Difference Between Audits and Inspections

Audits can vary greatly in scope, and it’s important to understand the practical differences between them. While there may be little difference between a focused internal audit and an inspection in some cases, inspections tend to focus on observing the physical workplace while audits are more concerned with systems and processes. The table below provides a clear illustration of the differences between inspections and external audits.

Inspections are straightforward visual observations of the workplace and workplace activities at a particular point in time. They are usually completed quickly and frequently, and can be carried out by workers, managers, supervisors or worker representatives. The resulting report or completed checklist identifies specific actions that need to be taken. Inspections require fewer resources and are typically carried out by internal workers.

External audits, such as certification audits, involve a complete examination of the documented health and safety management system. They take much longer to complete than inspections, often occurring once every 2-3 years, and are carried out by external auditors. Auditors require a higher degree of skill and competence to complete the audit, and the resulting comprehensive report identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the management system. Audits require significantly more resources than inspections, often requiring input from multiple people.