Audit overview
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MSST Audit: Guarantee your company's safety and compliance
MSST audits for companies in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchatel, Valais and Jura.
SafetyFirst’s initial MSST audit is an expert, structured approach to an in-depth assessment of all your workplace safety arrangements.
Our mission: identify all areas for improvement, ensure your compliance with CFST Directive 6508 and support you in implementing a truly safe, sustainable working environment that is adapted to your real risks. This service, essential for any company concerned about its responsibilities and legal obligations, enables you to anticipate inspections, limit incidents and enhance your commitment to your teams and partners.
Objectives of the MSST audit
- In-depth assessment of your workplace safety procedures and arrangements
- Identify priority areas for improvement to reduce risks
- Guaranteeing compliance with CFST directive 6508 and current Swiss standards
Target audience
This audit is aimed at HSE managers, site managers and internal referents (PERCO), as well as any employee involved in the organisation and monitoring of safety measures in the company.
An initial MSST audit with SafetyFirst
Benefit from a detailed diagnosis and tailor-made action plan. Our experts complement the audit with practical on-site training for PERCOs and key personnel, ensuring effective, long-term implementation of your OHS management system.
Implementing an occupational health and safety audit: 4 key phases
To guarantee a complete and objective assessment of your safety system, our MSST audit follows a rigorous methodology, tried and tested with dozens of companies in French-speaking Switzerland. This transparent process gives you total visibility at every stage, from planning to action follow-up.
For an overview of the legal requirements governing this approach, see our full guide to occupational safety and health in Switzerland.
Preparation and planning
- Data collection: collection of existing documentation (incident log, procedures, previous reports). - Definition of the scope: identification of the sites, processes and departments concerned. - Creation of the project team: appointment of the internal safety manager (PERCO) and mobilisation of stakeholders (management, HSE, human resources). - Audit plan: timetable, detailed objectives and assessment criteria based on CFST directive 6508.
Inspection and risk mapping
- Field visits: on-site observations of workstations, facilities and behaviour. - Targeted interviews: discussions with operators, supervisors and staff representatives to understand actual practices. - Documentary analysis: checking safety data sheets, machine operating instructions and evacuation plans. - Hazard mapping: assessment of the severity and frequency of each risk (severity × probability matrix).
Report and recommendations
- Drafting of the audit report: summary of findings, strengths and non-conformities identified. - Prioritised action plan: list of corrective and preventive measures ranked by urgency and impact. - Feedback workshop: presentation of results to decision-makers, validation of actions and timetable. - Formal documentation: updating of procedures, creation or revision of the MSST manual.
Monitoring and continuous improvement
- Implementation of measures: support for the application of actions (training, adjustments, periodic inspections). - Performance indicators: definition and monitoring of KPIs (incident rate, equipment compliance, training rate). - Control audits: checks at 6 - 12 months to measure the effectiveness of the measures and adjust the plan. - PDCA loop (Plan-Do-Check-Act): regular reviews to ensure the long-term viability of the OHS approach and anticipate regulatory changes.
"With over 150 companies in French-speaking Switzerland, Safety First has developed recognised expertise in MSST audits.
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Accident prevention : From reaction to anticipation
A rigorous OHS audit is your best insurance against incidents. It allows you to map potential hazards before they become costly accidents, work stoppages or human tragedies. By acting proactively, you're not only protecting your teams: you're also safeguarding your productivity and reducing accident-related costs.
Regulatory compliance: protect your business and your reputation
Our audit guarantees that your organisation scrupulously complies with the Swiss standards in force, in particular the CFST 6508 directive. This compliance protects you from legal sanctions, fines and additional insurance costs. What's more, it reinforces your reputation as a responsible and reliable employer in the eyes of your customers, partners and future talent.
Continuous improvement: a driver of sustainable performance
Far from being a snapshot in time, the MSST audit is the starting point for your continuous improvement culture. Regular assessments enable you to fine-tune your processes, optimise the working environment and strengthen the commitment of your employees. Staff who feel safe are more motivated, more productive and more loyal.
Why is an MSST Audit a Strategic Investment?
Conducting an MSST audit goes far beyond a simple legal obligation in employee health and safety at work. It is an essential strategic approach for any company aimed at protecting its most precious asset – its employees – while securing its operational performance and long-term future. By proactively identifying risks, you can transform a regulatory constraint into a powerful lever for growth, confidence and efficiency.
Initial occupational health and safety audit: a key stage in ensuring compliance with the MSST system
The initial occupational health and safety audit offered by SafetyFirst is an essential step in assessing and optimising your organisation according to the requirements of the MSST system (occupational physicians and other occupational safety specialists). This audit, which complies with the directive CFST 6508, allows you to take stock of your healthand safety at work, while complying with Swiss legal obligations. MSST audit available in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchatel, Valais and Jura.
Our experts carry out an in-depth risk analysis to identify potential hazards in your work environment. This assessment includes checking existing prevention measures, emergency procedures, and legal compliance. You’ll receive a detailed report including a prioritised action plan to eliminate non-compliances and strengthen your processes.
The initial audit also aims to promote a sustainable safety culture within your organisation, while incorporating continuous improvement. Using a personalised approach, it helps you implement a system that complies with the MSST framework, guaranteeing optimal protection for your employees.
Opt for excellence in workplace safety with SafetyFirst and ensure your company’s regulatory compliance while protecting your teams.
SafetyFirst’s MSST audit is more than just an assessment; it is part of an overall occupational health and safety approach. To complement this approach, we offer a range of targeted training courses to prepare your teams for all emergency situations. From mastering vital gestures with the BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2, to the practical training in evacuation and fire safety, each programme strengthens protection in the field. We add to this innovative modules in mental health first aid and conflict management, essential for demanding professional environments.
Frequently asked questions about the MSST audit
The length of the audit depends on the size and complexity of your business. In general, you should allow one to two full days on site for an SME with between 10 and 50 employees. This phase includes inspecting the premises, interviewing key personnel and analysing your documentation. The work of analysing and writing the final report then takes a few more days.
To maximise the effectiveness of the audit, it is useful to gather the following documents in advance: your existing safety concept (if you have one), the accident record for the last three years, the safety procedures in place, safety data sheets for hazardous products, and evidence of training of your employees. Don't worry, we'll provide you with a detailed checklist prior to our intervention.
The audit comprehensively identifies all deviations from the directive CFST 6508 and provides you with a prioritised action plan to remedy them. Ultimate compliance depends on your company rigorously implementing this plan. Our role is to provide you with the clearest, most pragmatic roadmap for achieving this objective and calmly approaching any inspection by the Labour Inspectorate or SUVA.
The MSST audit focuses on compliance with Swiss legislation. It is mandatory for many companies and aims to ensure an adequate level of safety. The ISO 45001 is a voluntary international standard that certifies a health and safety management system. Although compatible, their objectives differ: the former aims for legal compliance, the latter for international recognition of your management system.
Yes, and it's even a pillar of our approach. An audit is only useful if its recommendations are implemented. We offer tailored support to help you implement the action plan, train your teams (particularly PERCOs) and embed a genuine safety culture in your organisation over the long term.
