bizSAFE Audit

bizSAFE - Risk Management Audit.

bizSAFE is a nationally recognized capability-building program designed to help companies improve workplace safety and health (WSH) standards. It provides a structured framework to build up organizations’ risk management capabilities systematically through training, assessments, and the implementation of robust safety and health management systems. The program promotes hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and the development of a strong safety culture in the workplace. Managed by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) and supported by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It helps organizations reduce accidents, ensure compliance with regulations, and enhance their reputation for workplace safety.

Objectives of bizSAFE Audit

bizSAFE program are to systematically build up workplace safety and health (WSH) capabilities among companies in Singapore and to promote a strong safety culture across all industries. It provides a clear, step-by-step framework that guides businesses to identify, assess, and manage workplace risks effectively, ensuring legal compliance and the well-being of employees.

Key objectives include:

Enhance WSH standards

Raise the overall safety and health standards in workplaces by involving all industry stakeholders.

Build risk management capabilities

Equip companies with the knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and control risks through training and implementation.

Promote safety ownership

Encourage management and employees to take ownership and responsibility for workplace safety.

Drive compliance with WSH laws

Help organizations meet Singapore's Workplace Safety and Health Act and related regulations.

Improve business resilience and reputation

Support companies in creating safer workplaces that reduce accidents and enhance operational continuity.

Enable access to business opportunities

Certification through bizSAFE levels serves as a mark of good WSH practices, often required for contract bidding, especially for government projects.

Audit Team

A bizSAFE audit team is composed of accredited professionals whose primary role is to conduct independent risk management audits for organizations seeking bizSAFE Level 3, 4, or Star certification in Singapore. The core requirements and structure of the audit team include:

WSH Auditor: The audit must be performed by a Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) auditor who is from a Ministry of Manpower (MOM)-approved and Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC)-accredited Auditing Organisation (AO). This auditor is responsible for leading the risk management audit and ensuring a fair, impartial process.
Independence: To prevent conflicts of interest, the same company cannot both consult and audit for a bizSAFE client. The audit team comes from an external accredited body, not from within the organization being audited.
Competence: The auditor will verify the presence of a competent risk assessment (RA) team within the client organization. The client’s RA team should include at least one member with a WSQ bizSAFE Level 2 certificate, showing knowledge and experience in workplace risk management.

The team works collaboratively to systematically evaluate the SHMS with a standardized checklist and scoring system, ensuring a comprehensive and consistent audit result.

Team Task

The audit team reviews key documentation, interviews staff, and inspects workplace conditions.
They must report immediately to MOM if an unsafe condition posing imminent danger is not remedied within a day.
Team roles and tasks are clearly defined to ensure thoroughness and professional standards throughout the audit.

Testimony of Audit Conducted

A bizSAFE audit report is the official document produced by an accredited auditing organization upon completion of a risk management audit for bizSAFE Level 3, 4, or Star certification

Cover page: Contains company details, audit date, location, scope, type of audit (new, progression, renewal), management representative’s signature, and details of the auditing organization. It bears the SAC accreditation mark and is valid for three years from the audit date.
Audit objectives and methodology: Summarizes the purpose of the audit (verifying risk assessment and management according to regulatory requirements) and references the standards applied, such as the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations.
Findings and observations summary: Highlights strengths and areas for improvement regarding the organization’s safety management system. Includes specific comments by auditors on the implementation, effectiveness, and compliance of risk management practices.
Main checklist: Follows the official bizSAFE Level 3 Risk Management Audit Checklist—this section records answers to standardized audit questions, relevant evidence, and auditor comments. Items cover policy, planning, competency, risk assessment, implementation, operation, and performance review.

Interview sheets and supporting annexes: Compiles feedback from personnel interviews and details supporting evidence, such as photographs, documents, and records used to verify audit findings.
Recommendations and conclusion: Indicates whether the organization is recommended for bizSAFE recognition, reasons for any non-conformities, and advice for corrective action.
Signatures and endorsement: The report is signed by the auditor(s), reviewer(s), and stamped by the accredited auditing organization to validate the audit.

The audit report is comprehensive, objective, and critical for both regulatory compliance and continual improvement in workplace safety. It enables organizations to address shortcomings, strengthen risk management practices, and publicly demonstrate their commitment to a safe and healthy workplace.