What Managers Need to Know About Preparing for Load Securement Audits
In the transport industry, load securement audits represent an essential practice needed to ensure that companies operate in a safe and legally compliant way. When you prepare for this kind of audit properly, you have a much better chance of following the rules and keeping everyone safe.
Here, we closely examine how to best prepare for and execute load securement audits, providing structure and hopefully making the process less daunting.
What Is a Load Securement Audit?
Carried out by internal teams or regulatory authorities, a load securement is basically an assessment to ensure that operators are abiding by all applicable rules. During these audits, a company’s load-securing methods, equipment and record-keeping are closely examined.
It’s vital to be prepared well for this kind of scrutiny, as it will ensure smooth operation of your organisation while helping you to avoid penalties being incurred.
The Key Steps of Preparation
Being fully prepared for audits like these begins by familiarising yourself with all applicable regulations for your operation. This knowledge can quickly become outdated, so you also need to keep updated as to any regulation changes that might lead to you becoming non-compliant.
Other important steps include:
- Keeping accurate records of all of your processes is essential, as is keeping them well-organised and easily accessible.
- Providing regular training on load securement best practices is also a must.
- Keeping everyone aware of what’s expected when an audit is being conducted.
- Buying the right equipment is another non-negotiable, meaning you must have the appropriate gear to handle the loads you encounter.
- Carrying out regular checks to ensure that all of your securement gear is in good working order and not damaged or outdated.
Why It’s Important to Keep Accurate Records
Keeping up-to-date and accurate documentation of your load securement activity is critical for a number of reasons. Included within your records must be any incidents or instances where the correct procedures were not followed, along with what was done to address the issue.
By carrying out internal audits, you can proactively spot any issues that exist before a formal audit picks them up. Any non-compliance issues can be highlighted, as well as pointing out areas that need to be improved.
Another benefit of practice audits is that it gives your team a chance to become accustomed to the process.
Leveraging the Benefits of Technology
When you use the latest software for this kind of process, it can make your job a whole lot easier. An example of this in action is record-keeping software that takes care of a lot of the legwork while also largely eliminating human error.
Load monitoring systems can also be exceptionally useful in helping you abide by the regulations that need to be followed. Also, if you’re in any way unsure about how effective your current processes are, reach out to an expert who will be able to give you an idea about where you’re going right/wrong.
A Multi-Pronged Approach Is Required
Load securement audits can be stressful and fraught, although that only happens when you’re not fully prepared. If, as we’ve covered here, you take a multi-pronged approach that combines and understanding of the subject with a well-informed team and accurate record-keeping, they tend to go much more smoothly.
With the right prep, you can make formal audits a much less daunting proposition and foster a culture of safety and responsibility throughout your company.
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