What is the definition of a safety audit?

A safety audit is defined as a systematic examination of a workplace that is designed to identify hazards and assess safety performance. This process involves a thorough and methodical review of all aspects of workplace safety, including equipment, processes, and compliance with safety regulations. The primary goal is to pinpoint potential risks and inefficiencies, enabling organizations to implement improvements that foster a safer working environment.

In contrast, routine inspections of equipment focus specifically on the physical state and function of machinery, rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the entire workplace. Checking employee compliance with rules is also a narrower approach that evaluates individual adherence to safety protocols, without necessarily assessing overall workplace hazards or safety performance. An assessment of emergency response effectiveness is important in safety planning but is only one component of a broader safety audit and does not cover the full spectrum of workplace safety evaluation. Thus, the focus of a safety audit encompasses both hazard identification and performance assessment, making it a more holistic safety management tool.