PECB ISO-45001-Lead-Auditor PECB Certified ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Exam Exam Practice Test

Audit objectives for the audit team focus on ensuring the audit process is executed effectively, efficiently, and without causing undue disruption to the organization being audited. ISO 19011:2018 provides guidance on setting audit objectives.

Analysis of Options:

A. To reduce instances of injury and ill health:Incorrect. This is an objective of the OH&S management system, not of the audit itself.

B. To minimise risk resulting from the audit process:Correct. ISO 19011 emphasizes managing risks to the auditee and the audit process during audits (Clause 5.4).

C. To improve overall health and safety performance:Incorrect. Improving health and safety performance is an outcome of the OH&S management system, not the audit team's objective.

D. To complete the audit on time:Correct. Ensuring timely completion of the audit aligns with effective audit management.

E. To implement any necessary corrective action:Incorrect. Implementing corrective actions is the auditee’s responsibility, not the audit team’s.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Clause 8.1.2 of ISO 45001 pertains to Eliminating Hazards and Reducing OH&S Risks. Organizations must implement appropriate controls to manage workplace hazards effectively.

Issue Identified:The kitchen environment at the audited site presents multiple hazards, including:

Oil spillage creating a slip hazard.

Open drums of waste material posing a chemical or hygiene hazard.

Unsecured knives and cleavers increasing the risk of cuts.

Boiling water left unattended, posing a risk of burns.

Lack of visible fire extinguishers or fire blankets, increasing fire risk.

Analysis of Options:

A. Failure to reduce risks associated with working in the kitchen.This option accurately captures the broader failure to implement effective measures to eliminate or reduce hazards across multiple areas in the kitchen.

B. Measures to prevent slippage in the kitchen from waste cooking oil were not taken.This is specific to one hazard (oil spillage) and does not address other significant risks observed, such as fire safety or sharp tools.

C. Staff are at risk of serious injury while working in the kitchen.While true, this is more of a general observation and does not address the root cause of the hazards or the failure of controls.

D. Training of the kitchen staff was not effective enough to prevent poor safety awareness in the kitchen area.Although training deficiencies may contribute to the issue, this option does not reflect the overarching systemic failure to manage hazards effectively.

Best Description of the Nonconformance:Failure to reduce risks associated with working in the kitchen (Option A) is the most comprehensive finding, reflecting the organization’s lack of adequate controls to mitigate hazards.

ISO References:

Clause 8.1.2: Organizations must establish controls to eliminate or minimize OH&S risks systematically.

Clause 7.2: Ensuring competency through training is important but must be coupled with hazard control measures.

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Clause 5.2 of ISO 45001:2018 outlines requirements for the OH&S policy, emphasizing commitment to continual improvement, compliance with legal requirements, and communication of the policy to interested parties.

Analysis of Options:

A. The management is committed to health and safety improvement:Correct. The policy explicitly states the organization’s commitment to improvement, meeting Clause 5.2 requirements.

C. The organization has a good reputation for safe experiences:Not relevant to ISO 45001 requirements; reputation is not a policy criterion.

D. The organization intends to communicate its policy to external parties:Correct. Clause 5.2 requires the policy to be communicated to interested parties.

E. The organization is committed to continual health and safety improvement:Correct. This directly aligns with Clause 5.2, which mandates continual improvement.

F. The organization meets all statutory requirements:The policy does not explicitly state compliance with legal requirements, even though this is implied.

G. The organization satisfies its customers’ health and safety requirements:The policy does not specifically address customer requirements.

H. The organization uses contractors committed to health and safety:Not stated in the policy.

I. The organization’s processes deliver the intended improvement to health and safety:This is not evident from the policy statement.

ISO References:

Clause 5.2: OH&S policy.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Analysis of Each Option:

ISO 45001:2018 requires a holistic approach to occupational health and safety. This means considering all aspects that could impact worker well-being, not just obvious physical hazards. The correct answer encompasses work activities (the tasks themselves), workplace design (the physical environment), and human factors (psychological and social aspects like working hours and harassment). It's the most comprehensive and aligned with the standard's philosophy

ISO 45001:2018, Clause 6.1.2, outlines requirements for hazard identification. Hazards to consider include work activities, workplace design, human factors, and social factors that may impact OH&S. These go beyond traditional physical risks and include psychosocial and organizational hazards.

Analysis of Options:

A. Work activities, workplace design, and human factors such as hours of work and bullying and harassment:Correct. This comprehensively addresses hazard categories outlined in ISO 45001, Clause 6.1.2.

B. Work activities where there is the possibility of danger:Too general. ISO 45001 includes broader categories of hazards, including those related to organizational and social factors.

