ISO 45001 Audit Checklist Template

What is ISO 45001 Audit Checklist?

It is an important tool used during the audit of the organization as a guide when assessing its OH&S management system. It helps in understanding how well the organization is aligned with Iso 45001 standards. It can also be used during the certification process, which eases the work during the certification process covering relevant questions.

Important Characteristics And Functions

What should be included in the ISO 45001 Audit checklist?

A quality ISO 45001 audit checklist covers around 7 clauses of the standard. The ISO 45001 checklist includes the following clauses.

Context of the organization

• Issues: identifying internal and external factors that influence OH&S Performance
• Interested parties: Determining the relevant stakeholders and understanding their needs and expectations related to OH&S Performance

Leadership and work participation

• Management Commitment: Visible leadership and accountability for OH&S performance
• OH&S Policy: Establish, approve, and communicate a clear occupational health and safety policy.
• Worker Participation: Provide a structured mechanism for worker consultation, involvement, and participation in decision-making.

Planning

• Risk & Opportunities: Identifying risk, opportunities, and setting strategies for mitigation and improvement.
• Hazard identification: implement systematic processes for hazard recognition, assessment, and control.
• Legal & Regulatory compliance: Update legal and regulatory requirements and integrate them into operations
• Objectives & Targets: Define measurable OH&S objectives aligned with organizational strategy.

Support

• Resources: Allocate adequate human, financial, and technological resources for OH&S management.
• Competence & Training: Ensure all personnel are trained, competent, and aware of their OH& S responsibilities.
• Communication: Establish effective communication channels for internal and external communication
• Documented Information: Maintain Policies, Procedures, and records as required.

Operations

• Operations control: Implement and maintain control measures to meet OH&S requirements.
• Change Management: Apply structured controls to changes that may affect OH&S Performance.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response: Develop documented emergency procedures, provide training, and conduct regular drills.

Performance Evaluation

• Monitoring & Measurement: Track Performance against objectives, compliance obligations, and operational criteria.
• Internal Audit: Conduct a scheduled audit to verify conformity and effectiveness of the OHSMS.
• Management Review: Review system performance at planned intervals to ensure ongoing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.

Improvements

• Incident Management: Implement a process for reporting , investigating, and addressing incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Corrective Action: Take timely corrective actions to eliminate the cause of non-conformities.
• Continual Improvement: Drive ongoing enhancements of OH&S Performance through lessons learned, innovation, and best practices.

Why is the checklist used during an ISO 45001 Audit?

Using a structured checklist during ISO 45001 audits provides several advantages:

Ensures Comprehensive Coverage:

A well-designed checklist aligns with all key ISO 45001 requirements, ensuring that no critical element is overlooked. This makes the audit process more accurate, reliable, and thorough.

Improves Efficiency:

With a predefined set of questions and criteria, auditors can conduct audits in a logical sequence, saving time and resources. This allows greater focus on high-risk areas and potential improvement opportunities.

Enhances Communication:

A checklist provides transparency for both auditors and auditees, helping all stakeholders understand the scope and process of the audit. This clarity fosters better collaboration, minimizes misunderstandings, and supports more effective outcomes.

How to Prepare for ISO 45001 Certification

Preparing for ISO 45001 certification involves a structured approach to ensure compliance and readiness. Key steps include:

• Understand the Standard: Gain a clear understanding of ISO 45001:2018 requirements and how they apply to your organization.
• Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your existing OH&S management system against the standard using a readiness review or ISO 45001 audit checklist to identify gaps.
• Develop an Implementation Plan: Create a roadmap using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to systematically address identified gaps and strengthen processes.
• Build Competence and Awareness: Define competency requirements, deliver training programs, and ensure employees are aware of their roles in achieving OH&S objectives.
• Document Policies and Procedures: Establish and maintain documented OH&S policies, procedures, and responsibilities in line with ISO 45001 requirements.
• Implement and Integrate: Put documented processes into practice across all levels of the organization to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Conduct Internal Audits: Perform regular internal audits to evaluate effectiveness, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure system readiness.
• Engage a Certification Body: Select an accredited certification body to conduct the external audit and guide the organization toward ISO 45001 certification.

ISO 45001:2018 Audit Findings Table