Course in Professional Auditing in Occupational Health and Safety

In today’s dynamic business landscape, organizations face growing challenges in ensuring safe and healthy work environments that comply with both international standards and local regulations. The role of auditing in occupational health and safety has become a cornerstone for assessing compliance, identifying potential risks, and promoting preventive measures before incidents occur. Through the “Professional Auditing in Occupational Health and Safety” training program, Geneva Business School of Management provides participants with in-depth knowledge of global standards, advanced auditing practices, and structured methodologies that strengthen workplace safety systems. The program is designed to build professional capabilities that enable participants to carry out audits with precision, provide clear assessments, and contribute to both employee safety and organizational sustainability.

Target Audience

• Occupational health and safety officers responsible for monitoring compliance and improving safety frameworks within organizations.

• Quality managers and internal auditors seeking to expand their expertise to include occupational health and safety auditing standards.

• Engineers and field supervisors working in high-risk industries such as oil, gas, and construction.

• Consultants and specialists in integrated management systems who deal with global standards like ISO 45001.

• Team leaders and committee members engaged in emergency planning and implementing preventive measures across workplaces.

Program Objectives

• Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of occupational health and safety auditing and its role in strengthening organizational performance.

• Enable participants to identify and interpret international standards and regulations governing health and safety practices and ensure effective compliance.

• Develop professional skills in planning and implementing audit programs using structured and systematic approaches tailored to organizational needs.

• Strengthen the ability to analyze audit findings, prepare clear professional reports, and support evidence-based decision-making.

• Foster a professional mindset that promotes a culture of prevention, enhances workplace safety, and reduces risks and incidents.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Auditing

  • Definition of auditing and its importance in workplace environments.

  • The link between auditing and organizational performance improvement.

  • Types of audits and their distinct objectives.

  • Core principles of professional auditing.

• International Standards and Regulations

  • Overview of international frameworks such as ISO 45001.

  • Local and regional legislative requirements for workplace safety.

  • The role of regulations in shaping compliance obligations.

  • The connection between legal compliance and business sustainability.

• Planning and Organizing Audit Activities

  • Key steps in pre-audit preparation.

  • Defining audit scope and objectives.

  • Establishing clear audit timelines.

  • Developing comprehensive audit checklists.

• Roles and Responsibilities of Audit Teams

  • Duties of the lead auditor in managing the process.

  • Responsibilities of team members during different audit phases.

  • Criteria for selecting qualified audit teams.

  • The value of collaboration and coordination among members.

• Data Collection and Information Gathering Techniques

  • Effective field observation methods.

  • Using interviews to assess existing practices.

  • Reviewing relevant documents and records.

  • Ensuring accuracy and objectivity in collected data.

• Analyzing Results and Evaluating Compliance

  • Comparing findings with standards and regulations.

  • Identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Assessing risks linked to non-compliance.

  • Preparing reliable and structured data for analysis.

• Audit Report Writing

  • Essential elements of a well-structured audit report.

  • Presenting findings with clarity and precision.

  • Recommending practical measures for improvement.

  • Maintaining objectivity and transparency in reporting.

• Post-Audit Follow-Up

  • Tracking the implementation of recommended actions.

  • Monitoring performance improvements over time.

  • Verifying corrective measures.

  • Strengthening long-term organizational improvement.

• Challenges in Auditing Across Work Environments

  • Auditing in high-risk industries.

  • Common obstacles and ways to overcome them.

  • The influence of organizational culture on audit success.

  • The role of leadership in addressing challenges.

• Future Trends in Health and Safety Auditing

  • The role of technology in enhancing audit effectiveness.

  • Digital transformation and its impact on auditing processes.

  • The importance of continuous training for auditors.

  • Integrating auditing with other management systems.