What does an audit evaluate in an organization?

An audit is a systematic examination of an organization or its processes, which typically focuses on assessing compliance with established standards and regulations. In the context of health and safety management systems, an audit evaluates the effectiveness of the policies, procedures, and practices in place to protect the health and safety of employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

The focus is on identifying any deficiencies or areas for improvement in the way health and safety risks are managed, ensuring that the organization meets legal obligations and industry standards. This evaluation often includes reviewing documentation, interviewing personnel, and inspecting the workplace to verify compliance and effectiveness.

While employee satisfaction, productivity, and customer service can be indirectly influenced by a robust health and safety management system, they are not the primary focus of an audit. Instead, the audit's specific goal is to evaluate and improve the systematic approach to managing health and safety risks within the organization's operational framework.