PSS Safer Ports Audits

Broad guidance on the merits and features of Audits is given by the Health and Safety Executive in its publication, “Successful Health and Safety Management - HS(G) 65”1. Some of the points covered in this guidance are re-produced below as they are the most definitive good practice.

HSE’s definition of an Audit in this guidance document is as follows:

 ’The structured process of collecting independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and reliability of the total health and safety management system and drawing up plans for corrective action’.

Auditing is seen as an essential element of any health and safety management system but it should not be seen as a substitute for other essential parts of the system.