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Clients have a responsibility to ensure their projects are undertaken safely. If they feel their contractors are not performing as they should be, or are unsure what their performance is like, we can carry out a site audit. This will identify which parts of their projects are being done well and which need attention.
In this blog we explain the benefits of having an independent site audit and what they include.
What is the purpose of a site audit?
An audit of your site will clearly identify areas of your project which are in line with the latest health and safety regulations and those which are failing to reach the necessary standard. The site audit report will state what needs to be done to bring any failures up to a level where they comply with the latest legislation. The report will also show the level of priority assigned to each action which needs to be taken.
What does the site audit cover?
Site audits cover a variety of key areas, including:
- First aid facilities
- Fire prevention and emergency
- Site security
- Personal protective equipment
- Housekeeping
- Trip and fall safety
- Scaffolding
- Hand power tools
- Working at height
- Electrical safety
- General machinery, plant and equipment
- Confined spaces
- Incident, Injury and Accident Procedures
The report will also look at whether the site documentation is available and up to date, welfare facilities, if the site signage is displayed correctly and site safety.
As part of the section on site safety, audits have started to include feedback on whether sites are complying with the latest Covid-19 requirements.
Each area of the report will receive an overall percentage to show how well it is complying with health and safety regulations.
What risks do I face if I don’t have a site audit?
An independent site audit by health and safety experts shows clients are taking their responsibilities seriously. It shows the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) you are running your site in line with best practice.
If a site goes unaudited and failures go unchecked this can cause huge problems. If your site is not operating within current health and safety legislation, the HSE could issue an improvement notice or stop work on site altogether. The HSE charges £157 for every hour it takes, once a breach is found, to investigate breaches. Some contraventions may lead to court, heavier fines and gaining a reputation of being an unsafe client or contractor could follow as all cases are reported on the HSE website.
Why choose Acorn Safety Services to carry out your site audit?
All our site audits are undertaken by fully qualified and experienced health and safety consultants. As a minimum our health and safety consultants must hold Incorporated Membership (IMaPS) and membership of either IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) or IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health). They will provide expert advice on site to your team and feed back directly to you. We will provide you with a clear action plan to allow you to make on site improvements and record your progress.
To get help with Site Audits contact us today for more information!
