What is a potential con of an external auditor?

An external auditor often concentrates on evaluating the effectiveness of safety and environmental management systems from an impartial standpoint. However, a potential drawback is that they may have limited knowledge of industry-specific hazards. This can hinder their ability to assess risks effectively and provide relevant recommendations for improvement, as they may not be as intimately familiar with the unique challenges and hazards that are inherent to a specific industry. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurately assessing compliance and identifying potential improvements.

In contrast, internal auditors are usually more integrated into the company’s operations and culture, which enables them to develop a deeper understanding of industry-specific issues. The other options don't accurately reflect common concerns associated with external auditors. For instance, while some might perceive external auditors differently than internal ones, they are generally seen as objective rather than part of the company culture. Additionally, external auditors typically have rigorous training that matches or even exceeds that of internal auditors, and they are usually well-versed in regulatory requirements specific to the industries they audit.