Multi-Site EHS Legal Compliance Audits

Arthian was approached to deliver Environmental and Health & Safety (EHS) legal compliance audits for clients with multi-site operations across Scotland, England, and Wales. Support was to align with UK legislative, ISO 14001 environmental management system and global corporate audit requirements. The engagements involved client sites in the defence and manufacturing sectors, each with geographically dispersed sites and varied operational risks. Arthian’s tailored approach ensured that each site’s unique legal and operational context was addressed, enabling consistent compliance and alignment with both national regulations and corporate standards.

A detailed audit plan was developed to coordinate site scheduling and minimise disruption to operations across busy facilities. Comprehensive EHS legal compliance audits were then completed by the qualified Arthian compliance audit team with sector experience and technical expertise. The audits involved review of documentation, interviewing staff, and conducting site walkarounds to observe processes in action.

Audits identified several key compliance issues. At one site, storage tanks were found to be non-compliant with current legislation due to being single-skinned and lacking secondary containment, posing a significant environmental risk. Another issue was the absence of COSHH risk assessments, which are essential for informing users about hazardous substances and ensuring they understand the appropriate actions to take in an emergency. Additionally, waste management practices were found to be deficient: waste transfers were not consistently documented with the required Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) and Waste Consignment Notes (WCNs), and some sites did not hold valid licences for their waste contractors.

Audit reports per site outlining all reviewed documentation, evidence and site observations. Findings were categorised into non-conformances, potential non-conformances, opportunities for improvement, and general observations. These findings were summarised in a consolidated Action Plan to help each site prioritise actions and close out issues efficiently, whether to meet legal requirements or align with best practice. To further support compliance, Arthian developed bespoke Environmental and Health & Safety legal registers tailored to each site’s operations. Register format and colour-coding clearly indicate applicable and non-applicable legislation, making it easier for the client to track obligations. Recognising the dynamic nature of regulatory change, Arthian also provide regular regional legislative updates. These updates ensured each site remained informed of new or amended legislation and could take appropriate action where required.

As a result of the audits, the client gained a clear and comprehensive view of its overall EHS compliance performance across all sites. The process not only confirmed areas of compliance but also highlighted opportunities for improvement, enabling the organisation to take proactive steps toward enhanced operational integrity and legal assurance. Further, Arthian’s approach goes beyond identifying compliance gaps by explaining the rationale behind each audit area. This helps site teams understand their legal obligations in context, particularly how regulations apply to specific equipment, processes, and activities.

By embedding this knowledge at the operational level, Arthian not only supports immediate compliance but also builds internal capability, ownership, and long-term awareness.