HEALTH & SAFETY (H&S) AUDITS
WHAT IS A HEALTH & SAFETY AUDIT?
A Health & Safety (H&S) Audit is a comprehensive evaluation of workplace policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. These audits identify potential hazards, assess risk management effectiveness, and provide actionable recommendations to enhance workplace safety. Regular audits help businesses mitigate risks, protect employees, and ensure legal compliance.
At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, we conduct thorough H&S audits tailored to industry-specific regulations, helping employers create a safer and more compliant work environment.
A Health & Safety Audit is a systematic review of an organization’s safety policies, procedures, and practices. It evaluates how well an employer is meeting regulatory compliance standards and identifies areas where improvements can be made. The goal is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace by minimizing hazards, improving risk management, and fostering a proactive safety culture.
UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE SAFETY COMPLIANCE
Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety laws is critical to avoiding fines, penalties, and legal liability. Compliance involves implementing and enforcing safety policies, conducting employee training, and ensuring workplaces meet industry safety standards. Regular audits help businesses identify weaknesses in their safety programs and take proactive steps to enhance worker protection.
HOW H&S AUDITS HELP IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY
A well-executed H&S audit improves workplace safety by:
- Identifying hidden hazards before they lead to accidents
- Evaluating the effectiveness of current safety programs
- Reducing the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses
- Ensuring safety measures align with industry best practices
By continuously assessing and refining safety procedures, organizations create a culture of workplace safety that protects employees and improves overall operational efficiency.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY LAWS
Workplace safety laws and regulations vary by industry, jurisdiction, and business type. Employers must ensure that they meet provincial, federal, and industry-specific regulations to avoid compliance violations and penalties.
An H&S audit ensures:
- Safety procedures align with Occupational Health & Safety Acts (OHSA)
- Compliance with Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements
- Proper implementation of hazard control measures
Regular audits reduce liability risks, keep workplaces compliant, and promote a strong safety culture.
STEPS IN THE HEALTH & SAFETY AUDIT PROCESS
At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, we follow a structured, multi-step approach to conducting health and safety audits. Our process ensures thorough evaluations, actionable recommendations, and ongoing compliance support.
PRE-AUDIT PREPARATION & RISK ASSESSMENT
Before the audit begins, we conduct a preliminary consultation to assess workplace safety goals and identify potential high-risk areas. This step includes: Reviewing existing safety policies and procedures, Identifying key workplace hazards, Determining industry-specific compliance requirements.
WORKPLACE INSPECTION & DATA COLLECTION
A detailed workplace inspection and employee interviews help uncover hidden risks and potential safety violations. Our team examines: Work environments, equipment, and PPE usage, Emergency preparedness plans, Safety training records and incident reports.
This hands-on assessment ensures a comprehensive understanding of workplace safety conditions.
ANALYSIS, REPORTING & COMPLIANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Following the inspection, we analyze the findings and prepare a detailed audit report outlining: Identified compliance gaps and risk factors, Corrective actions and best practices, Recommendations for improving safety culture.
Our goal is to help businesses implement strategic safety improvements that align with regulatory requirements.
IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT & FOLLOW-UP
After delivering the audit report, our team provides ongoing support to help businesses implement changes and ensure long-term compliance. We offer: Assistance with policy updates and training, Guidance on implementing corrective actions, Follow-up assessments to track progress.
WHO NEEDS A HEALTH & SAFETY AUDIT?
A Health & Safety (H&S) Audit is an essential tool for businesses of all sizes and industries. While every organization can benefit from regular safety assessments, certain businesses are at a higher risk for workplace hazards, compliance violations, and regulatory scrutiny. Conducting routine H&S audits ensures that workplace safety programs are effective, up-to-date, and aligned with industry regulations.
The following types of organizations will find H&S audits particularly valuable in strengthening their safety programs and minimizing risks.
BUSINESSES IN HIGH-RISK INDUSTRIES
Industries with higher workplace hazards require frequent audits to ensure compliance and prevent accidents. These industries include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing & Warehousing
- Mining & Oil/Gas
- Healthcare & Emergency Services
High-risk workplaces need rigorous safety protocols and regular audits to maintain compliance with safety regulations.
EMPLOYERS LOOKING TO IMPROVE SAFETY CULTURE
Even businesses with strong safety programs can benefit from independent H&S audits to:
- Identify areas for safety improvement
- Improve safety policies and training programs
- Foster a proactive safety culture within the organization
Regular audits reinforce a company’s commitment to worker safety and ensure compliance with industry standards.
COMPANIES PREPARING FOR REGULATORY INSPECTIONS
Organizations facing an upcoming regulatory inspection must ensure their safety programs are audit-ready. A preemptive H&S audit helps businesses:
- Identify compliance gaps before regulators do
- Ensure all required safety documentation is in order
- Avoid costly fines, penalties, or legal liabilities
Proactively conducting an internal H&S audit reduces risks and ensures regulatory readiness.
SCHEDULE A HEALTH & SAFETY AUDIT TODAY
CONTACT US FOR COMPLIANCE SUPPORT & WORKPLACE SAFETY SOLUTIONS
Take proactive steps toward workplace safety and compliance. Contact NorthStream Safety & Rehab today to schedule an H&S audit and enhance your organization’s safety culture.