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Free checklist template · Word

Health & Safety Audit Checklist

The health and safety audit checklist is a scored, system-level review of how well safety is managed across a site. Internal auditors use it once or twice a year to test leadership commitment, risk assessment, training, contractor control, emergency readiness, incident management and occupational health, backed by evidence rather than walk-round impressions.

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Preview of the checklist

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

HEALTH & SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST

Site:
[Company Name], [Work Location]
Audit Date(s):
[DD/MM/YYYY]
Lead Auditor:
[Auditor Name]
Audit Team:
[Names]
Scoring:
0 = Not in place, 1 = Partly in place, 2 = Fully in place with evidence

A. Leadership and Policy

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
Signed safety policy reviewed in the last 12 months?[Evidence]
Safety objectives and targets set and tracked?[Evidence]
Management safety walks recorded?[Evidence]

B. Hazard Identification and Risk Control

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
Risk assessments exist for all major activities?[Evidence]
Permit-to-work system used for high-risk work?[Evidence]
Change management reviews safety before process changes?[Evidence]

C. Training and Competence

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
Training needs matrix by role?[Evidence]
Induction records for all new joiners and contractors?[Evidence]
Licensed / certified operators for cranes, forklifts, electrical work?[Evidence]

D. Contractor Management

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
Contractor safety declarations on file?[Evidence]
ESI / PF and insurance of contractor workers verified?[Evidence]
Contractor work supervised and inspected?[Evidence]

E. Emergency Preparedness

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
Emergency plan current and communicated?[Evidence]
Mock drills conducted on all shifts with reviews?[Evidence]
Fire equipment maintained with records?[Evidence]

F. Incidents and Occupational Health

QuestionScore (0-2)Evidence Seen
All incidents and near-misses reported and investigated?[Evidence]
Corrective actions closed on time?[Evidence]
Medical examinations of exposed workers up to date?[Evidence]

Score Summary

SectionScore ObtainedMaximum%
A–C[Number]18[Number]
D–F[Number]18[Number]
Overall[Number]36[Number]

Findings and Corrective Actions

FindingCategory (Major / Minor / Observation)Corrective ActionOwnerDue Date
[Finding][Category][Action][Owner Name][DD/MM/YYYY]
[Finding][Category][Action][Owner Name][DD/MM/YYYY]
[Finding][Category][Action][Owner Name][DD/MM/YYYY]
Lead Auditor
[Auditor Name]
Date: [Date]
Site Head
[Name]
Date: [Date]

What this template includes

  • Element-wise sections mirroring a safety management system
  • Evidence column so scores are backed by documents or observation
  • Scoring scale from 0 to 2 per question
  • Section scores and overall percentage
  • Findings classified as major, minor or observation
  • Corrective action plan with owners and dates

When to use it

  • Half-yearly or annual internal safety audit
  • Preparing for ISO 45001 certification or surveillance audits
  • Comparing safety performance across plants or branches
  • Due diligence before acquiring or leasing a facility

How to customise this template

  1. 1Adjust questions to your industry and site risk profile
  2. 2Agree the scoring scale with management before the first audit
  3. 3Use auditors from another site or department for independence
  4. 4Attach sampling notes (records checked, people interviewed)
  5. 5Track score trends year on year

HR tips

  • Ask for evidence; 'we do it' is not enough
  • Interview workers and contractors, not just managers
  • Close major findings before the next audit, with proof
  • Share the report openly with the safety committee

Some establishments must undergo safety audits under the OSH Code, 2020 and state rules (with rules being notified); this internal checklist does not replace statutory audits, so verify what applies.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a health and safety audit cover?+

It covers the safety management system: policy and leadership, hazard identification, controls, training, contractor management, emergencies, incidents, health surveillance and continual improvement.

How often should a safety audit be done?+

Most organisations do an internal audit once or twice a year; some hazardous units require external audits at set intervals under applicable rules.

Who should conduct an internal safety audit?+

Trained auditors who are independent of the area audited, such as safety staff from another plant or a cross-functional team.