C. Hot-work, working at height, enclosed space entry, and work on electrical equipment:Too narrow. These are specific hazards but do not encompass the full range outlined in ISO 45001.

D. Work hazards and environmental factors such as bad weather:Incomplete. While environmental factors are relevant, ISO 45001 also includes workplace design, human factors, and psychosocial hazards.

ISO References:

Clause 6.1.2.1: Hazard identification.

Annex A.6.1.2: Examples of hazard categories, including workplace design and human factors.

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Clause 9.1.2 of ISO 45001:2018 outlines the need for organizations to evaluate compliance with applicable legal and other requirements as part of their OH&S management system.

Analysis of Options:

A. The organization must evaluate its compliance status at least once a year:The standard does not prescribe a specific frequency but states that evaluations must be conducted at planned intervals.

B. 'Other requirements' include requirements that the organization has chosen to comply with:Correct. Other requirements may include voluntary standards, industry codes, or contractual obligations.

C. A management review is required in all instances where one or more legal requirements are not being met:This is not true. Management reviews address compliance but are not mandated for every noncompliance.

D. Every member of an audit team must have a detailed understanding of the legal requirements for the sector and type of organization they are auditing:Not true. Auditors must have general competency but can rely on subject-matter experts for legal specifics.

E. If the organization is failing to address a legal requirement relating to another discipline (e.g., Environmental management), this cannot be raised in the audit:Not true. If the legal noncompliance impacts OH&S, it can be raised.

F. The organization cannot outsource its process for evaluating compliance:The organization can outsource evaluation but retains accountability.

G. The organization is required to establish a process for evaluating compliance:Correct. Clause 9.1.2 requires a process for compliance evaluation.

H. The organization is required to evaluate its compliance status with OH&S legal and other requirements:Correct. Clause 9.1.2 explicitly states this requirement.

ISO References:

Clause 9.1.2: Evaluation of compliance.

Clause 7.5: Documented information requirements

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Clause 5.1 of ISO 45001:2018 requires top management to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the OH&S management system. This includes awareness of the OH&S policy and its objectives.

Analysis of Options:

A. As a member of the management team, the Deputy College Principal is not aware of the OHSMS policy:Correct. A lack of awareness of the policy reflects poor leadership commitment, which violates Clause 5.1.

B. OH&S improvement is not possible due to the lack of awareness of the OHSMS:Incorrect. While improvement may be hindered, this is not the main issue in this scenario.

C. The Deputy College Principal is not competent to manage the OHSMS:Incorrect. The Deputy’s competence to manage the OHSMS is not in question; the issue is their lack of awareness of key elements.

D. The OH&S policy only exists as a document in the College Principal’s office:Incorrect. The policy may be accessible but not effectively communicated or understood by management.

ISO References:

Clause 5.1: Leadership and commitment.

Clause 5.2: OH&S policy.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Activities following the closure of a third-party audit are generally related to improving the audit process and addressing any unresolved issues.

Analysis of Options:

A. Addressing any audit complaints:Correct. Post-audit, complaints or concerns from stakeholders are addressed to improve the audit process and maintain credibility.

B. Conducting a closing meeting:Incorrect. The closing meeting occurs before the audit is closed.

C. Conducting a review of opportunities for improvement:Correct. Reviewing opportunities for improvement post-audit helps in refining processes and aligning them with organizational goals.

D. Revising the audit's objectives:Incorrect. Audit objectives are established during the planning phase, not after the audit has been closed.

E. Updating risks and opportunities to the audit programme:Incorrect. Updates to risks and opportunities occur during ongoing audits, not specifically post-audit.

F. Writing the audit report:Incorrect. The audit report is prepared before the audit is officially closed.

ISO References:

Clause 9.2.2: Audit process review.

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.7: Managing complaints and follow-up.

Analysis of Options:

A. The organisation must attempt to identify and address every risk it faces:Incorrect. ISO 45001 focuses on OH&S risks and not every risk faced by the organization.

B. The effect of uncertainty (i.e. risk) can result in positive outcomes as well as negative ones:Correct. Clause 3.20 defines risk as the "effect of uncertainty," which may result in positive or negative outcomes.

C. Although organisations are required to carry out risk management, the method by which they do so is up to them:Correct. ISO 45001 does not prescribe specific risk management methods, leaving the organization to choose the approach that best suits its context (Clause 6.1.2).

D. Risk assessment is an activity that must be carried out by top management:Incorrect. Risk assessment can involve workers and other personnel; it is not limited to top management.

E. The organisation is required to assess risks arising from OH&S hazards:Correct. Clause 6.1.2.2 requires organizations to assess OH&S risks associated with hazards.

