Format for Internal Audits in Occupational Safety and Health: The Complete Guide

Hello! I'm Amadeo Perez, and today we are going to talk about a topic that is often overlooked, but which is vital for any company: the internal audits form in occupational safety and health (OSH-SMS). Why am I the right person to talk about this? Because I've been dealing with audits of all kinds for more than 20 years. I've been in the shoes of the auditor, the auditee and even the guy who spends hours going through checklists. I assure you that what I will share here will save you a lot of headaches.

What is an Occupational Health and Safety Internal Audit Format?

The OSHMS internal audit format is nothing more than a structured document that serves as a guide to evaluate compliance with standards and legal requirements related to occupational health and safety. This includes from the tools to verify risks to the processes to implement improvements.

In simple words: it is the roadmap you use to know if your company is complying with what the law mandates (such as Resolution 0312 of 2019 in Colombia or ISO 45001 internationally).

Why do you need one?Because without this format, an audit would be like trying to put together a piece of furniture without instructions: chaotic and full of loose parts.

The Key Elements of an Internal Audit Format

A good format should include the following:

1. Audit Objective

This answers the "What are we doing this for?" Generally, the objective is to assess compliance with OSHMS standards and detect areas for improvement.

2. Audit Scope

Defines which areas, processes or departments will be audited. This may include administrative management, operational processes or occupational risk management.

3. Checklist

A list of specific questions comes into play here. For example:

• Are occupational risks being properly managed
• Are workers trained in safety and health
• Are there records of accidents and incidents

4. Methodology

It details how the audit will be carried out: interviews, document review, direct observation, etc. Everything well organized!

5. Findings and Action Plans

The results must be clear and practical. Did you detect a problem? You must include a plan to solve it.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Planning

Before any audit, you need an annual program that establishes dates, responsible parties and necessary resources. Without planning, the audit will be a failure foretold.

2. Execution

This is where the areas defined in the scope are evaluated. In my experience, worker interviews are crucial, because they tend to know the shortcomings of the system better than anyone else.

3. Report

A detailed report is mandatory. This should include:

• Findings.
• Nonconformities.
• Recommendations.

4. Follow-up

If you don't correct what you found, what good was all that auditing? Follow-up ensures continuous improvement.

Tips for Implementing an Effective Format

1. Make it Practical

An audit format should not be a doctoral thesis. Use simple, clear checklists.

2. Train Your Team

Staff should understand why the audit is being done and what role everyone plays. This reduces resistance and increases effectiveness.

3. Focus on Continuous Improvement

The goal is not to punish, but to improve. An internal audit is a tool to avoid external sanctions and take care of your people.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Follow-up: Many companies audit just to comply with the standard, but never correct the errors found.
• Use a generic format: Each company is a world. Customize your format according to your needs.
• Lack of documentation: Without clear evidence, the audit is worthless.

The Future of OSHMS and Internal Audits

With the rise of digital tools, there are already platforms that allow you to perform automated audits. But don't be fooled: no technology will ever replace human judgment. You will always need a good auditor and a solid format.

Conclusion

The format for internal audits in occupational safety and health is much more than just a piece of paper. It is the compass that guides your company toward regulatory compliance and protecting your team.

If you implement the tips I've shared here, I assure you that your next audit will be more efficient, less stressful and, most importantly, effective.

Ready to get started? Let's get to work!