An ISO 45001 checklist is the simplest way to perform a DIY gap analysis of your business’s ISO 45001 compliance. If you want to attempt to achieve compliance without the help of an ISO 45001 consultant or want to assess your own compliance levels before seeking professional help this could be the right path for you. It can help to identify areas for improvement and pave the way for you to obtain ISO 45001 compliance and, ultimately, ISO 45001 certification.
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What is an ISO 45001 gap analysis?
An ISO 45001 gap analysis is the first step a business needs to take to achieve ISO 45001 compliance. It involves measuring your business’s current WHS management system against the standards set out in ISO 45001 and identifying areas for improvement.
The importance of ISO 45001 can’t be overstated. Workplace accidents and incidents still claim lives and cause serious injuries every year, and an ISO 45001 WHS management system is one of the most tangible and proven ways to reduce your business’s risk. ISO 45001 is the internationally agreed-upon standard for WHS management systems as developed by a range of international experts via the International Organisation for Standardisation.
The purpose of an ISO 45001 audit checklist
How can an ISO 45001 audit checklist help?
An ISO 45001 audit checklist can help you perform an audit, or gap analysis, by providing a clear list of items which need to be complied with. An ISO 45001 checklist is laid out according to sections 4-10 of the standard with the option to select “compliant”, “nonconformance” or “opportunities for improvement”. This helps build up a clear picture of exactly what needs to be done to achieve ISO 45001 compliance.
How often to perform an ISO 45001 gap analysis
An ISO 45001 gap analysis is required prior to beginning the compliance and certification process. Once you’ve obtained ISO 45001 certification you will need to be re-certified every three years. You’ll need to conduct a fresh gap analysis every three years for re-certification and as required to maintain your certification.
How to conduct a DIY ISO 45001 gap analysis
To conduct an ISO 45001 gap analysis take the following steps:
- Decide what you want your ISO 45001 gap analysis to achieve. How do you want this analysis to benefit your business? What changes do you want to see? What health and safety goals are you working towards?
- Define the scope of your WHS management system. Which departments of your business and which of your locations are covered by the safety management system?
- Compare and identify areas for improvement. Compare your current WHS management system, using the PDF checklist below, against the parameters set out in clauses 4-10 of ISO 45001. Identify areas of noncompliance and make actionable steps to remedy them.
Free DIY ISO 45001 gap analysis checklist PDF
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ISO 45001 Checklist Download
Note: Every business has unique WHS management system requirements. This checklist is a guide only, we recommend seeking assistance from a professional ISO 45001 consultant if you’re unsure of any of the requirements of the checklist.
I’ve completed my ISO 45001 gap analysis, what next?
Performing a gap analysis is the first step towards achieving ISO 45001 compliance. Once this is done, these are the next steps to becoming fully compliant and achieving ISO 45001 certification.:
Next steps
Prepare compliance documentation – To prepare for compliance, gather all required documentation such as your scope statement, safety objectives, policies and procedures and WHS instructions.
Implement or update your WHS management system – If you’re implementing a new management system or updating your current system all staff members must be informed of the new procedures associated with it and be thoroughly trained in its use.
Perform an internal audit and verify your compliance– Prior to applying for ISO 45001 certification you need to conduct a thorough audit and compliance assessment – this means you’ll have the best possible chance of obtaining certification. A trained ISO 45001 consultant can do this for you.
Achieve ISO 45001 certification – Once you’re satisfied that your WHS management system is compliant with ISO 45001, you can apply for certification with a certifying body. The JAS-ANZ website provides a list of approved certifiers in Australia and New Zealand.
Need help achieving ISO 45001 compliance? Let us handle everything for you
At BusinessBasics we’ve helped Australian businesses across a diverse range of industries to achieve ISO 45001 compliance the easy way. Our experienced and knowledgeable team has expertise across a variety of sectors, from mining and construction to retail and allied health. Our ISO 45001 consultants can ensure you’re 100% ready to achieve ISO 45001 compliance. Get in touch today to find out more.