Health & Safety Audits in Construction – Why They Matter & How to Conduct Them Effectively

Health and safety audits are essential for maintaining safe, compliant construction sites. Regular audits help identify hazards, verify documentation and ensure legal duties are being met. Without them, sites face greater risks of accidents, enforcement action and project delays.

This article explains why audits matter, outlines legal requirements, and provides a practical step-by-step process you can use on any project. It also shows how Majestic Site Management supports contractors with structured audits and corrective action planning.

Why health and safety audits are essential

• They identify hazards and compliance gaps before incidents occur.
• They support CHAS and CDM 2015 requirements.
• They demonstrate due diligence to clients and regulators.
• They improve safety culture and reduce downtime.

Legal responsibilities on site

Under CDM 2015, the principal contractor must plan, manage and monitor construction work to ensure it proceeds safely. Regular auditing is a practical way to evidence this duty and maintain control across multiple trades and shifting risk profiles.

How to conduct a health and safety audit

1. Plan the scope and objectives

Define areas to audit, agree timescales and identify responsible persons for actions.

2. Walk the site and assess risks

Check access routes, working at height, housekeeping, welfare, fire precautions and emergency arrangements. Record significant findings.

3. Inspect equipment and documentation

Confirm inspections, training records and permits are current. Verify Construction Phase Plan, RAMS, inductions and briefings.

4. Review fire safety

Ensure an up-to-date Fire Risk Assessment is in place, with appropriate extinguishers, signage and drills.

5. Report findings and assign actions

Prioritise hazards by risk level, assign owners and set deadlines. Track completion and re-inspect where needed.

Common audit pitfalls to avoid

• Infrequent or informal audits with no records.
• Generic actions that are not site-specific.
• No follow-up to verify that corrective actions are complete.
• Overlooking contractor inductions and permit controls.

How Majestic Site Management can help

We deliver comprehensive health and safety audits and site inspections tailored to your project. Our team provides practical action plans, supports documentation, and helps you evidence compliance for clients, insurers and the HSE.

Conclusion

Regular, well-structured audits are the backbone of safe and compliant construction sites. They reduce incidents, protect your workforce and help you meet legal responsibilities under CDM 2015.

For expert audit support and compliance advice, contact Majestic Site Management today.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01484 426302