F. Risk is often expressed as a combination of likelihood and impact:Correct. This is a common way to express risk, aligned with Clause 6.1.2.

ISO References:

Clause 3.20: Definition of risk.

Clause 6.1.2: Hazard identification and risk assessment

Audit reports should focus on objective evidence, observations, and findings relevant to the management system and the audit process. Personal opinions, unrelated remarks, or derogatory comments are inappropriate.

Analysis of Statements:

A. The guide was trying to be helpful and would not stop talking during the audit:Incorrect. This is irrelevant to the audit findings or conclusions.

B. The Sales Manager was kind and seems to be a nice person:Incorrect. Personal opinions about individuals are not appropriate in audit reports.

C. The audit client’s objectives for this audit were never realistic. That’s why we were unable to complete the audit plan:Correct. This is relevant as it relates to the audit process and highlights challenges in meeting objectives.

D. The maintenance team could not replace a lightbulb, let alone an air conditioning unit:Incorrect. This is derogatory and irrelevant to the audit report.

E. The OHS Management team were extremely helpful and went out of their way to facilitate access to required records:Correct. This is a valid observation about cooperation during the audit process.

F. The OHS Manager disagreed with me in respect of all of the nonconformances I raised. He still does not accept any of them:Incorrect. While disagreements may occur, this statement is overly subjective and not constructive.

G. The Production Manager is lucky to have a job as he does not appear to understand how anything works around here:Incorrect. Personal attacks or irrelevant judgments have no place in the report.

H. The Sales Manager said he had forgotten the password to the Sales Ordering system and so too had everyone else in his department:Correct. This relates to system access and could indicate a nonconformance or an opportunity for improvement.

ISO References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.7: Reporting audit results.

Worker participation is a fundamental principle of ISO 45001 (Clause 5.4). It ensures workers at all levels are involved in key activities to enhance the OH&S management system's effectiveness.

Analysis of Options:

A. Determining competence requirements:Incorrect. Determining competence is primarily the responsibility of management, though workers may provide input.

B. Establishing OHS objectives:Correct. Worker involvement ensures objectives are realistic and relevant to workplace conditions (Clause 6.2).

C. Managing internal audit programme:Incorrect. Managing audits is typically a managerial responsibility, though workers may participate in audits.

D. Determining actions to eliminate hazards:Correct. Workers’ insights are critical in identifying and implementing actions to eliminate hazards (Clause 8.1.2).

E. Determining what needs to be communicated:Incorrect. While communication strategies impact workers, their participation in determining communication needs is not explicitly required.

F. Establishing OHS policy:Correct. Workers should be involved in developing policies to ensure relevance and buy-in (Clause 5.2).

ISO References:

Clause 5.4: Worker participation.

Clause 6.2: OHS objectives.

Clause 8.1.2: Hierarchy of controls and hazard elimination.

ISO 45001 requires organizations to identify and maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with legal and other requirements (Clause 7.5 and Clause 9.1.2). It also requires the evaluation and control of outsourced processes (Clause 8.1.4.3).

Analysis of Options:

A. The park did not have the required documentation to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements:Correct. The outdated and incomplete inspection report (8 years old, lacking detailed identification) fails to demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation.

B. The organization did not monitor the safety checks by staff of equipment:Incorrect. While there is a potential gap in monitoring, the evidence provided does not directly indicate a lack of monitoring of staff checks.

C. The inspection organization employed by the insurance organization was not evaluated:Correct. ISO 45001 requires the organization to evaluate outsourced services, including those provided by the inspection body, to ensure their adequacy.

D. The park relied on the insurance organization to evaluate its OHS risks:Incorrect. Reliance on external evaluations may not constitute a nonconformity if risks are properly managed, but there is no evidence provided for noncompliance here.

E. Testing to determine the safe loading of equipment was not carried out:Incorrect. While load testing is crucial, there is no evidence presented to confirm this specific issue as a nonconformity.

ISO References:

Clause 7.5: Control of documented information.

Clause 8.1.4.3: Control of outsourced processes.

Clause 9.1.2: Evaluation of compliance.

The closing meeting of a second-party audit focuses on the findings, conformance to agreed requirements, and areas for improvement. ISO 19011:2018 provides guidance on closing meetings, stating that the results of the audit, including conformity with criteria, must be reviewed and agreed upon.

Analysis of Options:

A. The names and email addresses of attendees at the closing meeting:Irrelevant. Attendance details are not part of the audit discussion.

B. The extent of the auditee’s documented information system:While relevant during the audit, it is not typically a focus in the closing meeting.

C. The extent to which the auditee is conforming to OH&S requirements in supply contracts:Correct. Second-party audits often assess compliance with contractual requirements.

