SHEQ Management provides both formative and comprehensive WHS audits and inspections to ensure that your organisation meets the required standards to operate safely in Australia.
In Australia, Work Health and Safety (WHS) audits and inspections are conducted to assess whether an organisation’s workplace health and safety practices comply with the relevant WHS legislation and regulations.
Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to WHS Audits & Inspections:
A WHS (Work Health and Safety) audit and inspection is a process of reviewing and evaluating a workplace’s compliance with WHS laws and regulations to identify potential hazards and risks to workers’ health and safety. The audit and inspection help organisations to improve their WHS management systems and ensure a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
The legal requirements for conducting a WHS audit and inspection vary depending on the state or territory in which the workplace is located. In Western Australia companies are required to comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) which outlines the duties of employers and the responsibilities of workers to ensure health and safety in the workplace.
In Western Australia organisations must additionally comply with the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022.
A WHS audit and inspection can be conducted by a person or organisation with expertise in WHS management systems, such as a WHS consultant, an internal or external auditor, or a WHS regulator.
SHEQ Management can also conduct or assist with internal audits of management systems in preparation for ISO accreditations.
The key elements of a WHS audit and inspection include a review of the workplace’s policies and procedures related to WHS, identification of potential hazards and risks, evaluation of the effectiveness of the WHS management system, and recommendations for improvement.
The frequency of a WHS audit and inspection depends on the size of the workplace, the level of risk, and the industry in which the workplace operates. Generally, audits and inspections should be conducted at least annually, but may be required more frequently in high-risk workplaces or industries.
Non-compliance with WHS laws and regulations can result in legal and financial penalties, as well as damage to the reputation of the business or organisation. In severe cases, non-compliance can result in serious injury or death of workers.
A business or organisation can prepare for a WHS audit and inspection by ensuring that all relevant policies and procedures related to WHS are in place and up to date, conducting regular risk assessments, providing appropriate training to employees, and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Common issues identified during a WHS audit and inspection include inadequate risk assessments, inadequate training and supervision, poor management of hazardous materials, lack of appropriate personal protective equipment, and insufficient emergency procedures.
Businesses and organisations can address the issues identified during a WHS audit and inspection by implementing recommendations for improvement and working to embed a culture of employee engagement and regular consultation. Employees should be consulted to identify and address workplace hazards to help ensure continuous improvement and a safe workplace.
A business or organisation can demonstrate compliance with WHS laws and regulations by maintaining up-to-date policies and procedures related to WHS, conducting regular risk assessments, providing appropriate training to employees, and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, businesses and organizations should keep records of WHS activities and maintain regular communication with employees about WHS issues.
