ISO 45001 certification is an international standard for an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system. It aims to improve the safety and health of employees by effectively managing workplace risks. Obtaining certification requires an external audit. Here's a guide on how to prepare for an ISO 45001 audit.
The first step is to become thoroughly familiar with the requirements of ISO 45001. This standard defines the standards that a company must meet in terms of health and safety management. It is recommended that the health and safety team carefully study the full text of the standard and participate in relevant training.
Before preparing for an audit, it is a good idea to conduct an initial assessment of your current EHS management system. A review of current processes and procedures will help identify areas for improvement. Drawing up a checklist will allow you to effectively monitor progress.
ISO 45001 places great emphasis on identifying and assessing risks related to employee safety and health. Conducting a risk analysis identifies potential hazards and develops appropriate control measures. Documenting the results of the risk analysis is key to proving compliance with the requirements of the standard.
The next step is to develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures that comply with ISO 45001 requirements. These documents should include, among other things, a health and safety policy, incident management procedures, emergency procedures and a business continuity plan. Make sure all documents are up to date and easily accessible.
Employees are a key component of the EHS management system. Training employees on health and safety policies and procedures, hazard recognition and incident response is essential. Employee awareness and involvement in health and safety issues greatly increase the chances of a successful audit.
An internal audit is an important step before an external audit. It allows you to identify possible non-conformities and areas for improvement. An internal audit should be conducted by independent persons who can objectively assess the compliance of processes with ISO 45001. Drawing up a checklist will help effectively monitor progress.
The results of an internal audit can identify areas for improvement. It is important to develop and implement a corrective action plan to address identified nonconformities. These actions should be carefully documented and monitored to ensure their effectiveness.
The external auditor will want to analyze documentation, interview employees and observe operational processes. Prepare a schedule for the visit and inform employees about the visit. Provide the auditor with easy access to all areas and resources necessary for the audit.
The audit process does not end with obtaining a certificate. Continuous monitoring and improvement of the EHS management system is key. Regular reviews and internal audits will help maintain compliance with ISO 45001 and improve operational efficiency.
Preparing for an ISO 45001 audit can be complicated, but the right approach and planning can significantly increase the chances of success. ISO 45001 certification is not only proof of a company's commitment to employee safety and health, but also a tool for continuous improvement and increasing customer confidence.
Certia.co.uk offers comprehensive support in preparing for an ISO 45001 audit. Our experts can help you understand the requirements of the standard, conduct an internal audit and develop a corrective action plan. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help your company achieve ISO 45001 certification.
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