In short
A good audit checks whether your arrangements work in practice, not just whether the paperwork exists. Preparing is simple: agree the scope, gather the key documents, brief the people involved and let the auditor see work as it normally runs. Do not tidy up for the day; the point is to see real work.
Agree the scope
- Which sites, activities and contractors are included.
- Whether it covers your management system, site conditions, or both.
- Who receives the report, and in what format.
Documents to have ready
- Health and safety policy and organisation chart.
- Risk assessments and method statements for current work.
- Training records, competence cards and site inductions.
- Toolbox talk and briefing records.
- Inspection, maintenance and thorough examination records, such as for lifting equipment and scaffolding.
- Accident book, investigations and near miss reports.
- COSHH assessments.
- How you select and monitor subcontractors.
- Actions from previous audits, and their status.
People to involve
- A director or manager who can make decisions on the findings.
- The supervisors who run the work day to day.
- A few of the people doing the work: their view is often the most useful.
After the audit
- 01
Prioritise
Deal with the most serious risks first.
- 02
Assign
Give every action an owner and a date.
- 03
Verify
Check completed actions have really changed things on site.
- 04
Review
Plan when you will look again.
Note: Auditing is part of checking your health and safety performance. It does not transfer your legal responsibilities to the auditor.
Sources
- HSE: checking your performance (Plan, Do, Check, Act)
- HSE: managing health and safety
- HSE: using a health and safety consultant
Sources checked 26 September 2026 against current Health and Safety Executive guidance and legislation. This guide is general information, not legal advice; your legal duties stay with your business.