Health and safety (H&S) compliance audits, often referred to as mock-OSHA audits, are one of EHS Support’s top-requested services. Collectively, our team has completed hundreds of these audits for our manufacturing clients, and from that experience, some noncompliance findings are so common we can smell them from the parking lot!
Below you will find a snapshot of some of the top offenders we can typically bet on finding:
1910.244(a)(2)(v) – (a)(2)(vi)(c) – Jacks are not inspected or lubricated on a regular interval.
1910.1020(g)(1) – (g)(1)(i) – Employees are not informed of the existence, location, and availability of relevant exposure and medical records upon hire, or annually thereafter.
1910.303(g)(1) – Electrical panels, disconnects, and transformers are blocked and do have three-foot clearance to allow sufficient access and working space.
1910.243(b)(2) – Worm-gear hose clamps are used on compressed airlines.
1910.215(b)(9) – The pedestal grinder tongue guard is greater than 1/4” from wheel.
1910.215(a)(4) – The work rest is greater than 1/8” from wheel.
1910.184(c)(14) – Nylon, chain, and wire rope slings are missing or have illegible identification markings (load limits).
1910.157(c)(1) – Fire extinguishers are blocked and/or are not properly identified.
1910.303(b)(2) – Extension cords/power strips are daisy-chained (plugged into one another).
1910.179(l)(3)(ii)(d) – Crane pendant control labels are not legible.
1910.23(c)(3) – Portable ladders are missing labels or labels are not legible.
It is actually quite common for site personnel to point out these “smell from the parking lot” issues to auditors during audits, indicating that these problems and hazards are already known about but have yet to be addressed. This can signal a larger red flag, as it shows overlooked risks and a lack of action. The reality is that plant managers, line supervisors, and HR teams are often overwhelmed by the responsibility of staying compliant while juggling their daily operations. Even new EHS coordinators can find this challenging without support.
This is where a thorough, proactive H&S compliance audit is essential. Reach out to us—or any (experienced) outside auditor—to review your written H&S program, conduct a thorough walkthrough, engage with management and personnel, coach site representatives on the noncompliance items, and help put together an action plan to close out the findings. What sets a good auditor apart is not only their ability to identify risks but also to work collaboratively with their team to implement solutions.
Take Action Today
When it comes to H&S programs, achieving compliance should be considered the bare minimum. An effective H&S program can protect your organization, workforce, and reputation from unnecessary risks. Why stop at “good enough” when you could be proactive and raise workplace safety standards?
Don’t wait for these seemingly minor issues to evolve into serious incidents or penalties. Contact EHS Support’s experienced H&S team today and let us help you make strides toward enhancing your commitment to continuous H&S improvement efforts.
EHS Support Health & Safety Team
