Successful EHS Auditing Insights

from a Client’s Prospective

What Works and What Doesn’t

Presenters / Panel Discussion

Brett Church, CHCMDirector of EHSCompass Group

David Matthews, CIHConsultantAntea Group

Jeff Powers, CSPSenior ConsultantAntea Group

Marcia FournierCorporate Environmental Social Responsibility Manager NSK Americas

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

Why Audit?

Assurance of compliance Manage liability Increase environmental

protection Increase employee safety Agency consent order Fewer surprises, fines, suits

Why Audit?

“Brand” protection 30,000 pages of

EHS regulations Prioritize activities Training opportunities Evaluate management

system effectiveness Customer requirement Business continuity

Common Type of EHS Audits

• Compliance Audits• Conformance Audits• Management System Audits• External Audits• Internal Audits

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.

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.

Audits vs. InspectionsDifferences

• 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

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.

Communication

Communications

Corporate overall EHS program Corporate audit program Annual schedule Pre-audit During audit Post audit Corrective action

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

Auditor Etiquette

Avoid: Jumping to conclusions Confrontational situations (where possible) Making light of a situation ‘Scorecards’ Subjective opinions Team only meetings

Audit Team Management

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

Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion• Good audit experiences

• What are your expectations

• Mistakes and Pitfalls