Preparing for ISO 45001 Certification
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Preparing for ISO 45001 Certification
If you’re implementing an Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) using the ISO 45001:2018 standard, you might be aiming for certification once your system is in place. Wondering what needs to be done to prepare for the certification audit? Let’s delve into it.
Implementation vs. Certification
First, let’s clarify the difference between implementation and certification. Implementation is creating all the rules, policies, processes, and procedures needed to meet ISO 45001:2018 requirements and your organization’s needs. This involves making sure everyone knows what they need to do.
Certification is separate. It involves a third-party certification body conducting an audit to confirm your organization has successfully implemented the standard’s requirements. While ISO 45001:2018 doesn’t require certification, there are benefits to having an external auditor identify ways to improve. Here’s what certification auditors expect from your OH&SMS before performing their audit.
What is Expected for Certification?
If you choose the certification path, a few things need to be completed before the auditors’ final visit:
All Processes Implemented:
Ensure all necessary processes within the OHSMS are in place. Establish, implement, and maintain each process. Everyone must know the rules and any changes to them.OHSMS Settled:
Collect adequate records to demonstrate how your processes work. Auditors usually require you to use your OHSMS for 4 to 12 months to gather these records.All Processes Audited:
Conduct internal audits for all processes. Certification auditors will expect this review to be completed.Management Review Completed:
Perform at least one management review of the OHSMS to verify its effectiveness and efficiency. Assess resource allocation.Corrective Actions Taken:
Address nonconformities found during internal audits, management reviews, and process monitoring. Take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Improvements Demonstrated:
Show how you’ve improved your OHSMS. Corrective actions are one method, but also demonstrate progress on OH&S objectives and other improvements.
Preparation is Key
Preparation ensures your OH&SMS is functioning properly before an external audit. This helps catch problems that could prevent certification and delays. You don’t want auditors to find issues you should have identified. Instead, let them focus on uncovering real problems you might not have noticed.
Since you’re paying for the certification audit, make sure it provides the best information to help improve your OHSMS.
