How to conduct an internal SMS audit

Step-by-Step Guide to Carrying Out an Internal SMS Audit

How to conduct an internal SMS audit is an important skill for maintaining safety standards in any organisation. An internal audit checks if the Safety Management System (SMS) works as planned and identifies areas for improvement. This guide will help you perform a thorough and effective audit.

What to Prepare Before the Audit

1. Understand the SMS: Review your organisation’s safety policies, procedures, and SMS documentation.
2. Set Clear Objectives: Know what parts of the SMS you will audit and what you want to find out.
3. Audit Plan: Create a schedule, list audit areas, and choose team members if necessary.
4. Prepare Tools: Use checklists based on SMS requirements to guide your audit.

Preparation ensures your audit is focused and covers all important areas without wasting time.

Conducting the Internal SMS Audit

1. Opening Meeting: Meet with the department or team to explain the audit purpose and process.
2. Document Review: Check records, reports, and previous audit results to understand compliance levels.
3. Interviews: Talk to employees at different levels to get their feedback on safety practices.
4. Site Inspection: Look at the workplace to see if safety rules are followed and if hazards are controlled.
5. Gather Evidence: Collect notes, photos, or reports to support your findings.

After the Audit: Reporting and Follow-up

1. Closing Meeting: Share preliminary results with the team and discuss any immediate issues.
2. Write the Audit Report: Clearly state findings, non-compliances, strengths, and recommendations.
3. Create an Action Plan: Develop steps to fix problems and improve the SMS.
4. Monitor Progress: Check regularly if corrective actions are completed and working.

Remember, internal audits are not about blame but about learning and improving safety.

By following this process, you will be able to conduct an internal SMS audit that helps your organisation stay safe and compliant.