Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) Audit

What is an OHSMS audit?

The Occupational Health & Safety Act defines the OHSMS as a coordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures that is designed to be implemented by employers to promote continuous improvement in occupational health and safety. The OHSMS implementation model of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) is a process used by organizations to achieve continuous improvement. It can be applied to the management system and to each of its individual topics.

The PSHSA’s OHSMS audit tool reflects the criteria of:

• SO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use.
• CSA Z45001:19 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use and
• The WSIB Health & Safety Excellence Program.

Uses for workplace health and safety audits

• Prioritizing resources and efforts efficiently and effectively.
• Establishing a roadmap for health and safety program development.
• Demonstrating that the organization has an established and maintained effective occupational health and safety management system process.
• Creating momentum and drive to move health and safety initiatives forward.
• Reducing and/or eliminating occupational injury and illness.
• Providing a ‘snapshot’ of the organization’s current status with regard to both regulatory and best practice workplace safety compliance as well as employee program knowledge and acceptance.

What types of clients would benefit from an OHSMS audit?

• Clients looking for an independent and unbiased status check of their OHSMS and the functionality of their OHSMS. 
• Clients with a poor accident/incident rate and/or MLITSD orders. 
• Client may be preparing for an accreditation certification. 
• Client that has had a change in leadership and may need to understand where challenges exist in their OHSMS or where they may want to target their initial efforts. 
• WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program Clients:  
  • That have completed the program’s Level 1 Foundation, Level 2 Intermediate, and/or progressing Level 3 Advanced Topics. 
  • Clients that are working on the External Audit topic for their program.
  • The independent external audit would support the client’s program strategic plan. 
  • The program provides you with a clear roadmap to improve health and safety in your workplace, whether you’re just getting started or want to address gaps in the systems and processes you already have in place. 

The audit process

Why choose PSHSA

Versatile - PSHSA’s audit is a unique readiness tool that can prepare clients for any OHSMS accreditation, certification process, or Health and Safety Excellence Program verification audit. Achieving formal accreditations or certifications allow our clients to showcase their proactive Health and Safety approach to their vendors and clients, indicating the high regard of health and safety in their organization.

Scalable – PSHSA can customize our audit program to our client’s needs. Our consultants work with our clients to determine the appropriate scope of audit whether it is a hazard specific audit, Foundational, Intermediate or Advanced audit.

Actionable - Our Lead Auditors (OHS consultants) are certified ISO 45001 Lead Auditors and/or WSIB Health and/or Safety Excellence Program Leads who guide our clients through their OHSMS excellence journey. Their experience in supporting multiple clients through their health and safety journey allows them to bring forward best practices related to various aspects of an OHSMS.

Sector expertise - PSHSA’s auditors continually work within our sectors: Health and Community Services, Education and Cultural, Government and Municipal and Public Safety, allowing PSHSA’s consultants to focus on best management practices for the areas in which we serve.