Alexis Hughes

Embarking on a journey toward safety excellence involves more than routine audits and inspections—it requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. To guide you through this process, we've distilled key insights from a comprehensive white paper: "Driving Safety Excellence through Audits & Inspections." The paper, the result of interviews with numerous EHS experts, delves into 14 best practices that span the entire audit lifecycle.

Here are some key learnings:

Preparing for an Audit or Inspection

1. Ensure Clear Scope Definition:

   - Define audit scope and objectives with measurable goals.

2. Foster Mentorship within the Audit Team:

   - Promote mentorship for knowledge sharing and innovation.

3. Embrace Agile Principles:

   - Divide audits into sprints for adaptability using audit management software.

4. Regularly Communicate:

   - Automate reminders and establish various communication channels.

Performing an Audit or Inspection

1. Prioritize Data to Collect:

   - Develop tailored audit checklists focusing on safety culture.

2. Uncover the Invisible Culture:

   - Train auditors in subtle observation techniques for nuanced insights.

3. Real-Time Issue Reporting:

   - Implement a real-time reporting system with mobile capabilities.

4. Emphasize Root Cause Analysis:

   - Encourage deep dives into identifying and resolving root causes.

5. Implement Robust Change Controls:

   - Maintain audit focus through a strong change control process.

Following Up on an Audit or Inspection

1. Cultivate Change-Minded Recommendations:

   - Propose bold initiatives for cultural shifts.

2. Find Safety Narratives in the Data:

   - Analyze audit data for patterns and correlations.

3. Create a Structured Feedback Mechanism:

   - Share best practices and establish post-audit surveys for feedback.

4. Training Report Reviewers for In-Depth Analysis:

   - Train reviewers to explore subtleties within audit results.

5. Embrace an Agile Scope for Ongoing Safety:

   - Leverage audit management software for agile scope adjustments.