When Audits Are Conducted

Formal safety audits should be conducted annually, if at all feasible. The timing of the audit should be close to the date of the prior audit. For first-time audits, consider the impact on the location. Will the facility be in the middle of inventory Is it the busiest season of the year Is the facility undergoing labor negotiations All of these questions should be asked in advance. 

Should the facility be notified of the audit Showing up at a warehouse for an unannounced safety audit could pose a problem. There may be conditions present that make it difficult to complete an audit at that time. Many safety professionals prefer to let the management at the facility know that an audit will be conducted on a certain date. The grading of elements such as housekeeping, overall appearance, and audit preparation can be more rigid if the audit is preannounced. 

A complete physical inspection of the facility is in order. Perhaps additional visits to the facility floor will be needed when specific documents are evaluated and discussed. Preparation in advance can reduce the time spent at the site. 

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