During a second-party audit at a sawmill, you find that the OHSMS Manager conducted the hazard identification process. In the risk assessment report, hazards were listed as physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards and psychosocial hazards, with the hazards categories as low medium and high to be addressed. The OHSMS Manager did not have an action plan for low and medium risks, saying that they ignored those He stated that they brought in a health and safety consultant to advise on treatment for the high risks.

During a second-party audit at a sawmill, you find that the OHSMS Manager conducted the hazard identification process. In the risk assessment report, hazards were listed as physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards and psychosocial hazards, with the hazards categories as low medium and high to be addressed. The OHSMS Manager did not have an action plan for low and medium risks, saying that they ignored those He stated that they brought in a health and safety consultant to advise on treatment for the high risks.

When interviewing the OHSMS Manager, the auditor presents a nonconformity relating to potential hazards In the factory If the dust extraction system broke down. The OHSMS Manager said that. If that happened, the agreed planned action is that workers would put masks on. Select one of the options for how the auditor should respond to this statement.

A. Advise that the factory should cease its operations It the dust extraction equipment malfunctioned.

B. Ask the OH5MS Manager to confirm that this action meets regulatory requirements for air purity.

C. Seek evidence that the response action is both Implemented and effective.

D. Suggest that they should increase their maintenance checks.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The auditor should assess whether the organization’s planned action (using masks in case of dust extraction failure) is both implemented and effective. This aligns with ISO 45001 requirements to ensure that control measures are functional and meet the intended objectives. Clause 8.1.2 (Hierarchy of Controls):

The use of PPE, such as masks, is considered a last resort in the hierarchy of controls.

The organization must demonstrate that the measure is:

Implemented (e.g., PPE is available and workers are trained to use it). Effective (e.g., masks provide adequate protection against dust). Analysis of Options:

A. Advise that the factory should cease operations if the dust extraction equipment malfunctioned. While ceasing operations may be a necessary control in extreme situations, it is not a practical or realistic recommendation unless a high-risk scenario cannot be otherwise managed. B. Ask the OHSMS Manager to confirm regulatory compliance.

Regulatory compliance is important but does not fully address the requirement to ensure the action is effective.

C. Seek evidence that the response action is both implemented and effective.

This is the most appropriate response. The auditor must verify implementation and effectiveness to determine conformity.

D. Suggest increasing maintenance checks.

Maintenance is important for preventing equipment breakdowns, but this option does not address the immediate audit finding about the adequacy of response actions. ISO

Reference: Clause 8.1.2: Emphasizes applying the hierarchy of controls effectively.

Clause 9.1.1: Requires monitoring and measuring controls to ensure effectiveness.