What do compliance audits primarily assess?

Compliance audits primarily assess historical compliance with regulations. The focus of these audits is to evaluate whether an organization is adhering to legal and regulatory requirements related to health, safety, and environmental practices. By examining records, policies, and procedures, compliance audits determine if the organization has effectively implemented the necessary controls to meet regulatory obligations.

While management systems effectiveness is important in overall program assessments, compliance audits specifically target how well an organization is following external regulations and standards. Therefore, the true essence of a compliance audit lies in its ability to review past adherence to these legal frameworks. Other options, such as employee satisfaction and physical workplace security, while important in a comprehensive HSE program, do not directly relate to the primary function of compliance audits.