How to Conduct a Construction Safety Audit

Difference Between Safety Audits and Safety Inspections

Safety audits and inspections are the cornerstones of construction safety. While these terms often get used interchangeably, they have distinct differences.

A safety audit is a more comprehensive and systematic evaluation of an organization’s safety processes, procedures, and overall safety management system. It typically involves a detailed review of safety policies, training programs, documentation, and compliance with safety regulations. Safety audits generally are conducted annually or biannually.

On the other hand, a safety inspection is a more focused examination of specific workplace conditions, equipment, and practices to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards. Regular construction site inspections can help identify and correct immediate risk concerns.

Benefits of a Safety Audit in Construction

The advantages of a construction safety audit go beyond compliance with regulations and industry standards. Construction companies that undergo regular safety audits can expect an improvement in their overall safety performance, similar to what Level 10 Construction experienced. Some other benefits of a safety audit include:

• Reduction in Accidents and Injuries – Construction companies can significantly reduce the number of accidents and injuries on their sites by identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions.
• Improved Employee Morale – Employees who feel safe at work are more likely to have higher job satisfaction, leading to improved morale and productivity.
• Cost Savings – Fewer accidents and injuries also mean lower costs associated with medical expenses, worker’s compensation claims, and potential project delays.
• Enhanced Reputation – Companies that prioritize safety through regular audits demonstrate their commitment to their workers’ well-being, which can improve their reputation in the industry. It can also attract top talent and potential clients who value safety.
• Legal Compliance – Safety audits help construction companies comply with local, state, and federal safety regulations and avoid costly fines and penalties.
• Continuous Improvement – Regular safety audits allow continuous improvement in construction safety procedures and practices, creating a safer work environment for all workers.

Key Elements of a Safety Audit

Every safety audit includes several essential elements. Here’s what to expect from a thorough safety audit:

• Regularity – Regular safety audits, like annual or semi-annual, can help the workplace achieve better results over time.
• Objective and Competent Auditors – Auditors should be trained and knowledgeable about safety regulations, processes, and procedures. For the best results, hire professionals or train in-house individuals with the expertise needed to conduct a successful safety audit.
• Advanced Preparation – Safety auditors should have access to all relevant safety documents, including policies, procedures, training records, incident reports, and past audit results, to effectively assess the company’s current safety status.
• Complete Recordkeeping – After the safety audit, auditors will create a detailed report with findings and recommendations to help the company identify areas for improvement and track progress.
• Data Analysis – Analyzing data collected during the audit can help identify trends and patterns, allowing for targeted improvements and corrective actions.
• Modern Technology – Construction safety management software can help comply with safety audit standards and OSHA requirements. It can include digital checklists, incident reporting tools, and real-time data tracking for better analysis.

Types of Safety Audits in the Construction Industry

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction has the second-highest number of workplace deaths among all industries, following truck drivers. The “Fatal Four“—falls, being struck by equipment, getting caught between objects, and electrocutions—make up 65% of all construction-related fatalities. Therefore, it is essential to conduct thorough safety audits regularly to prevent these accidents.

There are various types of safety audits that construction companies can conduct, including:

Compliance Audits

A compliance audit ensures the construction site meets federal, state, and local safety regulations. These audits typically involve a detailed documentation review, including permits, licenses, and training records.

Failure to comply with safety regulations can result in hefty fines, legal actions, and even project shutdowns.

Program Audits

A program audit assesses the effectiveness of safety programs and procedures implemented on a construction site. This type of audit aims to identify gaps or weaknesses in existing safety protocols and make recommendations for improvement.

The audit can involve these steps:

• Reviewing incident logging and investigation processes
• Determining the cause
• Improving existing policies to prevent the incident from happening again

Management System Audits

A management system audit assesses a construction company’s safety management system. It involves reviewing the company’s safety policies, procedures, and processes at every level, from upper management to frontline workers.

Performing this type of audit ensures all aspects of a construction project are safe and all employees are committed to creating a safe working environment.

How to Conduct a Proper Safety Audit in Construction

Here are some general steps to follow when conducting a construction safety audit:

Prepare for the Audit

• Notify the safety team, supervisors, and managers that an audit is coming up. Have them gather all necessary legal documents and ensure safety procedures are in place.
• Review past audit results and corrective action recommendations to ensure the company follows them.
• Define what the audit will cover.
• Set a timeline for the audit, including the start date and all days spent auditing the company until the projected end date.

Conduct the Audit

• Check each area’s safety protocols, including facilities and equipment.
• Use a checklist for the audit to cover all essential aspects.
• Interview employees and ask questions regarding their understanding of safety procedures and potential hazards.
• Review and document records to identify any incomplete or missing documents.

Review The Findings

• Compile all findings and identify areas for improvement.
• Prioritize the issues based on severity to determine which ones need immediate attention.
• Develop an action plan with specific corrective actions, timelines, and assigned responsibilities.

Present The Report

• Prepare a detailed report that includes all audit findings, observations, and recommendations.
• Share the report with relevant stakeholders, including management, supervisors, employees, and safety committees.