Safety Audits As Per IS 14489:2018
Identifying vulnerable areas and potential hazards is crucial for loss prevention in any industry. Safety audits play a key role in this function. The aim of these audits is to ensure compliance with Indian standards and other regulatory norms.
According to the Factories Act, 1948 (Section 7A), it is the occupier's duty to provide a safe working environment for employees. Safety audits are one method to evaluate the provided safety measures. Conducting safety audits should be an integral part of any organization's safety management system. They help check the adequacy and application of the organization’s safety policies and arrangements.
As per the Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit (OSHA) (IS 14489:2018), audits aim to achieve one or more of the following goals:
- Give the auditee a chance to assess its own OS&H system against a standard and pinpoint areas for improvement
- Ensure the implemented OS&H system complies with specified requirements and identify improvement areas
- Fulfill regulatory requirements
Audits may be periodic or prompted by significant changes in the OS&H system, process, product, or service, or by a need to follow up on corrective actions.
The primary objective of these audits is to carry out a systematic and critical evaluation of all potential hazards involving personnel, plant, services, and operational methods, ensuring the OS&H system meets legal requirements and the company's safety policies and objectives.
Methodology of Safety Audit
- Thorough review of all Safety, Health, and Environment documents and records provided by the company
- Validation and examination of documents/records
- Detailed observation rounds of the plant, including process areas, storage areas, and utility blocks. Unsafe conditions/acts needing immediate corrective measures were pointed out to officials and supervisors during these rounds.
- In-depth discussions with managers, supervisors, safety personnel, and team members on audit-related matters
- Evaluation of accident prevention measures
- Assessment of Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC)
- Analysis of safety procedures, systems, and practices
- Observation of working conditions and operating methods, including the storage/handling of raw materials and finished products
- Identification of occupational health hazards
- Checking the adequacy of fixed and portable firefighting arrangements
- Comments on statutory compliance
Process of Occupational Safety & Health Audit
Steps
Opening Meeting
Onsite visit to concerned departments, site round - Sample Audit-Inspection
Documents review – Discussion with end users
Management Briefing with Closing meeting - Auditee and auditor’s observations
Draft Report Submission for review & Corrections
Final Report uploading by auditor on DISH portal
Preparation of action taken report by organization
Uploading ATR on DISH portal by organization