ISO 45001 Audit Checklist Templates
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Simplify Workplace Safety Audits With ISO 45001 Audit Checklists
ISO 45001 audits help organizations verify compliance with international occupational health and safety standards defined by the ISO organization. Using a structured ISO 45001 requirements checklist keeps the internal audit process consistent, transparent, and action-oriented.
A well-designed ISO 45001 audit template helps teams:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their OHSMS.
- Identify nonconformities and track corrective actions.
- Maintain reliable documentation for certification and management review.
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Clause 4: Context Of The Organisation
Clause 5: Leadership
Clause 6: Planning
Clause 7: Support
Clause 8: Operation
Clause 9: Performance Evaluation
Clause 10: Improvement
5. Is there continuous improvement of our OH&S management system through the following: • Enhancing OH&S performance • Promoting an OH&S-focused culture • Encouraging and rewarding worker participation • Communicating the relevant results of continual improvement to workers • Maintaining and retaining documents demonstrating continual improvement?
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Clause 4: Context Of The Organisation
Clause 5: Leadership
Clause 6: Planning
Clause 7: Support
Clause 8: Operation
Clause 9: Performance Evaluation
Clause 10: Improvement
5. Is there continuous improvement of our OH&S management system through the following: • Enhancing OH&S performance • Promoting an OH&S-focused culture • Encouraging and rewarding worker participation • Communicating the relevant results of continual improvement to workers • Maintaining and retaining documents demonstrating continual improvement?
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What is an ISO 45001 Audit Checklist?
An ISO 45001 checklist is a structured tool that guides auditors through each clause of the ISO 45001 standard. It ensures that every part of your Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSSMS) is reviewed systematically, from risk assessment to leadership involvement. The checklist provides structured questions and criteria auditors can use to document findings and corrective actions.
This structured approach helps organizations maintain consistency, uncover hidden weaknesses, and demonstrate commitment to continual improvement.
🚨 Quick Tip: Preparing for ISO 45001 Audits?
For a smooth ISO 45001 certification, understand the standard, conduct a gap analysis, and engage your team. Learn more in our step-by-step guide.
Why Use an ISO 45001 Requirements Checklist?
An ISO 45001 checklist helps organize and streamline your safety audits, making certification prep and follow-up easier.
- Structured Audit Process: ensure every ISO 45001 requirement is reviewed systematically ahead of certification. Reduce the risk of missing key areas like leadership, worker participation, or risk assessments.
- Track and close corrective actions: systematically log non-conformities, assign responsibility, and monitor progress to closure.
- Consistent audits across sites: standardize inspections for reliable comparisons between departments or locations.
- Simplified documentation: keep findings, evidence, and notes in one place for quick reporting and management reviews.
- Driving ongoing improvement: use audit data to identify recurring issues, measure progress, and maintain compliance year-round.
Key Components of an ISO 45001 Audit Checklist
A thorough ISO 45001 Requirements Checklist covers all areas necessary to ensure a compliant, effective OHSMS:
- Organizational Context – Assess internal and external factors affecting health and safety.
- Leadership and Worker Participation – Check management commitment, defined roles, and worker involvement.
- Planning and Risk Assessment – Review hazard identification, risk evaluation, and measurable objectives.
- Support and Resources – Verify training, competence, documentation, and communication systems.
- Operational Control – Inspect safety procedures, emergency plans, and contractor management.
- Performance Evaluation – Evaluate the measurement of safety metrics, internal audits, and incident tracking.
- Improvement and Corrective Actions – Confirm processes for addressing nonconformities and driving continuous improvement.
- Compliance and Documentation – Ensure records, policies, and audit findings meet ISO 45001 and legal requirements.
The ISO 45001 checklist can also be divided into several checklists by theme, allowing teams to focus on one area at a time instead of tackling the entire system at once. This approach makes audits more manageable, supports ongoing compliance checks throughout the year, and ensures every part of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System is reviewed in depth.:
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Using the Checklist for Internal & External Audits
Internal Audits:
An ISO 45001 checklist gives structure to internal reviews, helping teams verify compliance, record findings, and track corrective actions consistently across sites. It supports proactive improvement by identifying issues early and maintaining reliable audit records for management review.
