More about Health and Safety Audit Training
Health and Safety Audit Training
Health and safety auditors may operate as external consultants hired by an organisation to independently review their OH&S management systems and provide guidance in terms of identifying areas for improvement. Though many companies aim to have their systems certified in this manner, larger organisations will also have dedicated internal auditing departments whose role it is to constantly monitor and review processes to promote continuous improvement. These teams will typically include a Lead Auditor and a small group of Internal Auditors and, as a result, professional development courses such as health and safety audit training is essentially for properly preparing professionals for the demands of the job.
Health and Safety Audit: Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and OHSAS 18001
The goal of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is to promote a safe and healthy workplace for all employees by providing a structured framework that helps organisations to:
- continuously identify and monitor health & safety risks
- reduce the potential for workplace accidents
- guarantee legislative compliance
- improve overall business performance
OHSAS 18001, belonging to the 18000 family, is the most widely used international standard that provides an assessment scheme for any OHSMS. Being compatible with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management), it helps organisations meet health and safety obligations in a formalised and highly cost-effective manner.
Health and safety audit raining courses related to this globally recognised standard exist at a range of different levels and may be intended for:
- delegates requiring an introduction to OHSAS 18001
- delegates requiring skills in implementing an OHSAS 18001 management system
- delegates requiring skills to audit an OHSAS 18001 system
CPD for the Auditing Profession
Health and safety audit training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) are two key requirements for all auditors certified with the world's leading auditor certification body, the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). Their guidelines suggest that all CPD submitted should relate to one of the following areas:
- Management systems - tackling new standards or updates to existing standards
- Auditing skills - refreshing core auditing skills
- Technical knowledge - addressing industry, technology and regulatory updates
- Soft skills - covering communication skills, negotiation, team building, influencing and similar areas
The scheme applies to external as well as internal auditors across any field, including occupational health and safety auditing, with the goal of increasing the overall effectiveness and credibility of the auditing profession.
Format of Health and Safety Audit Training
Health and safety audit training can be found all over the UK in the form of classroom, online, or in-house to suit the needs of every professional.
Classroom
A classroom course will take place at a designed time and location. This is a great option for the individual who wants to take training into their own hands or a small business who just needs to have a few employees trained.
In-house
If you are an organization with a large number of employees who need training, in-house training might be for you. Search through courses for a trainer who can bring expert in-house training to you and your employees.
Online
Online training is an option for those who favor flexibility. Individuals can participate in the course at their own pace and on their own time.
