Auditor Training

You told us that the Audit Refresher training could get repetitive, so we’ve updated the course to begin with an overview of any new changes and information. You also told us that you wanted more examples of justification notes, suggestions for improvement, QA comments, and exercises with real scenarios so we’ve added (and will continue to add) those too.

Auditor Communication

You told us that you appreciate the content and format of AMHSA’s communication with auditors but suggested some improvements. We will continue to post Audit Tips to our Facebook page and email Auditor Updates, but we’ll be doing so on a more regular schedule, with Audit Tips posted twice a week and the Update sent 4 times per year. We’ll also be adding some new content, with a focus on new tool questions, real examples, QA comments, and frequently asked questions. In 2019, we’ll also be looking at creating an interpretation guide and additional resources to support both auditors and program participants.

Click here to view past Auditor Updates or click here to subscribe.

Have examples, questions, or suggestions for auditor communications? Email Krystal at krystal@amhsa.net.

Audit Process

AMHSA follows internal timelines for quality assurance, with 14 days for COR Certification (external) processing and 42 days for COR Maintenance (internal), auditor qualification, and baseline audits. AMHSA’s timelines are comparable to other Certifying Partners in Alberta and QA time does not impact any auditor deadlines (such as report writing, or the time allowed for revisions), but your responses indicated that you’d like to receive your Maintenance results sooner. We’ve added additional contract QA Analysts to our team, and in 2019 we’ll be changing our standard for COR Maintenance to provide you with your QA review in 35 days.

AMHSA processes 110-175 audits each year and while we strive for a high level of accuracy and consistency, we do sometimes make mistakes. We’ve updated our internal processes to better track submitted audits and have arranged for all of our analysts to meet several times a year to review standards and guidelines.

Post-Audit Evaluation

We received several comments requesting a method for audited organizations to provide feedback on their experience with external auditors. In 2019 we’ll be looking at implementing an optional survey for post-external-audit evaluation. This will allow organizations to provide feedback on both their audit experience and on their peer or consultant auditors. Look for more information on this in 2019.

“ There is a struggle across the field regarding the continual changes to the audit tool/process…”

“ The number of changes to the Audit Tool (and subsequent re-training) over the past few years, have become a point of frustration…”

“ Stop changing the audit standard!”

One of the most common responses to the survey was to stop making so many changes and to allow our participating municipalities a chance to catch up. We hear you – since 2014 we’ve had new tools, new programs, new training, and multiple new standards and requirements. As a Certifying Partner, AMHSA acts as a go-between – we facilitate the COR program to municipalities on Partnership’s behalf and we advocate to Partnerships on behalf of the municipalities. AMHSA is required to follow the processes and standards that Partnerships implements and to do so according to their timelines. To the best of our knowledge, Partnerships has no current plans to make any major changes in 2019 that will directly affect our program participants.

Can you make Refresher training online/shorter/less frequent?

Not at this time. AMHSA’s Audit Refresher training must meet the requirements set by Partnerships which mandates delivery, length, and content. We understand that travel and time away from work can be an issue for many and will continue to encourage Partnerships to allow for online training options.

I’m a consultant/certified with another CP can I skip AMHSA’s requirements?

AMHSA allows those with existing certifications to apply for equivalency for HSMS and to apply to attend Audit Refresher rather than the full Health and Safety Auditing course. Equivalency approval is at AMHSA’s discretion and not guaranteed. While all CPs must follow Partnership’s standards, there can be differences in interpretation, processing, and tools, as well as information unique to a particular industry.

I certified/recertified as an auditor in 2017. Do I need to retake training to use the 2018 Audit Workbook?

No, if you took your training in 2017, you do not need to retake training to use the 2018 standard. Visit our website to download a copy of the 2018 Audit Workbook or to view a copy of the updated Refresher training manual to assist you with any questions. If you are unsure of when your training was, or if you have additional questions about the tool, call us at 1 (800) 267-9764.

Where can I get more information on changes/why didn’t you tell me about these changes?

AMHSA emails regular updates to Auditor Update subscribers , includes information in quarterly newsletters , updates our website , and posts frequently to our Facebook page. If you are subscribed but have not received any information please check your spam folder, add us to your safe senders list, or contact Krystal ( krystal@amhsa.net ).

Please note: We do not automatically add auditors to our auditor communications. Due to privacy and spam laws, you must opt-in to receive our newsletters. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter or like our Facebook page to ensure you receive regular updates.