External Audit Preparation:
Before certification, the checklist helps confirm that all ISO 45001 requirements are met and documented. It ensures corrective actions are closed and evidence is ready for review, reducing stress and showing auditors a clear, organized approach to compliance.
👉 For practical guidance on conducting ISO 45001 audits, see our ISO 45001 Audits Guide for expert tips and best practices.
How Often Should You Use the ISO 45001 Checklist?
The ISO 45001 checklist can be used as often as needed to keep your health and safety system on track. The frequency of ISO 45001 audits depends on the size, risk profile, and complexity of your operations. Most organizations perform a full internal audit at least once a year, but many use the checklist quarterly or after major operational changes to stay proactive. Regular use helps teams verify corrective actions, track improvements, and stay prepared for certification. Since external certification audits occur every three years, using the checklist throughout the cycle ensures your OHSMS remains compliant and audit-ready at any time.
Common Gaps Found During ISO 45001 Audits
Audits often reveal recurring areas for improvement, including:
- Incomplete Risk Assessments – Outdated or generic assessments that overlook key hazards.
- Poor Documentation – Missing or inconsistent procedures, training records, or incident reports.
- Limited Worker Participation – Lack of staff involvement in hazard identification or safety planning.
- Weak Corrective Action Follow-up – Logged actions not tracked or resolved.
- Insufficient Internal Audits – Skipping audits or failing to act on findings.
- Training and Competence Gaps – Incomplete records or unclear evaluations.
- Lack of Performance Monitoring – No measurement of key safety metrics or trend analysis.
How ISO 45001 Links With Other ISO Management Systems
ISO 45001 is built to work seamlessly with other ISO standards, allowing businesses to manage safety, quality, and sustainability through a single, integrated framework.
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 audit checklists are some examples linking these management systems.
ISO 9001 Audits (Quality Management)
Integrating ISO 45001 with ISO 9001 ensures that both safety and quality goals move in the same direction. For example, when production processes are improved for efficiency, potential safety risks are also assessed. This alignment helps organizations deliver consistent quality products and services while maintaining safe working conditions.
ISO 14001 Audits (Environmental Management)
Safety and environmental management often overlap. Combining ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 allows businesses to manage issues such as chemical handling, waste disposal, and emissions control in a coordinated way. It supports sustainability while protecting workers from environmental risks.
ISO 27001 Audits (Information Security Management)
With more safety data stored digitally, information security has become critical to occupational health and safety. Integrating ISO 27001 with ISO 45001 ensures that sensitive information—like incident reports, training records, or audit findings—is protected from unauthorized access or cyber threats. This builds trust and ensures data integrity across systems.
ISO 50001 Audits (Energy Management)
Energy efficiency and workplace safety go hand in hand. By linking ISO 45001 with ISO 50001, organizations can reduce energy consumption, optimize equipment performance, and maintain safe operating conditions. This approach supports sustainable growth without compromising worker wellbeing.
The Value of Integration
Linking management systems provides better visibility across departments, reduces audit fatigue, and drives continuous improvement. With shared objectives and documentation, organizations can meet multiple ISO standards more efficiently while strengthening compliance and performance.
Digitize and Automate Your ISO 45001 Checklist With GoAudits
GoAudits is a smart auditor app that helps organizations manage all safety and quality inspections — including ISO 45001 audits — in one digital platform. Conduct inspections from any device, capture photos and notes on the spot, and flag non-compliances instantly. Each finding links to a corrective action with assigned owners, due dates, and real-time status tracking, ensuring that issues are followed up and resolved efficiently across all sites.
With GoAudits, you can:
- Track corrective actions end-to-end, ensuring accountability and faster issue resolution.
- Generate professional audit reports instantly, ready to share with management or auditors.
- Standardize inspections across all locations, from ISO SOPs and audits to daily safety walks.
Maintain continuous compliance with digital records, analytics, and automated reminders.
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