Health and safety, environment and quality audits (2nd ed.)
Stephen Asbury / Routledge / ISBN: 978–0–41550–811–7 / Paperback / £34.99
Health and safety, environment and quality audits is far more than a guide to auditing following the requirements of ISO 19011. It encourages readers to reflect on business culture, practices and management approaches, and to appreciate the potential risks to achieving business goals, including high standards of HSEQ performance.
The subtitle to this book is “A risk-based approach” and, if auditors follow the guidance provided, they will reduce their risks of failing to add value through the audit process. Once the organisational context for auditing has been established, the book provides a wealth of guidance on auditing techniques and approaches, from planning to reporting findings.
The chapter on conducting the audit is full of detail, with plenty of examples taken from the author’s obviously extensive practical experience. Asbury successfully lifts what can be a very dry topic by carefully structuring and presenting the material in a manner that is easy to follow and understand.
This is an enjoyable and thought-provoking book, which probes deeply into auditing practices and auditor behaviour. The many tips, case studies and “A-factors” – essential nuggets of information for auditors – add to the value and usefulness of this excellent guide.
Nigel Leehane, MIEMA, CEnv, is an environment management consultant and principal environmental auditor.
