Audit of occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS)

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Occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) is a set of policies, procedures and practices aimed at preventing or reducing work-related injuries and illnesses. OHSMS can help an organization to comply with legal requirements, improve performance and demonstrate social responsibility.


OHSMS audit is a systematic and independent review of OHSMS system to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The audit can be conducted both internally and externally by a third-party auditor.


OHSMS audit purpose

The purpose of an audit is to assess the extent to which OHSMS complies with applicable standards, such as ISO 45001, and meets the organization's own objectives and expectations. The scope of the audit covers the following aspects of OHSMS:

  • Management's policies and commitments 
  • Planning and risk assessment
  • Implementation and use
  • Performance evaluation and improvement
  • Consultation and communication.

The audit will be conducted following an audit plan and audit criteria grounded upon OHSMS documentation, legal and other requirements, and industry best practices. The audit will include the following activities:

  • Review of documentation and records of OHSMS
  • Interviews with management and employees
  • Observation of work processes and conditions
  • Identification of strong and weak points
  • Reporting audit findings and recommendations.


Roles and responsibilities of auditors and managers

Auditors and managers have different but interrelated roles and responsibilities in the audit process. 

Auditors are responsible for:

  • Planning and performing the audit objectively, impartially and professionally
  • Collecting and analyzing audit evidence
  • Identifying discrepancies and opportunities for improvement
  • Preparing and presenting the audit report
  • Follow-up on adjustments and preventive actions.

Leaders are responsible for: 

  • Providing the necessary support and resources for the audit
  • Facilitating access to documentation and records of OHSMS
  • Cooperating with auditors and answering their questions
  • Implementing adjustments and preventive actions
  • Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness and improvement of OHSMS system.

OHSMS audit is an important tool for ensuring the health and safety of employees and continuous improvement of the organization. 

Audits should be systematic and transparent, with the involvement and cooperation of auditors and leaders. The audit should provide a clear and accurate view of the effectiveness of OHSMS and identify areas for improvement. 

The audit should also result in specific and realistic actions to address the audit findings and recommendations.

If you are interested in consulting on the audit of the occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) from BDO in Ukraine, please contact us and we can assist you.


Key Contacts

Victoria Sukhanenko

Victoria Sukhanenko

Head of Advisory on Occupational Health & Safety
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Andrii Borenkov

Andrii Borenkov, CFA

Partner, Head of Advisory
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Audit of Occupational Health and Safety Management System — an independent review of the structure, policies, procedures and practices of an OHSMS to assess their compliance with standards and legislation and to identify opportunities for improvement.  

OHSMS Effectiveness — the degree to which the system succeeds in preventing injuries and illnesses, controlling risks, and meeting occupational safety management standards. 

DSTU ISO 19011:2019 — a set of guidelines for conducting management system audits, defining principles and methods of auditing. 

Workplace Inspection — an assessment tool used during an audit to inspect the actual parameters of working conditions and production activities. 

OHSMS Audit Criteria — the baseline requirements used by an auditor, including standards (ISO 45001), legislation, internal documentation and organisational objectives. 

OHSMS (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) — a management system covering policies, procedures, measurements and risk control. 

OHSMS Non-Conformities — deviations from standards, legislation or internal requirements identified during an audit, which require correction to reduce risks. 

OHSMS Compliance Assessment — an analytical stage of the audit that compares the actual state of the system with the requirements of standards, policies and objectives. 

Audit Plan — a document that defines the scope, stages, methods and criteria of the audit, ensuring its structured and consistent execution. 

Planning of Corrective Actions — a stage that sets out specific measures, deadlines and responsible persons required to eliminate identified non-conformities. 

Occupational Health and Safety Policy — a fundamental document of the system that defines strategic principles, expectations and organisational commitments regarding workplace safety. 

Occupational Health and Safety Management Standards (e.g. ISO 45001) — international requirements used to assess the maturity and compliance of an OHSMS. 

Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) — a set of interrelated policies, procedures and practices designed to prevent injuries and occupational diseases. 

ISO 45001:2018 Standard — an international standard for OHSMS that sets out requirements for establishing, implementing and evaluating an occupational safety management system.