Audits differ from risk assessments and normal visits in that they are very focused. For instance you may require us to carry out an audit of your existing Health & Safety policy under your control, complete a comprehensive review of your safety activity through a HS(G)65 Audit, consider  the adequacy of 'competent persons', or managements systems that have been developed. They are of particular worth where a Company has a comprehensive Health & Safety infrastructure, but require an 'outside pair of eyes or advice on how to develop the direction and improve the implementation of such policies and practices.

One example of practice we would like to share is for a Medium size Property Maintenance Company we were enaged to help out.  They already had a safety policy, had a retained consultant but were  feeling uneasy, they had recently had an accident and felt they were missing the point somewhere along the line.

We agreed to complete a HS(G)65 Management review of safety and developed a 3 year strategy for them and their consultant.

This led to their consultant disengaging and we then took over the support function.  Immediately the Company Policy Statement was rewritten and the system of risk assessments reviewed, and rewritten. This involved visits on the ground to see Operatives (both staff and contractors).

A complete COSHH review was completed and the COSHH Manual rewritten by our specialist Chemist Consultant.

A new Operators procedure (with input from all levels in the Company) was written, agreed, trained in and went live.

A detailed training matrix was developed and handed to Human Resources to manage.

A detailed (21 subject) compliance matrix was developed to ensure that Departmental Heads were managing performance in their area.  This includes (and it has been running since mid 2004) an audit of risk assessments by staff, a full detailed report on findings, training matrix review, contractor control audit, vehicle safety etc. etc.  It is detailed and accurate.

This has helped this company to prove to new clients that they take Health and Safety seriously and they have grown the business (it has doubled and doubled again in terms of turnover), and they have kept their existing clients as well. They now have a full-time Safety Manager.

We also support the business by  making use of our low cost IT audit packages that ensure their Managers and staff can prove they have completed their safety 'chores', such as premises audits, fire checks and the like.  Details of these tools are available here:

If you would like to tlak to us about our client management package and even talk to the client above, please call us on 01284 755557, and ask for Des.