CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course
In today’s increasingly regulated and safety-conscious world, organizations are placing a stronger emphasis on occupational health and safety to protect their workforce and comply with legal requirements. ISO 45001:2018—the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS)—provides a robust framework for organizations to proactively manage workplace risks and create safer working environments.
To ensure these systems are implemented and maintained effectively, skilled auditors are essential. The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to plan, lead, and conduct audits of occupational health and safety management systems.
This is a comprehensive, globally recognized training program approved by CQI IRCA (Chartered Quality Institute and International Register of Certificated Auditors). It prepares participants to audit occupational health and safety management systems against the ISO 45001:2018 standard, in accordance with ISO 19011 (auditing guidelines) and ISO/IEC 17021-1 (certification body requirements).
Workplace health and safety is more than just a legal obligation—it’s a moral responsibility. The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course empowers you to ensure that organizations uphold this responsibility effectively and consistently.
By becoming a certified OHSMS Lead Auditor, you are not only enhancing your career but also making a lasting impact on the safety, well-being, and lives of people in workplaces across the world.
To enrol in CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course the applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
Minimum Age
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
Educational Background
- A minimum of secondary school education or equivalent is required.
- Candidates should ideally have a basic understanding of occupational health and safety principles.
- Prior completion of an ISO 45001:2018 Foundation or Awareness course is recommended but not mandatory.
Professional Experience
- Candidates should preferably have workplace experience related to occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS).
- Experience may include roles in HSE compliance, internal auditing, risk assessment, or involvement in safety programs and initiatives.
- Previous audit experience is helpful but not a strict requirement.
English Language Competency
- As the course is delivered and assessed in English, candidates must have sufficient proficiency in English, including:
- Reading: Ability to understand technical standards and guidance documents
- Writing: Ability to complete written assignments and the final examination
- Speaking and Listening: Ability to participate actively in group discussions, presentations, and audit role-plays
Mandatory Units
The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course Consist of following core units.
Mandatory Units
- Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and ISO 45001:2018
- ISO 45001:2018 Requirements
- Fundamentals of Auditing and ISO 19011 Guidelines
- Audit Planning and Preparation
- Conducting the Audit – On-site Activities
- Audit Reporting and Follow-Up
- Leading an Audit Team
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit:
Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) and ISO 45001:2018
- Understand the purpose, benefits, and scope of an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS).
- Explain the role of ISO 45001:2018 in improving workplace health and safety.
- Identify the key concepts and terminology associated with OHSMS and ISO 45001.
- Recognize the importance of hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident prevention.
- Understand the structure of ISO 45001:2018 and how it aligns with other ISO management system standards (Annex SL).
- Appreciate the role of auditors in promoting compliance and continual improvement in occupational health and safety.
2. ISO 45001:2018 Requirements
- Interpret and apply the key clauses and requirements of ISO 45001:2018.
- Explain how to assess an organization’s context and its impact on the OHSMS.
- Understand leadership responsibilities and worker participation requirements under the standard.
- Evaluate how organizations plan for OHS risks and opportunities, and set objectives.
- Understand the operational controls and processes for managing health and safety risks.
- Assess how organizations monitor, measure, and evaluate OHS performance.
- Explain the importance of continual improvement and compliance obligations in ISO 45001 implementation.
3. Fundamentals of Auditing and ISO 19011 Guidelines
- Describe the purpose, types, and principles of auditing.
- Understand the structure and content of ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines for auditing management systems).
- Identify auditor responsibilities, ethical behavior, and audit evidence requirements.
- Differentiate between first-party (internal), second-party (supplier), and third-party (certification) audits.
- Recognize the role of ISO/IEC 17021 in the certification process.
4. Audit Planning and Preparation
- Develop a comprehensive audit plan aligned with audit scope, objectives, and criteria.
- Conduct a document review to assess QMS readiness for audit.
- Prepare effective audit checklists and allocate roles within an audit team.
- Determine audit resources, timings, and communication protocols.
- Understand how to manage audit risks and logistics in advance of on-site activities.
5. Conducting the Audit – On-site Activities
- Conduct opening meetings and establish rapport with auditees.
- Use effective communication and interviewing techniques during audit activities.
- Collect and verify objective evidence through observation, questioning, and document review.
- Record audit findings in a structured and factual manner.
- Maintain professionalism and manage challenging behavior during audits.
6. Audit Reporting and Follow-Up
- Classify audit findings (nonconformities, observations, opportunities for improvement).
- Write clear, concise, and evidence-based nonconformity reports.
- Prepare comprehensive audit reports that meet organizational and standard requirements.
- Conduct effective closing meetings with auditees and stakeholders.
- Understand the follow-up process, including corrective action review and verification.
7. Leading an Audit Team
- Explain the responsibilities and attributes of a lead auditor.
- Assign tasks and provide direction to audit team members effectively.
- Facilitate team meetings and ensure consistent evaluation of evidence.
- Resolve conflicts and manage time, resources, and expectations during audits.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multi-auditor and multi-site audit scenarios.
The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is designed for professionals who are involved in auditing, implementing, or managing occupational health and safety systems, or those seeking to become certified lead auditors. This course is ideal for:
- Health and Safety Managers and Officers – who are responsible for maintaining and improving workplace safety systems.
- Internal Auditors – who wish to advance their skills to perform external or third-party audits.
- Compliance Officers – seeking a deeper understanding of ISO 45001:2018 standards and audit practices.
- Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Professionals – looking to integrate OHS auditing into their roles.
- Management System Consultants – who want to support clients in achieving ISO 45001 certification.
- Risk and Quality Managers – aiming to enhance their auditing capabilities across different management systems.
- Individuals pursuing a career in auditing – and looking to gain internationally recognized certification.
- Anyone involved in preparing their organization for an ISO 45001 certification audit.
Whether you are new to OHSMS auditing or looking to formalize your auditing skills with an internationally recognized qualification, this course will provide the knowledge and competence required to lead and conduct effective occupational health and safety audits.
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