How to create internal audit checklist for OHSAS?

How to create internal audit checklist for OHSAS?

Internal audit is an important part of any ISO 45001:2018 or OHSAS 18001 (Operational Health and Safety Management System), regardless that you do it by yourself or by your ISO 45001 consultant. The internal audit can measure how your organization has dealt with risk and hazards, provide a dynamic measure as to whether continual improvement has taken place or not. The conduct of OH&S MS or so-called safety sudit can impact the overall performance of your system and the ultimate well-being of your employees. It is therefore very important for an organization’s internal audits must be accurate and thorough, and while elements need to be focused on your type of business and its hazards and risks, there are also parts of the OHSAS 18001 standard itself that the internal audit needs to take recognition of. Knowing this, it would seem to make sense to prepare an internal audit checklist that can be used and adapted for the internal audit cycle within your OH&SMS. So, what considerations do we need to make when compiling this?

Internal audit checklist considerations

When you consider the elements that you need to include in your internal audit checklist, and how you can apply them, try to include the following:

• Review of documents: As you may be aware, there are some documents that are mandatory within the OHSAS 18001 standard, such as the OH&S Policy itself. Ensure that there is a thorough review of this document within your internal audit, and you will have taken the first step towards a successful internal audit. You can learn more about OH&SMS internal audit processes by contacting PMG Consultants.

• Create a physical checklist: If you consider the documents you require and the clauses of the OHSAS 18001 standard itself, you are on the way to making your checklist. Look at your own policies, and ensure that your actions match them. Consider your approach to hazards and risk, and ensure that your organization meets both the requirements of the standard and the statements you have made in your policies and procedures. Checking that both have been done effectively is at the heart of your internal audit.

• Planning and executing the audit itself: Remember that part of your checklist is ensuring that you know what departments and parts of your processes to concentrate on and spend time auditing. As with most parts of the OHSAS 18001 standard, planning is key. Ensure that you know where you need to spend time, and critically – what questions you need to ask.

• Ensuring you meet with legislation: Critically, you must ensure that your OH&SMS meets with legislation and complies with the laws of your region.

• Reporting and measurement: Ensure that your checklist has the appropriate section to record findings as they happen – remember, after the audit is over you will have a lot of information to collate, and if you have recorded it correctly then there is more chance that it will be accurate and representative of your findings.

• Review section: The success of your internal audit is not only dependent on the planning and recording of data, but also on the actions you take to fill any gaps or correct any non-conformances. Ensure that this is recorded accurately on your checklist for the avoidance of doubt.

Having an accurate checklist

A glimpse of the checklist can be seen. This is one of the exclusive checklist prepared by PMG (ISO 45001) Consultant. We prepare documents specific to industry/ business. Like, if you are processing hazardous chemicals it will have a strong emphasis on legal & other requirements.

The contents of the checklist

• While preparing ISO 45001 checklist have a reference of clauses against the question. It will help you remember the clause for better grip over audit.
• Identify what is your concern for conducting internal audit. What all compliance requirements are applicable on you? and what is needed to be done to fulfil that?
• Have a checklist that is easy and fast to fill. Having options like Yes or No will certainly make the task easy, without compromising on audit quality.
• Findings, responsibility, and actions: As mentioned above, further action may be required to close out your internal audit and ensure that your organization is compliant. Record who is responsible, the action required, and the timeline agreed upon for resolution on your checklist, and you will be on your way to ensuring it is effective.