Are our internal safety audits a risk in themselves?

According to a recent study (click here) of 44 reports on major accidents in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and the US – Yes.

The real reasons behind this concerning outcome are that internal audits often fall into the trap of providing ‘glowing endorsements’ and focusing on superficial or trivial corrective actions rather than specifically identifying genuine gaps and deficiencies.

Our take

This finding should not be read as a recommendation to stop internal auditing and only relying on external audits. Rather, the key has to be a change of expectation and that a good outcome is not necessarily finding the glowing endorsement but instead identifying the real risks of suffering a significant injury or business outcome. Put simply – be honest.

Action items

• set expectations that internal audits are not meant to be the organisation ‘blowing its own trumpet’

• choose individuals with a genuine safety understanding to conduct your internal audits

• ‘audit’ your internal audits

• continue to supplement any external audits with internal audits

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