ISO 45001 gap analysis

How to Perform ISO 45001 Gap Analysis?

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ISO 45001:2018 is an occupational health and safety standard. It guides organizations to systematically and consistently manage processes and risks by implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), thereby improving overall well-being at the workplace. This article will highlight how to perform an ISO 45001 gap analysis, paying particular attention to the clauses not previously mentioned in its predecessor.

Gap Analysis Definition

A gap analysis enables the management to determine where they should begin their journey towards ISO 45001 by either migrating from OHSAS 18001 or having no OHSMS. This evaluation teaches organisations to demonstrate effective leadership, especially from the top management teams. If your organisation is already familiar with ISO 14001:2015 or ISO 9001:2015, you may already be on the way to meeting most of the requirements for ISO 45001. The remaining requirements will be determined by this gap analysis. In addition, this standard is useful, especially in companies where occupational health and safety is the sole responsibility of an individual. This standard creates a change in company-wide culture by making it a shared responsibility.

What is gap analysis?

The Performance of ISO 45001 Gap Analysis

Simply put, a gap analysis is done by a competent individual familiar with the requirements of the standard and the proceedings of your organisation. A review of your processes is done with the ISO 45001 requirements, where each clause is scrutinised. If no process supports the clause, it is identified as a gap. At the end of this assessment, a customised report will be produced that allows you to create an action plan to mitigate all the gaps and achieve complete compliance with ISO 45001. ISO 45001 certification cost is different in each organisations and depends on the organisation situation.

What is New in ISO 45001:2018?

This is especially important if you have already certified a previous version of the standard. There are a number of additions and changes to the 2018 version that increase the benefits of ISO 45001 and start with the context of the organization. Under this clause, you will need to identify the needs and expectations of your employees and all interested parties involved in the effectiveness of your management system. Examples of such groups may include workers, shareholders, contractors, regulatory groups, etc. This section allows you to identify all the internal and external resources that influence the strategic direction of your OHSMS.

Clause 5 of ISO 45001:2018

The following new addition is clause 5, which focuses on leadership and worker participation. The top management and the organisation’s workers must have added involvement in the operation of the OHSMS. That input is necessary and must be integrated into the OHSMS processes so that the policy and objectives remain compatible with the organisation’s strategic direction. The new version needs top management to take responsibility and accountability for preventing all work-related injuries and occupational ill-health by providing healthy workplaces and safe activities. Lastly, the clause recommends the top management assign relevant roles and responsibilities to demonstrate leadership as it applies to areas of occupational safety. ISO 45001 process will get easier if you follow the clauses instructions.

Clause 6 of ISO 45001:2018

Clause 6, namely, planning, has also undergone significant changes. There is an increased focus on ensuring that planning is consistent with the organisation’s context. The standard emphasises identifying risks and opportunities that may impact the OHSMS, urging the management to create a plan to address all these risks. ISO 45001 audit helps organisations to identify risks and hazards.

Clause 7 of ISO 45001:2018

Clause 7, namely, support, states that only with the proper support can the OHSMS function effectively. Therefore, the management must provide adequate resources, competence, communication, awareness and documented information to meet the company’s occupational health and safety goals. ISO 45001 consultant will help you with gathering all necessary data to obtain the certification faster.

Clause 8 of ISO 45001:2018

Clause 8, which focuses on operation, guides operational planning and controls necessary for the OHSMS, including eliminating hazards and reducing risks. There is an added recommendation for managing change, emergency preparedness, outsourcing, procurement and contractors management.

Clause 9 of ISO 45001:2018

Clause 9, which focuses on performance evaluation, outlines the requirements for monitoring, measuring, analysing, and evaluating what is covered in the previous sections. There is an added emphasis on documented information as it provides evidence of what must be retained and the actions that you have implemented.

Clause 10 of ISO 45001:2018

The last clause starts with a new section that the organisation should determine and identify opportunities for improvement, such as improvement in processes to achieve continual improvement in the long term.

ISO 45001 process map

ISO 45001 Gap Analysis Checklist

Since there are several steps in gap analysis, it is easy to get confused. However, missing a step can harm the effectiveness of your OHSMS and your overall compliance. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple. The ISO 45001 gap analysis checklist provides an easy-to-follow template that can be used as a reference when performing this assessment.

The checklist contains all the terms requirements in the form of a question. The user simply answers yes or no, adds details about the process and the process owner, or identifies it as an omission. Using the ISO 45001 gap analysis checklist will simplify the entire process and ensure that everything is done sequentially.

ISO 45001 consultant in New Zealand

Edara Systems; Best ISO 45001 Consultant in New Zealand

ISO 45001 gap analysis can help you migrate from OHSAS 18001 or allow you to develop relevant OHSMS if you do not have a previous management system related to occupational health and safety. Identifying gaps will facilitate the ISO 45001 certification journey. Edara Systems helps you achieve the ISO 45001 process. To contact our professional consultants, fill the form on this page.

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