American workers have seen drastic improvements to their security, with the average daily number of fatalities decreasing from 38 in 1970 to 13 today. The implementation of safety standards have contributed greatly to reducing this number, but there is still some room for improvement. For this reason, companies must conduct safety audits.

But what is a safety audit? Safety audits are one of the best ways to maintain a secure workplace and keep all workers protected. Such inspections allow organizations to identify any potential risks and address them quickly. They also serve as an opportunity to evaluate security protocols and make improvements where necessary.

Here are seven reasons to conduct routine safety audits:

Monitor Compliance with Regulations

Monitoring compliance with regulations is a must for all organizations. Routine safety audits and inspections can ensure that workers follow the most current guidelines, contributing to a safe working environment.

In the United States, companies must follow OSHA guidelines to ensure worker safety. By setting up a regular inspection schedule, companies can ensure that all areas are compliant with OSHA standards. The same holds for any industry-specific regulations or safety protocols.

Some OSHA inspection protocols to consider in safety audits include:

• Properly labeling hazardous materials
• Ensuring adequate lighting and ventilation in work areas
• Certifying that workers have the necessary safety equipment
• Providing workers with adequate training on using machinery or tools

By implementing a reliable monitoring system, companies can ensure all these regulations are followed correctly.

Routine Safety Audits Ensure You Identify Hazards

Regular safety audits must become an integral part of any business or organization. These are necessary to evaluate hazards, which if left unchecked, could cause workplace accidents and injuries. They serve as the first line of defence in identifying potential risks and formulating plans for their resolution.

If conducted properly, these inspections can provide invaluable insight into which areas need more attention. With a thorough understanding of where the risk lies, companies can then create strategies to reduce them before they have a chance to cause harm.

Some hazards businesses might need to look out for may include:

Fire and Explosion

Fire and explosion risks are a significant concern since fire has the potential to cause vast destruction to property and life. Security checks must be conducted to identify any potential fire hazards and ensure that measures are in place to protect against flaming disasters.

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards must also be taken seriously, as electrical shocks can result in fatalities. Safety audits can help detect faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and other issues that may lead to short-circuiting.

Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality is a major hazard, especially in workplaces where hazardous materials are handled or stored. Inspections should include testing to ensure that air is free from contaminants, dust, and other harmful substances that could lead to illness or long-term health problems for workers.

Ensure Proper Equipment is Being Used

Using the proper equipment is essential for workplace security and can help prevent serious accidents or injuries. Through routine safety audits, organizations can check that all necessary protective gear is used correctly and keep employees safe from harm.

For instance, if an employee is working at heights, their employer should provide training on the appropriate fall arrest system and ensure proper training on installing and using it. The same goes for working with power tools or hazardous substances. Furthermore, any damaged equipment should be immediately replaced to prevent potential harm.

Organizations should also regularly inspect the workplace to ensure that all protective equipment is in good condition. For example, if an employee's safety harness is torn or frayed, it should be replaced immediately. Overall, ensuring proper equipment is used and maintained can help keep employees safe from potential harm and provide a secure work environment.

Additionally, investing in the proper safety equipment can help reduce costs and prevent costly accidents or injuries. Organizations can save money in the long run by avoiding potential risks and maintaining a safe workplace for all employees.

Wrapping Up

For those looking for a comprehensive solution, there are many safety auditing software programs available that streamline the process. These tools allow organizations to quickly check for compliance with regulations, review training programs, monitor changes in workplace conditions, and more.

Automating the audit process offers an efficient way to ensure wellbeing protocols are being followed while freeing up resources to focus on other essential tasks. You can leverage EHS software to customize audit checklists and simplify the audit process. Request a demo now.