An ISO 45001 certification audit checks one thing above all: does your occupational health and safety management system actually work, day to day? Here is a practical checklist to get you there.
1. Start with a gap analysis
Compare what you do today against each clause of the standard. A gap analysis shows what already meets the requirement, what needs tightening, and what is missing. It also gives you a realistic timeline.
2. Get the core documents in order
- OH&S policy signed by top management and communicated to workers.
- Hazard identification and risk assessments that reflect real tasks on site.
- Legal and other requirements register, kept up to date.
- Objectives and plans with owners, targets and dates.
- Incident, nonconformity and corrective action records.
3. Show worker consultation and participation
ISO 45001 puts strong emphasis on involving workers. Keep evidence of toolbox talks, safety committee minutes and how worker feedback changed the way you do things.
4. Run an internal audit and a management review
Before the certification body arrives, audit yourself. Then hold a management review that looks at results, incidents, audit findings and opportunities to improve — and record the decisions made.
5. Prepare your people
Auditors will talk to supervisors and workers, not just managers. Make sure people can explain the hazards in their work, the controls in place, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Want a second pair of eyes?
Our team prepares organisations for ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 audits — and stays with you on audit day.
