Many industrial facilities conduct regular internal walkthroughs to identify hazards and housekeeping issues. While these informal inspections are valuable, they are not the same as a formal Ontario plant safety audit. Plant safety audits evaluate compliance with legislation, assess management systems, and examine documented procedures—going far beyond surface-level checks.
This comparative guide explains how formal plant safety audits differ from informal inspections, what auditors actually look for, and how facilities can prepare effectively.
Scope of Review
Informal inspections usually focus on visible hazards such as blocked exits, spills, or missing guards.
Ontario plant safety audits review:
- Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
- Compliance with Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments)
- Safety management systems
- Training records
- Equipment safeguards
Verdict: Audits examine both physical conditions and management systems.
Documentation Requirements
Informal inspections often rely on simple checklists.
Auditors expect:
- Written health and safety policies
- Hazard assessments
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Machine guarding documentation
- Training records
Verdict: Documentation is critical for passing an audit.
Machine Safety Evaluation
During informal inspections, machine safety may only be visually checked.
In audits, evaluators assess:
- Guard design
- Interlocks
- Emergency stops
- Risk assessments
- Pre-Start Review status
Verdict: Audits include technical machine safety analysis.
Training Verification
Informal inspections rarely verify training depth.
Auditors confirm:
- Worker competency
- Supervisor training
- Refresher training schedules
- Records of instruction
Verdict: Training proof is mandatory.
Hazard Identification Process
Informal inspections rely on observation.
Audits review:
- Formal hazard assessments
- Job hazard analyses
- Change management procedures
Verdict: Audits expect a structured approach to hazard management.
Compliance Accountability
Informal inspections are usually internal.
Audits may be conducted by third-party auditors or regulatory bodies and can result in enforcement actions.
Verdict: Audits carry legal consequences.
Continuous Improvement Focus
Informal inspections identify immediate fixes.
Audits evaluate:
- Corrective action tracking
- Root cause analysis
- Program effectiveness
Verdict: Audits assess long-term safety performance.
How to Prepare for an Ontario Plant Safety Audit
- Review OHSA and Regulation 851 requirements
- Update safety policies and procedures
- Conduct internal gap assessments
- Ensure training records are current
- Verify machine guarding and PSR status
Conclusion
Ontario plant safety audits go far beyond basic inspections. They evaluate legal compliance, documentation, machine safety, and safety management systems. Understanding these differences helps facilities prepare effectively and improve their chances of passing an audit.
