Which method is used to gather and verify information during a health and safety audit?

The choice of conducting interviews is essential in a health and safety audit because it allows auditors to engage directly with employees and stakeholders who have firsthand knowledge of safety practices, policies, and potential issues. Interviews provide qualitative insights and allow for clarification of specific practices or concerns that may not be evident through other methods. They also create an opportunity for auditors to ask follow-up questions, delve deeper into particular topics, and assess the attitudes and understanding of employees regarding health and safety measures.

While document reviews, observations, and surveys are also valuable methods in gathering information, interviews differentiate themselves by facilitating a personal connection and the chance to gain nuanced information that may not be captured through more structured or one-dimensional approaches. For example, document reviews can provide formal records but lack the context that an interview might reveal, such as understanding how procedures are actually implemented in practice. Observations focus on what is seen during the audit but may not uncover the underlying reasons for certain practices. Surveys can collect broad data but might not offer the depth of understanding that interviews provide.