Workplace safety reduces risk and keeps companies protected against liability claims. Therefore, to ensure that your business is complying with safety laws and regulations, it pays to schedule a workplace safety audit and inspection. There is a wealth of information on the HSA website.
Maintaining a Safer Working Environment
Not only should an audit and inspection review the physical conditions and activities at a work site, but it should also make sure that all the paperwork and records comply with the current safety mandates. At a minimum, an auditing and inspection firm should make sure that the safety prerequisites are being met per the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. Guidelines should also be established per the General Applications Regulations for 2007.
Types of Regulations that Are Reviewed
Other regulations are typically reviewed as well depending on the work activities and the nature of the work site. Regulations cover construction, machinery use, chemical agents, and confined space. When collecting and analysing this information, a detailed report is created that highlights the strengths of an operation’s system and the areas that need improvement.
Performing an Audit
Make sure you work with a company that can help you improve your safety processes, so the amount of time to achieve compliance is minimised. This will also reduce risk in a shorter time. Typically, when a safety audit is performed, the following steps are taken:
- A review is made of a company’s Safety Statement.
- The auditor reviews the supporting safety paperwork, including records and processes.
- The evaluator interviews key employees about the tasks and functions they perform on the job.
- A safety inspection is made of the workplace.
- A report is prepared regarding the findings and recommendations.
Where to Begin
Related Posts
To learn more about the above process, visit a site, such as http://www.businesssafety.ie/. This is an excellent place to begin, especially if you want to schedule an audit and inspection. By having a safety audit, your business can meet compliance requirements while receiving an objective evaluation of its current health and safety standards.
Remaining Compliant
After an audit is performed, you will receive a list of prioritised activities meant to better manage risks and enhance the standards you have set for safety. The 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act requires that companies have specific safety procedures in place. Again, when you schedule an audit and inspection, you can comply with these requirements.
Setting Priorities
You might say that safety itself does not come about by accident. That is why it is essential to make sure that your work site is fulfilling specific regulatory guidelines. Therefore, maintaining a safe working environment is not just a social obligation, it makes good sense from a business standpoint. When a business prioritises safety activities, it engages in the following activities:
- Identifying hazards
- Assessing risk
- Ensuring sufficient risk control measures are in place
- Writing safety-related policies
Ensuring that the Guidelines Are Met
To back up the above-listed activities, you need to do the following:
- Report mishaps and record them in writing
- Provide first aid kits
- Enrol in coverage for employer’s liability insurance
- Notify the local authority and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) about your business operations
Safety should never be taken lightly. Try to eliminate dangers or hazards at the source.