ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems) Training Syllabus
Updated on January 29, 2025

Training Overview #

The objective of this module is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the accreditation process, certification process, auditing process, and reporting/documentation process in the context of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&S MS). Participants will gain knowledge of ISO 17021, ISO 17065, and ISO 19011, enabling them to lead OH&S MS audits effectively. Additionally, participants will be introduced to potential career opportunities as certification body auditors, whether as full-time professionals or freelancers.

The module will also cover a clause-by-clause understanding of ISO 45001:2018 standard requirements, the expected outcomes, and the benefits for certified organizations.

Objective of OH&S MS Lead Auditor Training #

The course aims to make participants understand the basics of OH&S MS, including ISO 45001, its structure, key requirements, and benefits. Participants will learn to plan, conduct, and report on OH&S MS audits, gaining proficiency in various audit techniques. The course will enhance leadership and management skills for OH&S MS audits, covering lead auditor roles, team management, and communication. Participants will acquire skills to verify compliance with OH&S standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Training Schedule #

Day 1: Introduction to OH&S MS Lead Auditor Course #

Welcome and Course Overview #

Introduction to the course structure and objectives.

Module 1: Integrity and Professionalism #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the ethical aspects of accreditation and certification processes and how to uphold integrity throughout the auditing process.

Topic to be covered #
  • Introduction to Integrity and Professionalism
  • Ethical considerations in the accreditation and certification process.
  • Maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Module 2: Introduction to ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Standards #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the ISO 45001:2018 standard and its role in effective Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&S MS). They will grasp key concepts, principles, and requirements, recognize organizational benefits, and learn to apply the standard as auditors.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Overview of ISO & the ISO 45000 family.
  • Sector-specific applications of ISO 45001.
  • Revision of ISO 45001:2018 & its key objectives of revision.

Module 3: Intended Outcomes and Benefits for Certified Organizations #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the benefits of ISO 45001 certification, the certificate issuance process, and key objectives like improving health and safety performance, compliance, and fostering a culture of safety.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Benefits of ISO 45001.
  • ISO 45001:2018 certificates issuance by country.
  • Key objectives of ISO 45001:2018.

Day 2: OH&S MS Structure, Key Principles, and ISO 45001:2018 Standard Requirements #

Module 3: OH&S Management Principles and Structure #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the OH&S MS structure, process approach, and documented information.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Key principles – Leadership, worker participation, process approach, risk-based thinking, continual improvement, evidence-based decision-making, and communication.
  • OH&S MS structure and process management.
  • Documented information for OH&S MS.

Module 4: Overview of the ISO 45001:2018 Standard Requirements #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the clauses of ISO 45001:2018, their connections, and their significance for health and safety performance improvement.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Clause 4: Context of the organization.
  • Clause 5: Leadership and worker participation.
  • Clause 6: Planning (Hazard identification, Risk assessment, Opportunities, Determination of legal and other requirements, and Planning to take action).
  • Clause 7: Support (Awareness, Competence, Communication).
  • Clause 8: Operation (Operational planning, Emergency preparedness and response, Contractor management, Incident investigation).
  • Clause 9: Performance evaluation (Monitoring, Evaluation of compliance).
  • Clause 10: Improvement (Corrective action, incident investigation and continual improvement).

Day 3: OH&S MS Risk Management and ISO Certification Process and Requirements #

Module 5: Key Principles of OH&S MS Auditing and Risk-Based Thinking #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will grasp OH&S MS auditing principles, including risk-based thinking and strategies for managing occupational health and safety risks.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Context of the organization and interested parties.
  • Leadership and commitment.
  • Documented information.
  • Risk-based thinking and its application to OH&S MS.
  • Identifying and evaluating health and safety hazards and risks.

Module 6(1): Accreditation & Certification Process #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the ISO 17021 accreditation process and criteria for OH&S MS certification bodies.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Definition and purpose of accreditation.
  • Accreditation bodies and their roles.
  • ISO 17021:2015 and its application to OH&S MS audits.
  • Accreditation process and requirements.
  • Assessing conformity to ISO 17021.

Module 6(2): Certification Process and ISO 17021 #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the stages of OH&S MS certification, including preparation, planning, and execution of Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Certification bodies and their roles.
  • ISO 17021:2015 requirements.
  • Certification process and requirements.
  • Certification audits and assessment methods.
  • Surveillance and recertification audits.

Module 6(3): Accreditation and the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will understand the role of accreditation in OH&S MS certification, the structure and purpose of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and the significance of the IAF MLA in ensuring global recognition of ISO 45001:2018 certifications.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Overview.
  • Mission and structure of the IAF & IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA).
  • Accreditation’s Role in ISO 45001:2018 Certification.
  • Ensuring competence and credibility of certification bodies.
  • Importance of selecting accredited certification bodies for ISO 45001:2018 audits.
  • Global Impact and Benefits of the IAF MLA.

Day 4: Guidelines for Auditing #

Module 7: Auditing Guidelines #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will be skilled in planning, executing, and documenting audits according to ISO 19011:2018 and ISO 45001:2018 standards.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Scope and purpose of ISO 19011:2018.
  • Key principles and concepts of auditing.
  • Team dynamics and effective leadership.
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
  • Time management and resource allocation.
  • Continual improvement of audit performance.

Day 5: Audit Reporting and Practical Exercises #

Module 8: Audit Reporting and Documentation Processes #

Learning Outcome: #

Participants will learn to document and report audit findings, ensuring integrity and confidentiality of audit records.

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Effective documentation practices for OH&S MS audits.
  • Audit reporting requirements and formats.
  • Communicating audit findings to auditees.
  • Corrective actions and follow-up processes.

Module 9: Case Studies and Practical Exercises #

Topics to be Covered: #
  • Application of audit principles and techniques to OH&S MS scenarios.
  • Role-playing exercises and mock audits.
  • Review of real-world audit scenarios in different industry sectors.
  • Evaluation and feedback sessions.

Final Examination and Assessment: #

A comprehensive examination to evaluate participants’ understanding of ISO 45001:2018 auditing principles and practices.

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