Difference between auditing and inspection

In simpler terms, inspections revolve around people, places and things while audits center on operations, processes and programs

Consequently, it is possible to audit a safety inspection program, but inspections cannot be performed on safety audits

Both are structured processes of examination used to promote workplace safety

They may be conducted internally or externally, though safety audits are often conducted externally

The biggest difference between the two is what they focus on

Safety audits focus on the processes your organization uses to address these hazards and protect workers

At a high level, inspections are a “do” and audits are a “check”

An inspection is typically something that a site is required to do by a compliance obligation

An audit is the process of checking that compliance obligations have been met, including that the required inspections have been done