Failing a safety certification audit can feel like a major setback, especially if the results impact your ability to work with key clients or bid on upcoming projects. Whether the audit was tied to ISNetworld®, Avetta®, Veriforce®, or another prequalification system, the outcome matters.
Failure doesn’t mean you’re out of options. How you respond to a failed audit often says more about your business than the audit itself.
In this article, we’ll walk through what happens after a failed audit, what the consequences may be, and most importantly, how to recover quickly and professionally.
Why Safety Certification Audits Matter
Clients use audit results to determine whether a contractor meets their safety, insurance, and operational standards. These audits can cover:
- Written safety programs (RAVS® submissions)
- Training documentation
- Safety performance data (TRIR, EMR, DART)
- Insurance certificates
- Regulatory compliance records
Failing to meet a platform’s or client’s standards during the audit process can lead to delays, grade downgrades, or disqualification from job consideration.
What Happens When You Fail an Audit
The exact consequences depend on the platform and client requirements, but generally, you can expect:
- Lowered Compliance Scores
Your company may receive a failing or reduced grade, which is visible to clients in the system. - Blocked or Delayed Contracts
Clients may pause or cancel work with you until the issues are resolved and your grade improves. - Mandatory Corrections and Resubmissions
You’ll often be given a specific timeframe to correct deficiencies and resubmit updated documentation. - Additional Scrutiny Going Forward
Future audits may involve more detailed reviews until trust is reestablished with clients or the certification platform.
Common Reasons Contractors Fail Safety Certification Audits
- Outdated or missing safety policies
- Gaps in employee training documentation
- Non-compliant or expired insurance coverage
- Inaccurate or incomplete RAVS® submissions
- Poor safety performance metrics (e.g., high TRIR or EMR)
- Missed deadlines for document submission or renewal
These issues often stem from limited internal resources or confusion around changing platform requirements, especially for small and mid-sized contractors.
How to Recover from a Failed Audit
1. Understand the Issues Clearly
Start by reviewing the audit feedback in full. Most platforms provide specific reasons for the failure, along with corrective actions. Make sure you understand each deficiency and what is required to fix it.
2. Prioritize the Most Impactful Gaps
Focus first on issues that directly affect your score or eligibility — such as missing insurance documents or outdated safety programs. These are often quick wins that can help you regain footing fast.
3. Resubmit Corrected Documentation Promptly
Most systems allow you to make updates and resubmit for re-evaluation. The sooner you do this, the faster your score can improve. Be thorough, accurate, and timely in your resubmissions.
4. Communicate with Clients (When Appropriate)
If a client is affected by the audit outcome, be transparent. Let them know what you’re doing to correct the issues and when they can expect a resolution. Proactive communication goes a long way in maintaining trust.
5. Get Help if Needed
If the audit process feels overwhelming or you’re unsure how to fix what went wrong, consider working with a safety compliance consultant. A consultant can manage the resubmission process, correct errors, and help prevent future issues.
Preventing Future Failures
Once you’ve recovered, it’s important to put systems in place that reduce the risk of failing again. This might include:
- Creating a documentation calendar for renewals
- Training internal staff on compliance systems
- Working with an outsourced compliance partner for ongoing support
Staying audit-ready year-round is far easier and less stressful than rushing to fix problems once they appear.
Moving Past a Failed Safety Certification Audit
A failed audit is a challenge, but it is also a chance to strengthen your compliance program and business operations. Most clients understand that issues happen. What they care about is how you handle them.
If you’re facing a failed safety audit or struggling to meet compliance requirements, Industrial Compliance & Safety can help you get back on track quickly and confidently.
Need expert help recovering from a failed certification audit? Contact us today to get started.
