Health and Safety Audit Procedure

The MBSA Star Grading is a system that was specifically designed for rating construction sites. Considering that sites are essentially temporary working environments, the classification process is somewhat less complex compared to similar systems.

The system audits according to the following criteria:

• Administrative and legal requirements
• Health and safety education and training
• Physical site conditions (with emphasis on areas that cause the most incidents)
• Health and hygiene

Stars are awarded as follows:

Number of Disabling Injuries

The audit takes into account the number of D.I. (Disabling Injuries) experienced in the past 12 months for projects that are longer than 12 months in operation or the number of D.I. experienced over the actual period since the start of the project if the project is less than 12 months in operation. 

D.I. as defined in the National OHS Competition Policy, equates to an injury that causes a worker to lose one complete shift (or longer). For example, a normal work shift might be from 08h00 to 17h00. If a worker is injured at 08h05 and remains off duty for the rest of the shift but is back at work the next morning at 08h00, this is not a disabling injury.

However, if he stays away the day after the accident for a complete work shift (08h00 to 17h00) or longer, it becomes a Disabling Injury. Disabling Injuries also includes instances where the injured worker is sent for medical treatment, returns to work but is not employed in his normal vocation or has modified duties.                

Calculation of DIFR for projects that are more than 12 months in operation:                     

Number of Disabling Injuries (past 12 months) x 200 00 ÷ Total Man-hours Worked (past 12 months)                                                                                              

Calculation of the DIFR for projects that are less than 12 months in operation:       

Number of Disabling Injuries x (200 000 x No. of months in operation ÷ 12) ÷ Total Manhours Worked (since the start of the project)                                                                        

Introduction to the Health and Safety Audit Procedure

1. The Importance of Health and Safety Audits

   Health and Safety Audits are systematic evaluations conducted to assess the effectiveness of health and safety measures within a workplace. The audits help to identify potential hazards, ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, and ultimately fostering a safer working environment.

2. What does a Health and Safety Audit entail?

   A Health and Safety audit involves a comprehensive examination of health and safety documentation such as appointments, proof of training, health and safety plan, policies, procedures, equipment and practices within an organisation. It aims to pinpoint areas of improvement and ensure adherence to health and safety standards.

3. Preparation for a Safety Audit

   Before initiating a health safety audit, it is important to understand what will be required from the organisation during the process and familiarise yourself with the MBSA system utilised by the Association.

4. Gathering necessary documents

   Organisations need to compile relevant health and safety documents, including appointment letters, proof of training, health and safety plans, risk assessments, checklist policies, incident reports and compliance records, to facilitate a thorough audit.

5. Ensuring compliance with the OHS Act and its Regulations.

Reviewing and confirming adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations and industry standards is essential preparation for a successful audit.

Conducting a Health and Safety Audit

Once the groundwork is laid, conducting a Health and Safety Audit involves a structured process.

1. Step-by-Step process

   The MBSA Health and Safety Audit involves inspection, observation and sampling to assess workplace health and safety. It includes examining physical conditions, reviewing safety protocols and engaging with employees to gauge their awareness and understanding of safety measures.

2. Identifying Health and Safety issues

   During audits, several common safety issues tend to surface.

3. Common findings in Health and Safety Audits

   These may include inadequate compliance with the OHS Act and its Regulations, poor management of physical elements, emergency procedures, poorly maintained equipment, lack of proper signage, or insufficient training programmes.

4. Reporting and documenting issues

Accurate documentation of identified issues is crucial. This documentation serves as the basis for implementing corrective actions.

Addressing Health and Safety Audit Findings

1. Prioritising and categorising Issues

   Upon identifying health and safety issues, prioritising them based on severity and potential impact is essential. Categorizing issues allows for a structured approach to resolving them.

2. Implementing corrective actions

Timely and effective corrective actions are crucial to rectify identified safety issues. This may involve revising protocols, conducting additional training, or investing in upgraded safety equipment.

Continuous Improvement in Safety

1. Importance of ongoing evaluations

   Health and Safety is an evolving aspect of any workplace. Regular evaluations beyond audits ensure that safety measures remain effective and relevant.

2. Incorporating feedback and best practice

Feedback from employees and industry best practice should be integrated to continually enhance safety protocols.

Benefits of Regular Safety Audits

1. Enhanced workplace Health and Safety culture

   Regular Health and Safety Audits foster a culture of safety consciousness among employees, promoting accountability and proactive hazard identification.

2. Cost-Saving advantages

Preventing accidents through effective safety measures not only safeguards individuals but also minimises financial costs associated with workplace incidents.

Legal implications and compliance

1. Ensuring adherence to legal standards: Compliance with legal regulations is of the utmost importance. The MBSA Health and Safety Audit system ensures that organisations meet these standards.
2. Consequences of non-compliance: Failure to adhere to health and safety regulations can result in penalties, lawsuits, reputation damage and most importantly, compromised employee health and safety.

Measuring the effectiveness of Health and Safety Audits

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

   Establishing measurable KPIs helps in quantifying the effectiveness of safety measures implemented post-audit.

2. Evaluating the success of safety measures

Regular assessment of KPIs aids in determining the success of health and safety initiatives and areas that require improvement.

Challenges in Health and Safety Audits: Overcoming common obstacles.

Challenges such as resistance to change, resource limitations, or complex workplace environments can hinder the audit process. Strategies are needed to overcome these hurdles.

Strategies for a successful audit process

Adopting innovative approaches, fostering an organisational culture where health and safety are prioritised, and investing in training and technology can mitigate challenges in audits.

Conclusion

Health and Safety Audit procedures serve as an important evaluation tool in ensuring workplace health and safety compliance. From audit preparation to addressing audit findings and implementing continuous improvement, these procedures not only mitigate risks but also cultivate a culture of safety.

Neil Enslin

Head: Occupational Health and Safety