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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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.

DIY ISO 45001 gap analysis checklist PDF

Add the checklist to you basket to download the DIY gap analysis checklist and perform your own ISO 45001 gap analysis.