Mastering EHS Audits: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Importance and Maximizing Your Benefits

An Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) audit is a crucial evaluation used to assess an organization’s policies, processes, and systems to confirm that they adhere to both federal and state regulatory standards. The purpose of an EHS audit is to identify regulatory gaps within the organization and create a plan of action to comply with the necessary regulatory requirements and improve business practices. An EHS audit may also be useful for continuous improvement audits under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Why are Audits important?

Conducting EHS audits is essential for businesses to identify and address potential hazards and improve safety processes. Audits ensure compliance with regulations; help protect employees and customers, and can lead to significant cost savings by avoiding fines and penalties. Forming a dedicated audit team, whether internal or external, is crucial for effectively evaluating and improving workplace safety and environmental practices.

The audit process does the following:

• Identifies hazards and inefficiencies, preventing costly legal issues, accidents, and insurance claims.
• Supports operational efficiency, improves reputation with stakeholders, and promotes continuous improvement by highlighting areas for policy and procedural enhancements.
• Prioritizes safety by boosting employee well-being and satisfaction and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to a safe and responsible workplace.

What to expect during an audit?

An EHS audit starts with a comprehensive review of both federal and state regulatory requirements that are potentially relevant to the organization. Auditors develop a detailed checklist based on these regulations and then conduct a thorough inspection of the organization’s facilities and practices. During an audit, compliance with each potentially applicable regulation is evaluated, and areas of non-compliance are identified.

The audit process typically involves the following key steps:

• Pre-Audit Preparation: This includes setting the audit objectives (i.e., which regulatory categories are to be considered), understanding facility operations, gathering relevant documentation, and identifying regulations potentially applicable to the facility.
• Site Inspection: The auditor conducts a physical inspection of the facility, examining operations, equipment, work practices, and protocols. Photographs and notes are taken. It is helpful if someone knowledgeable in facility operations accompanies the auditor.
• Employee Interviews: Facility personnel are interviewed to help the auditor gain insight. Any relevant documentation that has not already been provided is requested.
• Identification of Non-Compliance: The facility’s policies, procedures, and records are reviewed to ensure that they align with regulatory requirements. The auditor notes any discrepancies between actual practices and regulatory standards, highlighting areas that require corrective action.
• Report Generation: A detailed report is compiled, summarizing findings of non-compliance and providing recommendations for improvement.

When should you conduct an audit?

EHS audits should be conducted regularly to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards. It is crucial to schedule these audits when there are significant changes within the facility, such as the introduction of new processes or equipment, as these can impact EHS performance. Additionally, these audits should be conducted after any major incidents to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences. Regular audits will help identify potential risks before they become issues, ensuring that the company not only complies with current regulations but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and safety. Furthermore, EHS audits should be scheduled in the event of a transition of EHS staff to ensure that new personnel are adequately informed of existing practices and to maintain continuity in compliance efforts. Lastly, conducting audits before regulatory deadlines or during strategic planning phases can provide a comprehensive review of the facility’s EHS practices and support long-term sustainability goals.

How can ALL4 help?

ALL4 partners with our clients to provide not only auditing, but also strategies around frequency, content, and corrective actions to maximize impacts and improvements from the audit process. ALL4 employs many experienced EHS auditors that can work with you to establish or enhance your organization’s audit programs.

ALL4 can conduct an EHS audit for your organization! If you would like to learn more or would like to discuss your audit program, contact me at lblasius@all4inc.com or (770) 999-0270 or Adam Czaplinski at aczaplinski@all4inc.com or (720) 288-5141 or one of our project managers for more information.