Know the key differences to benefit from Third Party Safety Audits at site
A Delhi based construction company had their in-house team conduct internal safety audits. However, when CQRA was hired for a third party or external safety audit, the team was exposed to observations that they had been oblivious to. The expertise and experience of CQRA’s external safety audit ensured that the project was comprehensively reviewed for salient pointers like safety documentation, engineering, administrative aspects and emergency preparedness.
We see that while internal safety audits help in basic safety implementation and risk mitigation, third party safety audits by accredited agencies guarantee unbiased and thorough checks.
Internal Safety Audits – More Cons than Pros
Conducted by internal teams of construction companies, internal safety audits can be carried for self assessment and earmark areas for improvement. These audits help inculcate a safety culture at the site.
But their drawbacks weigh more than their benefits. Here’s how –
Skill Limitation – There are no stringent qualification criteria for internal safety auditors, neither are there any clauses or legal frameworks to be followed. Inspections by unqualified personnel increase the chances of certain safety aspects being overlooked.
Conflict of Interest – This can be a serious issue as opinions of the internal auditors can be personal and therefore be biased. Findings may be influenced by internal politics or pressure to show good results.
Familiarity Bias – Regular exposure to the same environment makes it easy to overlook hazards.
No Statutory Weight – Internal reports are rarely accepted by regulatory bodies for certifications. Also, the outcome of an internal safety audit is an internal report with actionable insights.
Internal audits are good for basic, ongoing checks—but they may leave critical compliance and safety gaps.
Third Party Safety Audits for Unbiased, Expert Reviews
The systematic approach of safety audits by external agencies cannot be achieved by internal audits.
Here’s how Third Party Safety Audits enhance credibility for investors –
True Independence –
These audits are conducted by third party professional agencies certified by accreditation bodies. For example CQRA is an ISO 17020 Type A accredited agency by The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB). Type A accreditation means the auditing agency is completely independent from design, installation, and operational roles, ensuring there is no conflict of interest. This guarantees unbiased, transparent, and credible results.
Higher Technical Competence
External audits are carried out as per IS codes, relevant Acts, rules and regulations, ensuring thorough inspections. At CQRA, every auditor is trained and qualified in –
- IS Codes, Factories Act, BOCW Act, NBC 2016, and other statutory frameworks
- Hazard identification, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance verification
- Fire safety, emergency preparedness, and engineering control assessments
Comprehensive & Standardized Process
External audits are well planned and contract based exercises. Unlike internal audits based on in-house checklists, third-party audits follow a structured, standardized methodology covering:
- Safety documentation & permits
- Engineering & administrative controls
- Statutory and IS/NBC code compliance
- Emergency response readiness
Legal Recognition & Certification Support
External audits are not just for safety reviews but also for obtaining mandatory certifications during construction like Fire Safety certification. These can be carried out only by accredited external agencies. External audits by ISO 17020-accredited agencies carry legal weight. Many statutory approvals can only be issued after a third-party audit from such bodies.
Internal audits maintain safety awareness. But when it comes to compliance assurance, unbiased assessment, and legally credible certification, a Type A ISO 17020-accredited third-party audit is the superior choice.
With CQRA’s NABCB-recognized safety auditors, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re setting the benchmark for safety excellence.
Contact CQRA for a comprehensive Third Party Safety Audit for your project.
Website: www.cqra.com
Email: marketing@cqra.acts-int.com
Contact: +91 9112232323