Occupational health and safety risks can be greatly reduced by taking proactive measures. Studies have shown that regular audits and inspections can go a long way to minimize accidents in the workplace. A safety audit takes a comprehensive review of safety documentation, programs and systems against OSHA regulations. According to Safety Pro Resources, regular audits and inspections are critical in ensuring employees and management follow internal safety programs, management controls and discover and eliminate potential safety hazards.

The exercise also helps evaluate the adequacy of workers safety training and performance. Although the audits and inspections can be undertaken at any time over a given period of time, the assessments need to be undertaken by knowledgeable personnel working in the safety industry. To stay in compliance with the latest OSHA safety standards and regulations, and more importantly, minimize safety risks, businesses can contract qualified third-party inspectors. According to the human resource entity, the Arnold Group the benefits of bringing in professional audit to the workplace include:

1. Safety professionals bring in specialized training and expertise – safety professionals have years of experience, having conducted audits in different work environments. This experience gives them the competence and edge to oversee and recommend the best practices and policies regarding workplace safety. For instance, Certified Safety and Health Officials (CSHO) have the necessary experience to offer recommendations concerning growth and behavioral changes, and the mandate to validate existing safety programs.

   2. Ensure smooth business operation – core business functions, such as productivity and the allocation of labor resources and time are usually affected when a business solely relies on internal audits. Professional assessors understand fully what they have to do, and that is conducting an efficient audit on workplace safety. The work is normally undertaken in a manner that doesn’t adversely affect normal business operations.

   3. Obtain an objective assessment – due to the need to adhere to professional ethics and standards, third-party safety auditors understand the need to offer neutral reviews concerning safety systems and processes. Depending on the scope of the assessment, a grading system may be used to gauge performance on various aspects. This level of assessment can force the company management and staff to change their modus operandi with respect to compliance and work to prevent workplace injuries and accidents.

   4. Offer accurate and measurable results – third party professional safety inspectors have the training and knowledge to offer the most measurable assessment of a company’s adherence to stipulated safety standards. This is unlike an internally sought safety staff member who may overlook certain aspects or take a bias position.

   5. Create a legal framework for safety – safety professionals can help a business set up a framework that protects the entire workforce and safeguards the workplace. Once the system is in place, employers and workers will be forced to comply with the measures and act on the weaknesses. With these provisions, the employer will also have an opportunity to proactively assess feedback and address rising concerns.

   Federal government agencies and private sector enterprises that want to operate in a safe environment and in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, must comply with the set rules and regulations. The act guarantees workers safety and stipulates the fines that apply in case of non-compliance.

   Need Local Legal Assistant!
   Hunter Law Group is a leading law firm that offers individualized solutions in line with its core values of reliability, integrity and commitment to excellence. The Florida based law firm specializes in family and personal injury law, where it targets persons injured as a result of auto accidents, boating accidents and medical malpractices among others. Hunter Law Group pays close attention to the safety of workers and the nature of their work environment.

   The team understands that an injury in the workplace can result in wrongful death or serious damage to the limb, spinal cord, brain and other body parts. This is the reason personal injury attorney Tampais quick to act to determine whether an accident will lead to compensation for pain and suffering incurred, long term damage or Medicare assistance. The Hunter Law Group personal injury attorney Tampa also provides free initial consultation as part of assessment.