How Health and Safety Audit Software Improves Compliance, Accuracy and Efficiency
December 11, 2024
On the night of July 6, 1988, the Piper Alpha oil rig, situated 140 miles off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, became the site of one of the deadliest disasters in oil and gas history. In less than three hours, a series of explosions and fires claimed the lives of 165 workers aboard the platform and two rescue crew members, leaving only 61 survivors. The platform’s collapse resulted in approximately $3.4 billion in insured damages and irreparable losses to countless families and the industry itself.
The tragedy was not the result of a lack of safety audits. As Sir Brian Appleton, the technical advisor to the inquiry noted: “there was no shortage of auditing [at] Piper. What was deficient was the quality of that auditing. Not only were departures from laid-down procedures not picked up, but the absence of critical comment in audit reports lulled senior management into believing that all was well.”
The Piper Alpha disaster is an example of how safety audits are only as effective as the systems that manage them. A robust audit management system ensures that safety procedures are not only documented but rigorously followed, reviewed and improved upon.
Modern health and safety audit management software plays a crucial role in this process by automating audits, tracking corrective actions and providing real-time insights into safety performance. When high-risk businesses leverage these technologies, they can create a culture of safety excellence that prioritizes lives and enhances operational efficiency, avoiding tragedies like Piper Alpha.
Core Benefits of Health and Safety Audit Software
Health and safety audits are more than regulatory checkboxes; they are proactive tools for identifying risks, ensuring compliance and protecting lives. Organizations that neglect or delay audits not only expose their employees to dangers but also risk severe financial, legal and reputational consequences.
Traditional paper-based audits or disconnected digital systems often fall short due to errors, delays and inefficiencies. A software solution, on the other hand, is designed to transform how audits are planned, conducted and monitored. Here’s 3 ways they help:
1. Enhancing Compliance and Reducing Regulatory Risk
Industries are governed by strict regulations, and failing to comply can lead to heavy penalties and shutdowns. Audit software simplifies regulatory compliance by automating record-keeping, generating reports and ensuring all safety measures are documented and up to date.
2. Boosting Accuracy with Real-Time Data and Automation
Manual processes are prone to errors, whether due to misplaced paperwork or human oversight. Safety audit tools eliminate these challenges by streamlining checklists, capturing real-time data and automating calculations, making audits precise and reliable.
3. Increasing Efficiency Through Automation and Mobility
Conducting audits across large facilities or multiple sites can be time-consuming. A mobile app allows auditors to perform inspections in the field, record findings instantly and automate follow-up actions. This streamlines the process, saving both time and resources.
Intelex Features That Drive Safety Excellence
When it comes to leading-edge solutions, Intelex Audit Management Software stands out. Designed to address the unique needs of health and safety managers, compliance officers and decision-makers, Intelex offers advanced features that elevate safety standards in the workplace.
Real-Time Insights and Dashboards
Intelex provides dynamic dashboards that consolidate audit data into actionable insights. Decision-makers can monitor safety metrics in real time, identify trends and address risks before they escalate into an accident.
Mobile Access for Onsite and Field Audits
Audits no longer require stacks of paperwork or office-bound data entry. Intelex’s mobile capabilities empower auditors to perform inspections, capture evidence, including photos, videos, geolocations and voice to text messaging, and upload findings from various onsite locations as well as directly from the field.
Automated Audit Scheduling
The scheduler feature simplifies planning by automating audit timelines and reminders. This ensures no audits are missed and keeps the organization ahead of compliance deadlines.
Customizable Checklists
Every industry has unique safety requirements. Intelex allows organizations to create and tailor checklists specific to their operational and regulatory needs, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Collaborative Workflows
Intelex streamlines audit management by automating tasks, centralizing communication and integrating workflows. Assign responsibilities, track progress and reduce redundancies, allowing teams to focus on safety and compliance improvements.
Automated Corrective Action Plans
Tracking corrective actions is critical for maintaining safety standards. Intelex automates task assignments, monitors progress and sends notifications to ensure timely completion.
Comprehensive Audit Trail
Intelex ensures transparent audit trails with centralized data storage and automated recordkeeping. Capture every step of the process, meet regulatory requirements and centralize verifiable documentation for compliance and accountability.
Ampcontrol Reduces TRIFR by Over 75% with Intelex
In 2019, Ampcontrol, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, recognized the need to enhance its health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) practices. Simon Coleman, General Manager – HSEQ, acknowledged, “Our approach, systems, and processes… needed to be better.”
To transform its safety culture, Ampcontrol launched the Live Work Better program and adopted Intelex to replace outdated systems. Intelex’s modular, mobile-friendly tools allowed Ampcontrol to digitize safety processes, empowering frontline workers and increasing engagement.
The results have been impressive. From 2019 to 2023, system access grew from 35 users to 530, with 70% using mobile devices. In addition, the Total Recordable injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) dropped from 12.11 to 2.9. That’s a 75% improvement!
Read the full case study here.
The Role of Technology in Safety Auditing Today
Modern health and safety audit software plays a critical role in enhancing workplace safety by helping organizations proactively identify risks and improve outcomes, contributing to safer operations and success like Ampcontrol, while aiming to prevent tragedies like Piper Alpha. Features like automated task tracking, real-time reporting and centralized data storage ensure critical safety information isn’t overlooked. Customizable checklists and mobile access enable auditors to identify and resolve potential hazards efficiently, while dashboards provide management with a clear picture of compliance and safety performance.
By committing to rigorous, high-quality safety audits (supported by advanced tools like audit management software) organizations can prevent accidents before they happen. These efforts not only protect lives but also uphold the integrity of operations, fostering a culture of safety in industries where the stakes are always high.
