ISO 45001 lead auditor

The ISO 45001:2018 standard is a globally recognised norm for enhancing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The framework suggested in the standard acts as a structure to build, execute, maintain and improve work-related wellbeing. Adhering to the OHS management system leads to benefits such as improved hazard identification, enhanced risk assessment, reduced downtime, and global recognition.

Failure to comply with the recommendations can create working environment mishaps, illnesses, claims and cost overwhelm. To ensure that an organisation is appropriately aligning itself with the recommendations outlined in the standard, it is necessary to conduct audits. The ISO audit is used to assess the quality of the management program. This audit scrutinises objective evidence to determine the suitability, conformity and effectiveness of the elements of an organisation’s management system.

Hence, auditing is an essential step in maintaining an organisation’s efficiency. Therefore, it makes sense to hire an ISO auditor who is knowledgeable, objective and fair. In this article, we will learn the roles and responsibilities of an ISO 45001 lead auditor.

Who is an ISO lead auditor?

An ISO lead auditor is a professional who is responsible for auditing an organisation’s management systems by applying widely accepted auditing techniques, principles, procedures and standards. As we know, ISO standards serve to safeguard an organisation’s objectives. The ISO 45001 standard implements an OHS management system to reduce workplace incidents, ill health or harm, and to enhance overall safety.

To become an ISO lead auditor, it is necessary to acquire training that will allow you to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the ISO standards.

A vast comprehension of the standard is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of a certified ISO lead auditor. After undergoing the ISO lead auditor training and getting certified, the ISO management system lead auditor is equipped with the right knowledge and skills to conduct first, second and third-party audits. If you are not familiar with ISO 45001 standards, we suggest you read the article What is ISO 45001?

why is an ISO 45001 audit required?

Business owners value auditors as they guide and ensure that their organisation remains compliant with the legal requirements of the ISO standards. The responsibility of an ISO lead auditor includes managing a team of internal auditors during the performance of internal audits and appointing roles and duties to the internal team members.

Additionally, a core responsibility of the lead auditor is to lead an external audit team and ensure that the audit reports are accurate, honest, impartial and useful. Leading an audit helps to identify organisational processes as well as identify opportunities for improvement, helping to determine compliance or non-compliance within the respective management system. By reading the ISO 45001 requirements article, you can get to know the documents required to obtain ISO 45001.

Roles and responsibilities of an ISO 45001 lead auditor

ISO 45001 lead auditor has responsibilities and tasks that must be performed during the ISO 45001 certification process. We have already explained the responsibilities of the ISO auditor in the ISO 9001 lead Auditor article. In the following, we will examine these duties and responsibilities.

Providing insight

Effective audits assist in organisation in the implementation and maintenance of its OHS management system. Accomplished lead auditors will be responsible for leading the audit team in an organisation as a third-party auditor for ISO 45001 certification or surveillance audit. The lead auditor will prepare the audit plan, deliver meetings and submit audit report to the organisation.

Creating an audit plan

An audit plan must be developed to determine the audit objectives, scope and criteria. It is necessary to confirm these objectives with the audit client. Confirming any requirements for the audit is also a significant part of the audit plan. Examples of requirements include resources, access, transport or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The audit plan will also include clear communication channels to communicate the audit plan with the team and the audit client/auditee.

Developing an audit timetable

The roles and responsibilities of audit team members must be communicated to the audit team and the audit client. Examples of such responsibilities also include the day, date, partition of the audit activities in terms of departments.

Communication with the auditee

Contacting the auditing and managing all communication and correspondence prior, during and after an audit is essential. Therefore, when creating the audit plan, it is necessary to ensure the logistic requirements are acceptable and understood by the auditee.

Developing the criteria for an opening meeting

The opening meeting should confirm the audit plan and timetable. The opening conference is where the audit team sets the auditing scene and puts the auditee’s queries at ease. During this meeting, the auditor confirms the availability of the presence of top management members or representatives.

Planning the audit team meeting

Planning a final team meeting prior to the closing meeting ensures that there is homogeneity between the audit team and all nonconformances have been identified. Audit team members prepare these findings through consensus at the closing meeting.

Closing meeting

Closing meeting is scheduled between the auditors and the auditee at the end of the audit. This is when a draft report of the audit findings and observations are discussed and presented. In this meeting, any follow-ups that a deemed appropriate are also discussed in the presence of the top management members.

Preparing the audit report

The audit report can be completed after collecting audit notes from all team members. The audit report will include all the nonconformities in the OHS management systems with respect to the recommendations outlined in ISO 45001. Moreover, corrective actions from Annex A can also be suggested.

If you are planning to implement ISO 45001 and you don’t know where to start or you are looking for a professional ISO 45001 auditor, you can contact us now and benefit from ISO consulting services in Australia.