Clause 4.4 of ISO 45001 requires organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an OH&S management system. The corrective actions must address systemic issues, involve leadership commitment, and aim to foster a strong safety culture.

Analysis of Options:

A. Top management initiated a comprehensive review of internal and external issues:Correct. A review of internal and external issues aligns with Clause 4.1 and demonstrates leadership commitment.

B. Union representatives were invited to attend OH&S management meetings:Incorrect. While participation is valuable, it is not a systemic corrective action.

C. Top management developed and is leading a programme to promote an effective culture of support:Correct. Promoting a safety culture is a proactive measure and aligns with Clause 5.1 (Leadership).

D. Staff from departments with nonconformities received regular safety training during toolbox talks:Incorrect. While training addresses specific gaps, it does not address systemic issues.

E. External consultants conducted a gap analysis of the OHSMS:Incorrect. While helpful, this action does not demonstrate leadership or address systemic improvement.

F. OH&S champions were appointed in each department to report near misses and incidents:Incorrect. This is a good practice but does not directly address Clause 4.4’s requirement for systemic improvement.

ISO References:

Clause 4.4: Maintaining and improving the OH&S management system.

Clause 5.1: Leadership and commitment.

Clause 10.3: Continual improvement.

Follow-up audits verify that corrective actions have been implemented effectively and address the root cause of the nonconformities.

Analysis of Options:

A. Review the latest emergency response drill report:Correct. This verifies whether emergency response processes are functional and effective.

B. Check if the internal audit schedule was revised:Incorrect. While beneficial, this is not directly related to closing out the nonconformity.

C. Check safety data sheets for completeness:Incorrect. While this ensures compliance, it is not directly related to verifying corrective actions.

D. Check if revised procedures were signed off:Correct. This confirms that changes were properly documented and approved.

E. Determine whether an updated risk assessment was carried out:Correct. Risk assessments confirm the effectiveness of new controls.

F. Inspect areas for safe chemical storage and handling:Correct. Direct observation ensures that corrective actions are implemented effectively.

G. Interview staff on revised emergency procedures:Incorrect. While important, this does not directly address the effectiveness of corrective actions for chemical storage.

H. Interview the OH&S Manager about additional objectives:Incorrect. This is unrelated to the specific nonconformities raised.

ISO References:

Clause 10.2.2: Verification of corrective actions.

Clause 8.1.2: Hazard identification and controls.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Clause 5.2 of ISO 45001:2018 outlines requirements for the OH&S policy, emphasizing commitment to continual improvement, compliance with legal requirements, and communication of the policy to interested parties.

Analysis of Options:

A. The management is committed to health and safety improvement:Correct. The policy explicitly states the organization’s commitment to improvement, meeting Clause 5.2 requirements.

C. The organization has a good reputation for safe experiences:Not relevant to ISO 45001 requirements; reputation is not a policy criterion.

D. The organization intends to communicate its policy to external parties:Correct. Clause 5.2 requires the policy to be communicated to interested parties.

E. The organization is committed to continual health and safety improvement:Correct. This directly aligns with Clause 5.2, which mandates continual improvement.

F. The organization meets all statutory requirements:The policy does not explicitly state compliance with legal requirements, even though this is implied.

G. The organization satisfies its customers’ health and safety requirements:The policy does not specifically address customer requirements.

H. The organization uses contractors committed to health and safety:Not stated in the policy.

I. The organization’s processes deliver the intended improvement to health and safety:This is not evident from the policy statement.

ISO References:

Clause 5.2: OH&S policy.

Clause 10.2 of ISO 45001 requires organizations to investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Analysis of Options:

A. Check whether corrective actions were taken.This directly relates to the requirement to implement corrective actions to address the identified risks and hazards. Failure to do so would indicate nonconformity.

B. Determine whether the Health and Safety Authority was notified.Notification is a legal requirement in certain jurisdictions, but it is not explicitly required under ISO 45001 unless the legal context demands it.

C. Establish whether the root cause was determined.Root cause analysis is fundamental for effective corrective action. Without this, corrective measures may not address the underlying problem.

D. Find out when the operator's machine was last subject to maintenance.While maintenance is important, it does not directly address the incident's nonconformity.

E. Find out whether the operator was sent to the hospital.Sending the operator to the hospital is a reactive step and not relevant to compliance with Clause 10.2.

F. Interview the operator about PPE usage.This is relevant but insufficient for determining compliance with Clause 10.2.

ISO References:

Clause 10.2: Investigation of incidents, determination of causes, and implementation of corrective actions.

Clause 8.1.2: Hierarchy of controls and risk reduction.

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Explanation

Prepares the audit report → Audit Team Leader:The Audit Team Leader is responsible for compiling and preparing the final audit report, summarizing findings and conclusions.

Prepares audit checklists for use during the audit → Auditor:Auditors create checklists to ensure a thorough and systematic evaluation during the audit.

Participates under the direction and guidance of an auditor → Auditor in Training:An auditor in training works under supervision to gain experience and contribute to the audit process.

Follows up on audit findings within an agreed timeframe → Auditee:The auditee is responsible for addressing and resolving audit findings and providing evidence of corrective actions.

A person who accompanies the audit team but does not act as an auditor → Observer:Observers are typically external parties or internal personnel who watch the audit process but do not participate actively.

Escorts the auditors but does not participate in the audit → Guide:A guide facilitates the audit by helping auditors navigate the site and access relevant areas or documents.

References

ISO 19011:2018: Guidelines for auditing management systems.

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Was he made aware of the hazards related to this work? → Clause 6.1.2.1:Clause 6.1.2.1 focuses on hazard identification. Organizations must identify hazards associated with work activities, such as operating a motorbike, and ensure workers are aware of these hazards.

Was he trained to use the new motorbike? → Clause 7.2:Clause 7.2 requires organizations to ensure that workers are competent to perform their assigned tasks, including providing necessary training for new equipment like a motorbike.

Was he asked to deliver too many orders in a short period of time? → Clause 8.2:Clause 8.2 relates to managing operational controls and ensuring that work processes do not impose undue risks, such as excessive workloads or time pressure.

Was he carrying any contact details in case of an accident? → Clause 7.3:Clause 7.3 requires effective communication of information relevant to OH&S, including emergency contact details or procedures for accidents.

ISO References:

Clause 6.1.2.1: Hazard identification.

Clause 7.2: Competence.

Clause 7.3: Awareness and communication.

Clause 8.2: Operational control.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Opportunities for improvement (OFIs) are suggestions provided during audits that do not indicate nonconformities but are aimed at enhancing the system’s performance.

Analysis of Options:

A. A quality control program could involve non-destructive testing of the welded handrails:While beneficial, this focuses on product quality rather than OH&S improvements.

B. Operational planning activities may benefit from an improved risk-based approach based on international standards for risk management:Correct. Enhancing risk-based thinking aligns with Clause 6.1.1.

C. A first aid station could be located next to the handrail polishing operation:While useful, first aid station placement is an operational matter, not directly related to OH&S management system improvement.

D. Additional internal audits of the OHS management system may reduce production problems:Internal audits should address system performance, not production problems.

F. The induction program for new employees could include an awareness training video on health and safety:Correct. Enhanced training for new employees addresses Clause 7.2 (competence).

G. The requirement for wearing protective gloves could be extended to shop floor workers across all operations:Correct. This improves hazard control in line with Clause 8.1.2.

H. The molding polishers should be disciplined for incompetency:Disciplinary actions are outside the scope of system improvement.

ISO References:

Clause 6.1.1: Risk management.

Clause 7.2: Competence.

Clause 8.1.2: Hierarchy of controls.