D. The extent to which the auditee conforms to ISO 45001 requirements:Correct. The core purpose of the audit is to evaluate conformity to ISO 45001.

E. The nature of the trading relationship between the organizations:Correct. The trading relationship often shapes the scope and context of second-party audits.

F. Whether the audit has correctly performed in current contracts with other customers:Irrelevant. The focus is on the specific audit, not contracts with other customers.

G. Whether the work instructions for a specific OH&S process are focused on efficiency:Irrelevant. Efficiency is not the primary focus of an OH&S audit.

ISO References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.6.1: Conducting the closing meeting.

ISO 45001:2018, Clause 9.2: Internal audit requirements.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Clause 9.3 of ISO 45001:2018 outlines the requirements for management reviews. These reviews must evaluate the performance of the OHSMS and identify opportunities for improvement. Outputs of management reviews typically include decisions and actions that align with strategic and operational priorities.

Analysis of Options:

A. Decisions related to continual improvement opportunities:This is a valid output, as continual improvement is a key objective of management reviews under Clause 10.3.

B. Allocation of a bigger budget for the OHS department:Resource allocation is a common output of management reviews to address identified needs.

C. Improvements in the OHSMS:Improvements reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing safety performance.

D. Minutes of previous management reviews:While minutes provide context, they are not an output of the current management review.

E. Opportunities to integrate the OHS management system with other business processes:Integration opportunities are valid outputs, as they enhance the system's effectiveness.

F. Plan to prioritize health and safety issues as a business strategy:Strategic alignment of health and safety with business objectives is an expected output.

G. Procurement of new safety harnesses for workers:This is an operational action, not a direct output of the management review process.

H. Report showing the trend of an increase in safety incidents:This is an input to the management review, not an output.

I. Updates to the risk register:Risk register updates reflect changes in identified hazards and risks, making this a valid output.

J. Worker feedback of positive and negative comments:Worker feedback is an input to the management review, not an output.

ISO References:

Clause 9.3: Management review inputs and outputs.

Clause 10.3: Continual improvement actions.

Follow-up audits verify that corrective actions have been implemented effectively and address the root cause of the nonconformities.

Analysis of Options:

A. Review the latest emergency response drill report:Correct. This verifies whether emergency response processes are functional and effective.

B. Check if the internal audit schedule was revised:Incorrect. While beneficial, this is not directly related to closing out the nonconformity.

C. Check safety data sheets for completeness:Incorrect. While this ensures compliance, it is not directly related to verifying corrective actions.

D. Check if revised procedures were signed off:Correct. This confirms that changes were properly documented and approved.

E. Determine whether an updated risk assessment was carried out:Correct. Risk assessments confirm the effectiveness of new controls.

F. Inspect areas for safe chemical storage and handling:Correct. Direct observation ensures that corrective actions are implemented effectively.

G. Interview staff on revised emergency procedures:Incorrect. While important, this does not directly address the effectiveness of corrective actions for chemical storage.

H. Interview the OH&S Manager about additional objectives:Incorrect. This is unrelated to the specific nonconformities raised.

ISO References:

Clause 10.2.2: Verification of corrective actions.

Clause 8.1.2: Hazard identification and controls.

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation along with All ISO 45001 Audit References

Clause 5.4 of ISO 45001:2018 emphasizes the importance of worker consultation and participation in the OHS management system. It requires organizations to establish processes that ensure workers are actively involved in decision-making and implementation of OHS practices.

Analysis of Options:

A. Promoting collaborating workers to higher positions:While promotions may boost morale, they do not directly contribute to worker consultation and participation in the OHSMS.

B. Appointing worker representatives:This action fosters direct communication and representation of workers' interests in health and safety matters.

C. Conducting toolbox talks on health and safety:Toolbox talks are an effective way to engage workers in discussing and addressing health and safety issues.

D. Giving ownership of health and safety matters:Involving workers in decision-making and giving them responsibility for specific health and safety tasks encourages participation.

E. Ignoring workers' suggestions:This undermines consultation and is contrary to ISO 45001 principles.

F. Implementing a payment scheme to reward workers' OHS performance:While incentives can motivate safe behavior, they are not a consultation or participation mechanism as required by Clause 5.4.

G. Implementing methods for engaging workers:This aligns directly with Clause 5.4, as effective engagement methods (e.g., surveys, focus groups) enhance participation.

H. Threatening reprisals to whistleblowers:This violates ISO 45001 principles and discourages worker participation.

ISO References:

Clause 5.4: Worker consultation and participation.

Clause 5.1: Leadership’s responsibility to foster participation.