Begin by thoroughly examining the audit findings to identify areas of non-compliance and potential hazards. Assess the severity and likelihood of incidents associated with each identified hazard to prioritize corrective actions effectively. ​

7. Prepare and Share the Audit Report

Document the audit outcomes comprehensively, detailing identified issues, their potential impact, and recommended corrective measures. Distribute this report to relevant stakeholders, including management and safety committees, to ensure transparency and collective decision-making. ​

8. Implement Corrective Actions

Develop a structured action plan addressing the prioritized risks. Assign responsibilities and set clear timelines for each corrective measure. Effective implementation is vital for mitigating identified hazards and enhancing workplace safety. ​

9. Follow Up on Findings

Regularly monitor the progress of implemented actions to verify their effectiveness. Conduct follow-up audits or inspections to ensure that corrective measures are sustained and that no new issues have arisen. 

Free Checklists to Simplify OHS Audits 

GoAudits offers a whole collection of free health and safety audit checklist templates. Simply sign up for free and start using them today:

• OHS Workplace Inspection Checklist
• Office OHS Checklist
• Internal OHSMS Audit (AS/NZS4801:2001)
• Occupational Health and Safety Checklist
• Small Business Health and Safety Checklist
• Workplace Inspection Checklist
• JSA Form – Job Safety Analysis Checklist
• Office Safety Inspection Checklist
• Workplace Safety Checklist
• Office Health & Safety Checklist
• Safety and Health Inspection Checklist
• Safety Audit Template
• Internal Audit Risk Assessment Checklist
• Office Hazards Checklist