ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Plan an OHS audit

1.1 The scope, objectives and benchmarks of the audit are defined.

1.2 Relevant documentation such as preliminary material on the operation of the organisation is identified and obtained.

1.3 Resources required to conduct the audit are identified and arranged.

1.4 Timing, schedule and responsibilities for the audit are assigned.

2 Develop an OHS audit plan

2.1 Nature of information and data collected provides valid and reliable evidence of the systematic approach to managing OHS and risk controls within the context of the organisation.

2.2 Sources of evidence include key personnel and stakeholders.

2.3 Information and data collection strategies address issues of security, confidentiality, impartiality and equity.

2.4 Information and data collection strategies include opportunities for corroborating evidence.

2.5 The audit plan is developed, documented and submitted to client.

2.6 The audit plan is modified as a result of client input and to adapt to contingencies.

3 Develop an OHS audit tool

3.1 Audit tool(s) accurately reflect the criteria of the benchmark, nature of risks and identified relevant information and data types.

3.2 Audit tools focus on evaluation of performance of the OHS management processes.

3.3 Audit tools can be used with consistent outcomes by all members of the audit team.

3.4 Audit tools enable collection of evidence in a timely and efficient manner.

3.5 Audit tools are modified as a result of preliminary trial/s.

4 Gather information, data and OHS records

4.1 A broad range of workplace personnel are consulted during evidence gathering activities throughout the audit.

4.2 Types and sources of evidence gathered are compared with the audit plan, and reasons for discrepancies are identified.

4.3 Alternative methods are identified and utilised when evidence is not forthcoming, using planned methods.

4.4 Information and data reliability is checked with a number of sources.

5 Undertake OHS audit activities

5.1 Preliminary evaluation is undertaken.

5.2 Audit plan is re-submitted to client for comment as appropriate.

5.3 Issues concerning the audit plan are negotiated with the client and documents amended where required.

5.4 Initial meetings and worksite familiarisation are undertaken.

5.5 Progress of the audit plan is monitored with the client and/or audit team members to ensure resources are being used as planned, and that the audit objectives and audit time lines are being achieved.

5.6 Records of evidence and findings are progressively documented in an appropriate format and retained.

5.7 Hazards identified during the audit are reported promptly to the appropriate person/s, including supervisor and/or person in control of the workplace.

5.8 Own health and safety is addressed during the audit in accordance with organisational requirements and standards for safe work practices.

5.9 Information and data collection and evaluation activities comply with legal requirements and are carried out ethically.

5.10 Exit meetings with key personnel and stakeholders are undertaken as appropriate.

6 Report on the outcomes of the OHS audit

6.1 Summary audit findings and recommendations are presented to the clients at the closing meeting, after consultation with key personnel and stakeholders.

6.2 Results of the evaluation are compared against the audit criteria.

6.3Objective evidence is presented with clear and concise findings, including benefits to be achieved by adoption of the audit report recommendations.

6.4 Where challenges to the report are anticipated, further explanations to promote acceptance are prepared.

6.5 Corrective action and follow-up processes are recommended to the client.