In today’s fast-evolving business environment, the safety and well-being of employees are non-negotiable. Organizations across all industries are expected to implement robust occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) to reduce risks and ensure compliance. The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course equips professionals with the skills to audit and improve health and safety systems effectively, making it one of the most sought-after qualifications in the field of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment).
This course is globally recognized and essential for professionals seeking to lead audits against the ISO 45001:2018 standard, the international benchmark for occupational health and safety.
The ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor Course, accredited by the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA), is a comprehensive training designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to conduct first, second, and third-party audits of Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.
Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants gain a deep understanding of audit principles and how to apply them within an ISO 45001:2018 context. The training also follows the guidelines set by ISO 19011 for auditing management systems and is aligned with ISO/IEC 17021 for certification audits.
The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course is a powerful step toward becoming a certified health and safety auditor and driving meaningful change in the workplace. This globally respected course not only equips you with practical auditing skills but also enhances your ability to improve safety, reduce workplace risks, and support legal compliance.
For professionals serious about career growth and organizational impact, this course is a strategic investment with long-term rewards in safety leadership and international recognition.
CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course
The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course Consist of following core 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.
Benefits of the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course
The CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) Lead Auditor Course provides participants with internationally recognized credentials to audit and manage workplace health and safety systems effectively. Here’s how this course adds value to both individuals and organizations:
1. Globally Recognized Certification
- Gain a professional qualification accredited by CQI IRCA, the world’s leading body for management system auditors.
- Widely accepted across industries and countries, opening doors to international auditing opportunities.
2. Enhanced Career Prospects
- Ideal for professionals looking to move into senior roles in health and safety, compliance, auditing, or risk management.
- Strengthens your résumé with a high-demand skill set, making you a valuable asset to employers and certification bodies.
3. Deep Understanding of ISO 45001:2018
- Learn to interpret and apply the ISO 45001:2018 standard, which replaces OHSAS 18001 as the global benchmark for occupational health and safety management systems.
- Gain insight into key clauses, such as risk-based thinking, leadership commitment, worker participation, and legal compliance.
4. Improve Workplace Health & Safety
- Equip yourself with the skills to identify hazards, assess risks, and recommend effective corrective actions.
- Support the development of safer working environments and reduction of workplace incidents and injuries.
5. Practical Auditing Competence
- Master the end-to-end audit process: from planning and conducting audits to reporting findings and managing follow-up activities.
- Learn auditing techniques aligned with ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems) and ISO/IEC 17021 (Certification requirements).
6. Lead and Manage Audit Teams
- Develop the leadership and interpersonal skills required to manage audit teams, conduct opening/closing meetings, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
- Gain confidence in handling complex audit scenarios and team dynamics.
7. Contribute to Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Understand how ISO 45001 supports compliance with national and international occupational health and safety laws.
- Help organizations mitigate legal risks and avoid costly penalties or reputational damage.
8. Drive Continual Improvement
- Learn how to use audits to support continuous improvement in OHS performance.
- Help businesses integrate safety into their strategic objectives, creating a culture of health and accountability.
9. Pathway to IRCA Auditor Certification
- Fulfills the formal training requirement to become a CQI IRCA Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 45001.
- Strengthens your professional standing and opens new doors for freelance, consultancy, or third-party audit roles.
10. Applicable Across All Sectors
- ISO 45001 applies to all industries — from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and education.
- This course gives you versatile auditing skills that are transferable across diverse sectors and environments.
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.
Entry Requirements
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Qualification Process
Qualification Process for the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course
- Self-Assessment:
Begin by evaluating your eligibility to ensure you meet the qualification requirements, including work experience, knowledge, and language proficiency. - Registration:
Complete your registration by submitting the required documents, including a scanned copy of a valid ID, and paying the registration fee. - Induction:
An assessor will conduct an induction to confirm your eligibility for the course and explain the evidence requirements. If you do not meet the criteria, your registration will be canceled, and the fee will be refunded. - Assignmnets & Evidence Submission:
Provide all assignmnets and the necessary evidence based on the assessment criteria outlined in the course. If you are unsure of the required evidence, consult with the assessor for guidance on the type and nature of evidence needed. - Feedback and Revision:
The assessor will review your submitted evidence and provide feedback. Evidence that meets the criteria will be marked as “Criteria Met,” while any gaps will be identified. You will be asked to revise and resubmit if needed. - Competence Evidence:
Submit final evidence demonstrating that all learning outcomes have been met. This evidence will be marked as “Criteria Met” by the assessor once it is satisfactory. - Internal Quality Assurance (IQA):
The Internal Quality Assurance Verifier (IQA) will review your evidence to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with standards. - External Verification:
The IQA will submit your portfolio to CQI IRCA UK External Quality Assurance Verifiers (EQA) for final confirmation. The EQA may contact you directly to verify the authenticity of your evidence. - Certification:
Upon successful completion of all checks,CQI IRCA UK will issue your official certificate, confirming that you have attained the CQI IRCA ISO 45001:2018 OHSMS Lead Auditor Course.
