An EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) audit is an independent, systematic, risk-based assessment designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's EHS management systems. It involves following a structured audit program, plan, and checklist to assess and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.
Objectives and Benefits of the EHS Audit Process:
- To establish and implement clear EHS policies and objectives.
- To identify and mitigate EHS risks and hazards, eliminating potential threats to employees and the environment.
- To ensure standardization and consistency in EHS implementation, maintaining ongoing improvements in the system.
- To create uniformity in the implementation and documentation of EHS procedures across the organization.
- To avoid duplication of efforts and optimize time, resources, and efforts.
- To simplify the management of multiple systems by integrating EHS audit processes.
The audit process begins with identifying key areas of observation and discussing these findings during closed-door meetings with client representatives in the form of a draft audit report.
Guidelines for the Audit Process:
- Understand the scope of the audit, including key audit terms and standard references.
- Adhere to the principles of the audit process: maintain integrity, exercise professional care, and ensure a fair presentation of findings.
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the audit.
- Operate with independence while collecting evidence.
- Establish clear objectives for the audit program, evaluate its implementation, and monitor associated risks and opportunities.
- Continuously review and improve the audit process to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
- Prepare thoroughly for audit activities, including understanding the required auditor competencies and selecting appropriate evaluation methods.
- Ensure the improvement of auditor competence by focusing on personal behavior, knowledge, and skills.
- Identify the internal and external issues impacting the HSE management system and document work-related activities.
The HSE (Environment, Health, and Safety) Policy Includes:
- A commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment to prevent injuries and ill-health.
- Recognition of specific risks and opportunities, aligned with the organization’s size, purpose, and context.
- A framework for setting measurable HSE objectives.
- A strong leadership commitment to meeting legal and statutory requirements.
- A focus on reducing EHS risks and eliminating hazards.
- A commitment to the continuous improvement of the HSE management system.
- Promoting participation and consultation with workers to ensure ongoing engagement.
Leadership and Commitment from an Organizational Perspective:
- Top management must demonstrate commitment to the EHS management system by ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
- Responsibilities and accountability for reducing workplace injuries and illnesses should be clearly established at the leadership level.
- Ensure alignment of the EHS policy and objectives with the organization’s strategic goals.
- Ensure the availability of necessary resources for the effective implementation of the EHS management system.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement in the organization’s EHS practices.
- Encourage leadership at all levels to support the EHS management system and contribute to its effectiveness.
- Ensure the system facilitates active worker participation and consultation.
- Support the existence and function of the EHS Committee, which plays a key role in safety oversight.
Role of the EHS Audit Process:
The EHS audit process ensures that the policy is documented, communicated within the organization, and made available to interested parties. It verifies roles, responsibilities, and authorities within the EHS management system, ensuring these are understood and communicated across all levels of the organization. Additionally, the audit process confirms that employees actively take ownership of their responsibilities concerning EHS management.
At Core EHS, our auditors also verify conformity with internationally recognized management standards such as ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. In addition to auditing, we advise clients on improving their audit processes, helping them identify the root causes of non-compliance or other deficiencies. Our reports outline priority issues based on the greatest risks, explaining where regulatory requirements are not being met, and recommending actions for improvement. We also look for innovative practices that can serve as models for others within the organization.
For more details on our safety audit services, visit Core EHS Safety Audits.