Effective audit management drives continuous improvement by ensuring that established quality requirements for products and processes are being met. For companies that are regulated by the FDA or are following quality standards such as ISO 9000/14000, regular audits are also essential to reduce the risk of noncompliance.
Clas Consulting’s Audit Services are designed to manage a wide range of audit-related activities, data and processes. We provide end-to-end functionality for managing the complete audit life-cycle including audit planning and scheduling, development of standard audit plans and checklists, field data collection, development of audit reports and recommendations, review of audit recommendations by auditees and management and implementation of audit recommendations and remediation.
Advanced capabilities like time tracking, email based notifications, alerts and offline functionality allow organizations to implement industry best practices for efficient audit execution and ensure integration of the audit process with quality and compliance management systems.
Audit Expectations
Typically audits begin with a pre-audit review of client documents, the nature and scope of operations, and workplace injuries and illnesses, with the goal of determining expected hazards and potential exposures. An audit protocol is developed and used that defines the way the audit will be conducted, what benchmarks will be used, and how the results of the audit will be communicated. The on-site portion of the audit normally begins with a kickoff meeting, site inspection, review of pertinent documents and records, interviews, and frequent discussions. Specific findings are discussed as they arise, so that there are no surprises late in the audit process. Audits normally take one to five days, with from one to four auditors, depending on the type, size, and complexity of the site to be audited. Draft reports are typically presented before auditors leave the site.
Audit Planning
During this phase we create audit packages with detailed checklists, evaluation and pass/ fail criteria and tasks that need to be performed for executing the audit. We work with the customer to schedule audits periodically or determine triggers for ad-hoc audits of suppliers, internal departments, or specific products and processes.
Audit Execution
During the execution phase our consultants record qualitative and quantitative findings along with detailed observations and recommendations in predefined formats alongside checklist of tasks. Initiate corrective actions (CAPAs) for noncompliance and failures.
Audit Review and Follow-ups
Our project manager will at this point route audit findings and auditors recommendations for review and subsequent actions. We send analyzed findings to the audited entity seeking responses. Schedule follow-up activities and re-audits.
Audit Reports
During this last phase of the audit process we will help our customers build visibility into the audit process with easy status tracking. Complete historical and real-time access to all audit data as well as analysis of auditor performance and audit results.
Benefits of Safety and Health Audits
Safety and Health Audits are beneficial when assessing:
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Regulatory Compliance (OSHA, JCAHO, ADA, State)
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Liability Reduction Opportunities
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Financial Opportunities
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Program Effectiveness
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Continuous Improvement and Benchmarking
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Internal Management Responsibility
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OSHA VPP Qualification
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Workers’ Compensation Performance
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Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Needs
Clas Consulting audit services are provided by experienced Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH), Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), professional continuity planners and environmental consultants. They come equipped with strong technical knowledge of national, state, and local safety and health requirements as well as exceptional safety, health and environmental management practice and knowledge. By providing you with seasoned and experienced professionals, we help you get the most return on investment.