What is a safety audit?

A safety audit is fundamentally a systematic evaluation of an organization's safety practices, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to identify potential hazards. The primary objective of a safety audit is to assess how effectively safety measures are implemented and to determine areas for improvement. This process includes reviewing safety records, assessing the safety culture, and verifying that employees are trained and equipped to handle risks appropriately.

Conducting safety audits helps organizations create a safer working environment by proactively addressing issues before they lead to accidents or injuries. This not only reflects compliance with local and national safety standards but also fosters a culture of safety among employees.

In contrast, the other options suggest different functions that do not encompass the comprehensive nature of a safety audit. For example, a training program focuses primarily on educating employees rather than reviewing existing safety measures. Similarly, employee assessments typically evaluate individual performance rather than organizational safety practices, and reports on machinery efficiency relate more to operational productivity than safety considerations.