Safety audit checklist template

safety audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your entire safety management system, examining policies, procedures, and implementation. Safety inspections are more frequent, focused observations of specific workplace areas or equipment. This checklist supports audits by systematically reviewing safety elements rather than just identifying visible hazards.

For best results, form a small team including a safety professional, supervisor, and frontline worker. This combination provides technical expertise, operational knowledge, and practical insights. Including workers in the process improves hazard identification and increases buy-in for any corrective actions. Consider rotating team members to bring fresh perspectives to each audit.

Prioritize findings based on severity, probability, and exposure. Address immediately any items that could cause severe injury or death. For other findings, create a risk matrix assigning high, medium, or low priority based on potential consequences and likelihood. Document your rationale to demonstrate due diligence and allocate resources effectively.

Yes, customization is essential for effectiveness. Start with this template as your foundation, then add industry-specific hazards and remove irrelevant sections. Consider your workplace’s unique equipment, processes, and previous incidents when adapting the checklist. Review and update your customized version annually to reflect changing regulations and workplace conditions.