Facility Audits 

WHY DOES MY FACILITY NEED AN EHS AUDIT?

In a word, accountability. Operators of manufacturing facilities are responsible for complying with applicable regulations, providing a safe work environment for employees, and reducing potential risks to surrounding communities.

However, identifying potential gaps in a facility’s environmental, health, and safety programs can be challenging. Working with an experienced EHS professional can help organizations evaluate existing procedures, identify deficiencies, and determine where improvements may be needed.

A comprehensive EHS audit can help identify workplace safety hazards, environmental concerns, and potential regulatory compliance deficiencies. Inadequate EHS practices may increase the risk of workplace injuries, regulatory violations, financial penalties, and operational disruptions.

WHAT DOES AN EHS AUDIT ENTAIL?

Walden’s EHS professionals begin by visiting a facility to observe workplace conditions, operations, and established procedures. This initial evaluation helps identify potential concerns and determine which areas of the organization’s EHS program may require further review or improvement.

For example, facilities with high workplace noise levels may need to evaluate employee exposure, provide appropriate hearing protection, and implement hearing conservation measures when required. An audit can help determine whether applicable noise monitoring, employee training, and audiometric testing requirements are being addressed.

Other areas of evaluation may include access to fire extinguishers, first-aid supplies, and eyewash stations; appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE); hazardous chemical management; equipment safety; and emergency response procedures. Auditors may also assess whether employees understand the safety practices relevant to their responsibilities.

These are some of the areas an EHS professional may evaluate during a facility audit. The scope of the assessment depends on the facility’s size, operations, potential hazards, and applicable regulatory requirements. Following the evaluation, the auditor can provide findings and recommendations to help facility managers address identified concerns and improve their EHS programs.

WHAT DO EHS AUDIT SERVICES EVALUATE?

Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) audits assess workplace conditions, existing safety programs, and regulatory compliance responsibilities. The scope depends on the facility’s operations, potential hazards, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Professional EHS audit services may include reviewing written safety procedures, employee training records, environmental permits, hazardous waste management practices, and inspection documentation. Auditors may also compare established procedures with actual workplace practices to identify inconsistencies or potential compliance deficiencies.

For example, a facility may have written procedures for managing hazardous materials but lack documentation demonstrating that employees have received the necessary training. Identifying these gaps allows facility managers to better understand where improvements may be needed.

ADDRESSING EHS AUDIT FINDINGS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

An EHS audit provides information that organizations can use to address workplace hazards and compliance concerns. Once potential deficiencies are identified, facility managers can evaluate their significance and determine appropriate corrective actions.

Corrective actions should be prioritized based on factors such as employee safety risks, regulatory requirements, and operational considerations. Depending on the findings, improvements may involve updating written procedures, providing additional employee training, repairing equipment, or addressing environmental compliance concerns.

Assigning responsibilities and establishing realistic completion timelines can help organizations manage these improvements. Documenting completed corrective actions also supports future evaluations and helps demonstrate progress in addressing identified deficiencies.

Following up on audit findings is an important part of maintaining an effective EHS program. Periodic reviews can help facilities determine whether corrective measures remain effective as operations and regulatory responsibilities change.

WHEN SHOULD A FACILITY SCHEDULE AN EHS AUDIT?

Facilities may benefit from EHS audits when operational changes introduce new workplace hazards or regulatory responsibilities. Common circumstances include facility expansions, equipment installations, changes in production processes, or updates to applicable environmental and workplace safety regulations.

Audits may also be appropriate following workplace incidents, recurring safety concerns, or extended periods without a formal EHS program review. Organizations preparing for regulatory inspections may use an audit to identify potential deficiencies and evaluate their existing documentation.

The appropriate audit schedule depends on the facility’s operations, potential risks, and compliance responsibilities. Periodic evaluations can help organizations identify concerns before they become more difficult to address.

DOES IT HELP MY BUSINESS?

An EHS audit can help organizations identify opportunities to improve workplace safety and environmental compliance. EHS professionals work with facility representatives to document potential deficiencies, recommend improvements, and clarify applicable regulatory responsibilities.

Strengthening an EHS program can help reduce workplace disruptions associated with safety incidents and compliance concerns. Addressing potential hazards and improving established procedures may also support more consistent operations and a safer working environment.

Maintaining a safe and environmentally responsible workplace is an important part of effective facility management. A thorough EHS audit provides information that can support informed decisions and help organizations strengthen their existing EHS programs.

WHY CHOOSE WALDEN FOR EHS AUDIT SERVICES?

Walden Environmental Engineering provides EHS audit services to help organizations evaluate workplace conditions, identify potential compliance concerns, and strengthen existing safety programs. Our team works with facility managers and EHS professionals to develop practical recommendations tailored to their operations and regulatory responsibilities.

Beyond facility audits, Walden offers additional environmental, health, and safety consulting services, including program development, employee training, and regulatory compliance support. This allows organizations to address identified concerns with assistance tailored to their specific needs.

For facilities seeking to evaluate their current programs, Walden can also provide a Gap Audit. This assessment compares existing EHS policies and practices with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements or recognized management system standards, such as ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety and ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Contact Walden Environmental Engineering to discuss your facility’s EHS audit needs or learn more about conducting a Gap Audit.