5 Essentials of Construction Management Safety Audits

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When it comes to the construction business, physical danger is always nearby. Essential to making sure workers remain safe is periodic safety audits. These must be handled correctly or serious flaws are likely to go unchecked.

With that being said, consistency is key and following protocols is of the most vital importance. So, if you’re on a management team a reminder of best practices is always a great way to maintain this – and ensure that you’re audits clear with smooth sailing. 

Here are five practices that can improve the effectiveness and overall success of construction site safety audits.

1. Audit Regularly

Perform at least two safety audits per year. Supervisors and managers have a tendency to become lax when they know one isn’t forthcoming. Consider mixing up when inspections occur. Recognize that safety audits are separate from facility inspections. Both are necessary when it comes to assuring compliance with safety guidelines.

2. Stay Objective

As a construction business owner, it can be difficult to accept that your workers are engaging in unsafe practices. One way of eliminating this stumbling block is by hiring outside consultants to handle your audit.

If you elect to take care of the matter in-house, form a team with three to five individuals solidly versed in workplace safety standards and that you know will provide an honest assessment. Check that those tasked with auditing your operation are well-informed regarding relevant OSHA regulations. 

3. Prepare Beforehand

Inform managers that paperwork must be gathered ahead of safety audits. Individuals conducting checks should become familiar with previous reviews and recommended corrective actions. Refresh your team on laws that must be observed and provide instruction regarding the scope of your inspection. These measures can greatly improve efficiency and overall effectiveness.

4. Analyze Thoroughly

Your safety audit is only as good as the report that your inspection generates. Make certain that every aspect of your operation is examined and incorporated into your final analysis. Take note of whether best practices are being observed, as well as whether documentation confirming safety compliance exists. Identify whether past employee training has been effective. Report summaries should offer clear suggestions for specific and feasible adjustments.

5. Use Technology

The construction industry is blessed with software that makes safety audits far easier. One of the best programs is EHS Auditing from Dakota Software. Using it makes identifying worker compliance much simpler. Built-in checklists help assure that nothing is overlooked, comparison with previous audits is a breeze and generating corrective action plans becomes a snap. 

Partner Up With The Best, To Ensure A Safe Workplace 

Conducting a construction site safety audit requires serious effort and expertise. Improperly performing a safety check may cause serious violations to be missed. If you would rather avoid the burden of executing one or desire a second opinion, hire Construction Safety Experts to manage a review on your behalf.

Our safety experts provide a comprehensive audit of your health and safety programs, training, record keeping and accountability systems to help identify deficiencies before actual inspection. Services include mock OSHA surveys, work-site evaluations, job hazard analysis and accident investigation. Contact us online or call us directly at (919) 463-0669 for a consultation today!