Over the past few months, we have undertaken gap analysis audits – comparing a company’s actual performance with its potential or desired one – for several clients.

The type of client ranges from small enterprises with fewer than five employees to corporate organisations with more than 500 employees, with work extending from construction to disability and from agriculture to event management.

What they all had in common was they weren’t clear if their health and safety system was robust enough for the size and complexity of their organisation and for the work it undertakes. In some cases, they knew the system had shortfalls and didn’t know how to improve it.

Safewise’s gap analysis/audit is both the same and different for each organisation. We look at the system, at evidence that the system is being used and talk to managers and staff. And in the same way that we tailor each health and safety system, we tailor the gap analysis/audit.

However we approach it, the team at Safewise has the knowledge and experience to identify the things being done well and the areas for improvement. This isn’t intended to be a sales pitch, but these are essential considerations when looking at your health and safety system. The process should be transparent and impartial and offer constructive recommendations for improvement. It can be completed by a member of your team if they have the mentioned attributes.

We recommend that all organisations undertake an annual review to ensure they maintain their health and safety systems in line with their needs. In times of economic challenges, having a robust, compliant health and safety system will keep staff safe and assist with securing more work.