Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador 

Prevention Services
Health and safety audit


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The Commission’s Prevention Department performs workplace health and safety audits if:
  • The employer requests one;
  • There has been a referral from the OH&S Division of the Dept. of Government Services;
  • The firm has been identified as a priority employer; and 
  • A need for injury surveillance has been established.
Once the need for an audit is established, we assign a health and safety advisor to the task. The advisor collects and reviews data on the employer’s health and safety history and calls the employer to request an initial meeting.

During the meeting, the employer can share information about the workplace and learn about the Commission’s prevention services. If the employer agrees to an audit, a date for a briefing on the audit process is established. From there, the audit is scheduled.

The audit generally takes one to two days to complete. It consists of reviewing health and safety related documentation, interviewing selected staff and touring the workplace. The audit covers the 10 areas of an OH&S program:
  1. Leadership and Administration;
  2. Hazard Identification, Assessment and Controls;
  3. Safe Job Practices and Procedures;
  4. Education and Training;
  5. Workplace Inspections;
  6. Occupational Health and Safety Committee;
  7. Accident/Incident Investigations;
  8. Communications;
  9. Emergency Preparedness; and
  10. Disability Management.
When the audit is finished, the Commission sends a report to the employer outlining the advisor’s observations and recommendations. During a follow-up meeting, the advisor and employer work together to set priorities and develop an action plan.

The Commission stays involved throughout the process and sends quarterly progress reports to the employer. A year later, the advisor will conduct a repeat audit to assess improvements. The audit life-cycle continues until:
  • Significant progress has been attained;
  • The firm is able to conduct health and safety audits independently;
  • The employer declines further services; and 
  • The Advisor requests a discontinuation.

Policies and procedures