Antea Group presented a panel discussion at the 2016 Institute of Internal Auditors Environmental Health & Safety Exchange on how EHS audits fit into the full picture of an organization's risk, why audits are needed, what types of audits exist, and auditing methodology and communication. For more information, see http://us.anteagroup.com/en-us/services/operational-performance-and-assurance/environmental-audits-and-assessments

1. Successful EHS
Auditing Insights
from a Client’s
Prospective
What Works and What Doesn’t

2. Presenters / Panel Discussion
Brett Church, CHCM
Director of EHS
Compass Group
David Matthews, CIH
Consultant
Antea Group
Jeff Powers, CSP
Senior Consultant
Antea Group
Marcia Fournier
Corporate Environmental
Social Responsibility Manager
NSK Americas

3. EHS Audits
EHS Audits: How Do They Fit Into the Risk Picture?
Factors to consider:
• Liability (auditor and auditee)
• Legal implications
• Corporate Culture
• Potential for Business Improvement

4. Why Audit?
 Assurance of compliance
 Manage liability
 Increase environmental
protection
 Increase employee safety
 Agency consent order
 Fewer surprises, fines, suits

5. Why Audit?
 “Brand” protection
 30,000 pages of
EHS regulations
 Prioritize activities
 Training opportunities
 Evaluate management
system effectiveness
 Customer requirement
 Business continuity

6. Common Type of EHS Audits
• Compliance Audits
• Conformance Audits
• Management System Audits
• External Audits
• Internal Audits

7. EHS Audit - Methodology
Audit methods make a difference
Element Audit
• Verifies compliance or conformance
to requirements.
• Insures the elements of a program are
in place and that people are aware of
the programs.
• Check the box audit and does not verify
the programs and procedures are effective.

8. EHS Audit - Methodology
Process Audit
• Verifies the program process steps are effective, efficient
and in accordance with policy.
• Evaluates the methods, activities and result of actions
related to inputs and outputs.
• Process audits ask the questions what do you do, why
do you do it, show me how you do it.

9. Audits vs. Inspections
Differences
• Audits are systematic assessments of compliance or conformance
• Audits investigate the effectiveness and reliability of the system
• Audits are normally performed by outsiders
• Inspections are task based
• Inspections are normally done by insiders
Common goals:
• reduce errors
• reduce costs
EHS Audit - Methodology

10. EHS Audit - Methodology
Layered Process Audits
• Inspection or audit?
• Layered Process Audits are used mainly in manufacturing
to hold processes to the standard.
• Began with quality but many organizations have included
EHS in the LPA.

11. Communication

12. Communications
 Corporate overall EHS program
 Corporate audit program
 Annual schedule
 Pre-audit
 During audit
 Post audit
 Corrective action

13. Auditor Etiquette
 A certain level of formality is necessary
 A high level of rigor is necessary
 A high level of professionalism
is necessary
 Audit the facility’s programs, not
people
 Help the facility improve its
performance
 Crucial that facility believes
audit team is there to help
 No surprises
 Communicate early and often
Setting the Tone

14. Auditor Etiquette
Avoid:
 Jumping to conclusions
 Confrontational situations (where possible)
 Making light of a situation
 ‘Scorecards’
 Subjective opinions
 Team only meetings
Audit Team Management

15. Auditor Etiquette
 Professionalism and tact
are important!
 Put yourself in their shoes
(practice empathy)
 Comply with facility rules
 Build consensus
 Acknowledge errors
Audit Team Management

16. Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
• Good audit experiences
• What are your expectations
• Mistakes and Pitfalls