Auditing
- Introduction
- Definitions
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Procedure
- Workplace OHSW&IM System Audit
- University OHSW&IM System Audit
- Legislative Compliance Audit
- Injury Management Audit
- Documents/Forms
- References
Introduction
This procedure outlines the requirements for the internal auditing of the University OHSW&IM System, workplace OHSW&IM Management Systems and for OHSW legislative compliance audits.
Definitions
Audit: is a systematic examination against defined criteria to determine whether activities and related results conform to planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve the organisation's policy objectives.
University OHSW&IM System Audit: is an internal audit of the University OHSW&IM system to determine the level of implementation of the system in accordance with the WorkCover Self Insurer Performance requirements and the University OHSW&IM Strategic Action Plan.
Workplace OHSW&IM System Audit: is an internal audit of local OHSW&IM system to determine the level of implementation of local OHSW&IM action plans.
Legislative Compliance Audit: is an internal audit to determine and maintain University conformance with the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act and Regulations and relevant associate legislation.
Injury Management Audit: is an internal audit of claims management and rehabilitation processes to determine and maintain conformance with the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act and the WorkCover Corporation Natural Consequences Model.
Roles and Responsibilities
OHSW Services is responsible for scheduling and coordinating the internal audit program in accordance with this procedure, consulting with senior managers and line managers in relation to the audit program, and assisting line managers with technical advice in regard to the process and outcomes of Workplace and Legislative Compliance Audits.
Line Managers are responsible for ensuring that:
- results from any OHSW audit conducted of local workplace systems are communicated to and discussed with staff.
- recommended actions from OHSW audit reports are included in local action plans and implemented and;
- that six monthly reports are prepared in relation to the level of implementation of local OHSW action plans as per OHSW 7.
Procedure
Audits shall be completed in accordance with the auditing documents attached to this procedure.
The outcomes of audits shall be used to enhance the OHSW&IM Management System, to achieve improvements in overall occupational health and safety performance.
Non-conformances and opportunities for improvement shall be action planned and incorporated into OHSW&IM planning processes.
Action plans should have provision that indicates action or opportunity for improvement, assignment of responsibility for rectification and provision for indicating the action taken and the action completed sign off.
Workplace OHSW&IM System Audit
OHSW Services shall ensure the coordination of internal workplace OHSW&IM system audits across the University as defined in the audit schedule and will utilise the OHSW 4 assessment tool for conducting workplace audits. The prioritising of audits will be on the basis of risk profile of Schools/Units/Research Institutes, reviews of Management Reports (OHSW 7) and reviews of previous audit reports.
Auditing shall be conducted in consultation with line managers, supervisors, health and safety representatives and staff.
Line managers should ensure conduct of their own workplace management audit to identify gaps within their own system and to ensure continuous improvement and assist in the preparation of the six monthly OHSW performance report in accordance with OHSW 7.
University OHSW&IM System Audit
OHSW Services shall coordinate the conduct of internal audits against the University OHSW&IM system. This audit will be carried out on at least a biennial basis and will utilise OHSW 5. Persons carrying out the internal audits shall have suitable auditing qualifications and must meet the competency requirements for internal OHSW auditing.
Legislative Compliance Audit
Legislative Compliance audits utilising OHSW 6 shall be completed for any new University facility or where significant changes have been made to existing facilities.
Line Managers shall complete this audit in consultation with OHSW Services.
Injury Management Audit
OHSW Services shall coordinate the conduct of an internal audit of the University Injury Management System utilising OHSW 74 on at least a biennial basis to ensure compliance with the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation legislation and the WorkCover Natural Consequences Model.
Documents and Forms
- OHSW 4 – Workplace OHSW&IM System Assessment
- OHSW 5 – University OHSW System Audit - Rescinded August 2007
- OHSW 6 – Legislative Compliance Audit - Rescinded August 2007
- OHSW 7 – OHSW&IM Performance Review
- OHSW 74 – Injury Management Internal Audit - Rescinded August 2007
References
University OHSW Strategic Plan 2009 - 2011 (PDF 158kb)
OHSW & Injury Management System (PDF 128kb)
Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986
AS/NZS 4804: 2001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques
AS 4801: 2001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Specification with guidance for use
WorkCover Corporation Self Insurer Performance Standards and the Natural Consequences Model