Common ISO 45001 Audit Non-Conformities in India

ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It helps organizations reduce workplace risks and create safer environments. In India, many companies seek ISO 45001 certification to demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and legal compliance. However, during audits, several common non-conformities often arise, delaying certification or requiring corrective actions.

Understanding these typical issues can help organizations prepare better and improve their health and safety management systems effectively.

Common safety signage in Indian manufacturing plants

Lack of Top Management Commitment

One of the most frequent non-conformities is insufficient involvement from top management. ISO 45001 requires leadership to actively support the health and safety system, allocate resources, and promote a safety culture. In many Indian organizations, auditors find:

• Limited evidence of management participation in safety meetings or reviews

• No clear communication from leadership about safety priorities

• Inadequate resource allocation for safety training or equipment

  
  

Without strong leadership commitment, the system often lacks direction and fails to engage employees effectively.

Incomplete Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

ISO 45001 mandates thorough identification of workplace hazards and assessment of associated risks. Auditors commonly note:

• Missing or outdated hazard registers

• Risk assessments that do not cover all work areas or activities

• Lack of documented controls for identified risks

  
  

For example, a factory might overlook chemical exposure risks in storage areas or fail to assess ergonomic risks for office staff. This gap can lead to unsafe conditions going unnoticed.

Poor Documentation and Record Keeping

Documentation is a cornerstone of ISO 45001. Auditors often find:

• Safety policies and procedures that are incomplete or not updated

• Records of training, inspections, and incident investigations that are missing or inconsistent

• Lack of evidence showing corrective actions taken after incidents

  
  

In India, where paperwork can sometimes be neglected, this issue frequently causes non-conformities. Proper documentation demonstrates that the system is actively managed and continuously improved.

Insufficient Employee Training and Awareness

Employees must understand their roles in the health and safety system. Common audit findings include:

• Training programs that do not cover all relevant hazards or procedures

• No records proving employees received training

• Workers unaware of emergency procedures or reporting mechanisms

  
  

For instance, workers on a construction site might not know how to report near misses or use personal protective equipment correctly. This gap increases the risk of accidents.

Inadequate Emergency Preparedness and Response

ISO 45001 requires organizations to plan for emergencies and test their response. Auditors often observe:

• Emergency plans that are generic or not site-specific

• No regular drills or exercises conducted

• Lack of communication plans during emergencies

  
  

In Indian industries, where emergencies like fires or chemical spills can have severe consequences, this non-conformity is critical. Effective preparedness saves lives and limits damage.

Failure to Conduct Internal Audits and Management Reviews

Internal audits and management reviews are essential for checking system effectiveness. Common issues include:

• Internal audits not performed as scheduled or lacking depth

• Management reviews missing key inputs such as audit results, incident data, or legal compliance status

• No documented decisions or follow-up actions from reviews

  
  

Without these activities, organizations miss opportunities to identify weaknesses and improve.

Non-Compliance with Legal and Other Requirements

India has numerous laws related to occupational health and safety. Auditors frequently find:

• Organizations unaware of applicable legal requirements

• No system to track changes in laws or regulations

• Failure to implement controls to meet legal obligations

  
  

For example, a manufacturing unit might not comply with the Factories Act or environmental regulations, leading to serious penalties.

Poor Incident Investigation and Corrective Actions

When incidents occur, ISO 45001 requires thorough investigation and corrective measures. Typical problems include:

• Superficial investigations that do not identify root causes

• No documented corrective actions or follow-up checks

• Repeat incidents due to ineffective solutions

  
  

A company might record an injury but fail to analyze why it happened or prevent recurrence, undermining safety efforts.

Conclusion

Many Indian organizations face similar challenges during ISO 45001 audits. Common non-conformities include weak leadership involvement, incomplete risk assessments, poor documentation, inadequate training, and insufficient emergency planning. Addressing these areas strengthens the occupational health and safety management system and smooths the path to certification.