Industrial safety is important as it safeguards human life, especially in highly vulnerable areas such as nuclear, aircraft, chemical, oil and gases, and mining industries, where a minimal mistake can be catastrophic. Securing safety of such industries reduces risks to people, processes and even he environment. Maintaining a safe and healthy working environment is not only an important human resources issue, it's the law. From entry-level workers, experienced die-hards, supervisors and up to plant managers, the employees need to understand health and safety risks, the steps they need to take to minimize those risks, and common safety standards and compliance procedures. This would not only help them to eliminate further mishaps, but also it will help them in working in a safer and serene environment. This also helps in determining whether environmental and workplace safety requirements, and corporate policies and procedures regarding compliance, are being followed.
Why Uniquo?
Construction is a vast industry that comprises a wide range of activities involving construction and repair. Examples include residential construction, bridge erection, roadway paving, excavations, demolitions, and large scale painting jobs. Some of the activities involve risk.
Construction workers engage in many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos and many more.
The safety of people at such places is fundamental. It is not only the priority but also mandatory to safeguard the people working at such sites from machines, hazards and multiple risks involved in construction. Safety audit is one such way in checking and discarding these risks.
The purpose of fire safety audit is to ensure an employer's (or other responsible person's) compliance with fire precautions legislation. The checklist is a useful toolkit for the Inspecting Officer while conducting a Fire Safety Audit in a structured and systematic way. Therefore the checklist has been compiled with questions that are aligned to the rules and regulations provided by the government. As an Auditor, we to have think of ourselves as someone who can help the customer, rather than someone who is looking for faults!
Preparation
It is recommended that time is taken to prepare for the Audit. Careful research of the premises file should be undertaken. Contact is made with a responsible person by telephone to explain the scope of the audit and what assistance will be required at the time of inspection. The checklist is designed to be used in whatever order the Inspecting Officer wishes to conduct the Audit. For example, records and other documents may be scrutinised before verification of the workplace's risk critical areas, or vice versa.
Conducting the Audit
We have our own way of carrying out the Audit. The checklist contains mostly 'closed' questions (i.e. can only be answered yes or no). These questions are simply prompts for the Inspector and are not asked directly to the person(s) being audited. They will then be steered into giving you a more comprehensive response. But, there are certain questions that may be asked to the concerned authorities. The checklist to be used is based on international standards.
After the Audit
Once the Audit is complete, a closing meeting with the responsible person(s) is held. The areas of non-compliance is highlighted, but just as important, encouragement is be given for compliance. Observations are also made to encourage the process of continuous improvement.