Based on our OHSAS 18001 audits performed from January 2016 to October 2017, we have made a short analysis to understand where the shoe pinches and provide guidance. Here are some key points to address when working with ISO 45001.
The statistics are based on audit findings. For the purpose of this analysis, we differ between “all findings” (table 1) and “severe findings” (table 2). Severe findings include what we in audit terms call major and minor non-conformities, while “all findings” also include observations and opportunities for improvement. The below defines the categories of findings:
• Major non-conformity: A non-conformity that affects the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results.
• Minor non-conformity: A non-conformity that does not affect the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results.
• Observation: An observation is not a non-conformity, but something that could lead to a nonconformity, if allowed to continue uncorrected; or an existing condition without adequate supporting evidence to verify that it constitutes a nonconformity.
• Opportunity for improvement: An area and/or process of the organization which may meet the minimum requirement of the standard, but which could be improved.
Most severe findings are related to Operational control
Almost 70% of companies had findings related to operational control (Table 1). More than 40% had severe findings (Table 2). Operational control is critical to ensure the well-being of workers, and a crucial part also of ISO 45001. ISO 45001 chapter 8 sets the requirements related to operational control and planning, and covers various control measures required to ensure the management system achieves the intended outcomes. The chapter also covers controls related to procurement, which also include contractors and outsourced processes. Hazard identification, risk assessment and determining controls The 2nd most frequent findings were related to hazard identification, risk assessment and determining controls. More than 56% had findings in this area (Table 1), and almost 30% had severe findings (Table 2). This indicates that many companies need better processes for identifying, assessing and mitigating risk. The focus on risk is further enhanced in ISO 45001, so companies must have this area high on the agenda going forward. In ISO 45001, the relevant clauses for this area is found in chapter 6.1. In addition to already existing requirements, the ISO High Level Structure (HLS) introduces focus on opportunities, and not only on hazards and risks.