In today’s dynamic occupational landscape, ensuring health and safety at the workplace is more critical than ever. The OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course provides health and safety professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how to audit occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) in line with international standards. This 40-hour programme is designed to equip auditors with the practical skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct, report and follow up on audits effectively.
ISO 45001:2018 is the first global standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It replaces OHSAS 18001 and provides a framework for improving employee safety, reducing workplace risks, and creating better, safer working conditions. The standard is applicable to organisations of all sizes, industries and locations, making it highly relevant across the professional spectrum.
The OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is an essential step for professionals looking to advance their auditing careers and contribute to safer working environments. With global recognition and practical applicability, this 40-hour training provides a solid foundation for becoming a competent, certified lead auditor.
All About OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course – 40 Hours
Course Overview
The OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is a comprehensive 40-hour training programme designed for professionals aiming to become qualified lead auditors in occupational health and safety management systems. This course provides an in-depth understanding of ISO 45001:2018, the internationally recognised standard for managing workplace health and safety risks. Through a structured blend of theory, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, participants gain the competence needed to plan, conduct, report and follow up on audits in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021 standards.
Delivered by experienced tutors, this lead auditor course equips learners with critical auditing skills while enhancing their knowledge of compliance, risk management, and continual improvement practices within an OHSMS. Whether you’re seeking to perform internal audits, conduct third-party assessments, or support your organisation’s certification journey, this training ensures you’re fully prepared to meet professional and regulatory expectations. On successful completion, participants receive a globally recognised certificate, positioning them for career advancement in health and safety management across a wide range of industries.
Study Units
- Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and ISO 45001:2018 (4 Hours)
- Understanding ISO 45001:2018 Requirements (6 Hours)
- Auditing Principles and Techniques (8 Hours)
- Audit Planning and Preparation (6 Hours)
- Conducting the Audit – On-site Activities (6 Hours)
- Reporting Audit Findings and Non-Conformities (5 Hours)
- Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Audits (5 Hours)
To ensure participants gain maximum benefit from the OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course, the following entry requirements must be met:
Minimum Age:
Participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
A secondary school qualification (GCSE or equivalent) is required as a minimum. However, higher education in occupational health and safety, environmental science, engineering, or related disciplines is advantageous.
Work Experience:
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that delegates have prior experience working within a health and safety, compliance, or management systems role. Familiarity with occupational health and safety principles or ISO standards will support successful completion of the course.
Language Proficiency:
As the course is delivered in English, a good command of both written and spoken English is essential. It is recommended that participants have English language skills equivalent to Level B2 on the Common European Framework (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or above) to fully engage with the course materials and assessments.
The OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is ideal for professionals involved in occupational health and safety management or auditing roles. This course is particularly suited for:
- Health and safety managers, officers, and advisors seeking formal auditor certification
- Internal auditors aiming to enhance their auditing competencies in line with ISO 45001:2018
- Compliance and risk management professionals responsible for OHSMS implementation and review
- Consultants supporting organisations with ISO 45001 certification and compliance
- Individuals pursuing a career as a certified lead auditor for third-party certification bodies
- Quality, environmental, or integrated management system auditors expanding their scope to include OHSMS
- Organisational leaders and managers involved in strategic oversight of health and safety systems
This course is designed to meet the needs of both in-house professionals and independent consultants who wish to develop their expertise and credibility in occupational health and safety auditing.
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and ISO 45001:2018 (4 Hours)
- Understand the purpose and benefits of implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System
- Identify key concepts, terminology, and structure of ISO 45001:2018
- Recognise the role of ISO 45001 in improving workplace safety and legal compliance
- Explain the relationship between ISO 45001 and other management system standards
Understanding ISO 45001:2018 Requirements (6 Hours)
- Interpret the clauses and requirements of ISO 45001:2018
- Understand the context of the organisation, leadership responsibilities, and worker participation
- Explain the planning processes for risk identification, objectives, and compliance obligations
- Describe operational controls, performance evaluation, and continual improvement within an OHSMS
Auditing Principles and Techniques (8 Hours)
- Apply the principles of auditing based on ISO 19011:2018
- Understand the types of audits and the audit lifecycle
- Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills for audit situations
- Use appropriate techniques for collecting audit evidence through interviews, observations, and document reviews
Audit Planning and Preparation (6 Hours)
- Prepare a comprehensive audit plan and checklist in accordance with ISO 19011
- Identify and assess risks associated with audit activities
- Determine audit objectives, scope, and criteria
- Understand the responsibilities and competencies required of an audit team
Conducting the Audit – On-site Activities (6 Hours)
- Execute an on-site audit effectively, including opening meetings and site walkthroughs
- Gather objective evidence through observation, questioning, and sampling
- Evaluate conformance and identify non-conformities against ISO 45001 requirements
- Manage audit team roles and ensure professional conduct during the audit process
Reporting Audit Findings and Non-Conformities (5 Hours)
- Document audit findings accurately and objectively
- Classify and describe non-conformities with supporting evidence
- Prepare audit reports that are clear, concise, and aligned with ISO requirements
- Conduct effective closing meetings and communicate audit outcomes to stakeholders
Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Audits (5 Hours)
- Understand the process for recommending and verifying corrective actions
- Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions during follow-up audits
- Ensure continual improvement through post-audit activities
- Maintain audit records and contribute to the integrity of the OHSMS
FAQs OSHAA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course – 40 Hours
