A step-by-step guide for planning, conducting, documenting, and following up on a facility audit in industrial workplaces. Use this job aid to identify hazards and document findings accurately and consistently. NOTE: Facility audits are comprehensive in nature and are different from work area inspections that should be conducted daily.
An effective audit starts with preparation. Know each of these before the walk.
Before starting the audit, decide how you will move through the facility so that every area is covered.
These categories cover most of what you'll find in a general industrial facility. Tap any category for examples of what to look for.
For every hazard, use this risk cube to rate the likelihood that the hazard will cause harm from 1–5 and the severity of that harm 1–5 which will generate a risk score from 1 to 25. Green (1–4) is low risk, yellow (5–9) is medium, red (10–25) is high. Tap any cell to see the definitions and the action required for each risk score.
Tap any cell above to see what that risk score means and how quickly it needs action.
Use the hierarchy of controls listed below to determine the appropriate controls for the hazards you identified, considering their risk score. Always start at the top and work down. PPE should always be the last line of defense.
Record each hazard on its own row using a consistent format. Structured entries make it easier to compare findings and identify trends across audits.
Following up on corrective actions confirms that identified hazards have been addressed. Without follow-through, the same hazards will continue to appear in future audits.
