Types of Audit as per OSHA
Types of Audit as per OSHA
1. Internal Audits (First-Party Audits)
Conducted by: Employees or managers from within the organization.
Purpose: To perform a self-evaluation, identify hazards, check compliance with internal programs, and prepare for external audits. This is a proactive measure and a core element of a continuous improvement safety culture.
OSHA Connection: OSHA strongly advocates for self-inspection as a critical part of any safety program. Their recommended Safety and Health Program Audit Tool is designed for exactly this purpose.
2. External Audits (Second-Party or Third-Party)
Conducted by:
Second-Party: An external entity with a direct interest in the company, such as a client, contractor, or insurance provider.
Third-Party: An independent, certified consultant or organization with no vested interest (e.g., a consulting firm aiming for a certification like ISO 45001).
OSHA Connection: While OSHA doesn't perform these, they recognize their value. An OSHA compliance officer's inspection is, in essence, a regulatory external audit.
3. Regulatory Audits (OSHA Inspections)
Conducted by: A Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) from OSHA.
Purpose: To enforce OSHA standards and regulations. These audits are not voluntary and are triggered by complaints, accidents, severe incidents, or programmed inspections (e.g., in high-hazard industries).
Outcome: Can result in citations and penalties for non-compliance.
Audits can also be categorized by what they are evaluating.
*Focus: Strictly on verifying adherence to specific OSHA standards and regulations.
Focus: Evaluating the effectiveness of the company's specific safety and health programs.
Method: Reviews written plans, employee training records, implementation, and management leadership for programs like:
*Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
*Hazard Communication (HazCom)
Focus: The overall structure and effectiveness of the entire safety and health management system, not just individual rules or programs.
Method: Based on a systematic framework like OSHA's own Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines or the international standard ISO 45001. It looks at elements like:
*Management Leadership & Employee Participation
*Hazard Identification & Assessment
*Hazard Prevention & Control
*Education & Training
*Program Evaluation & Improvement
Comments
Post a Comment