This course is ideal for:

• Individuals responsible for conducting internal OHS audits
• Health and Safety Managers, Co-ordinators, and Supervisory Staff
• Departmental Managers
• Staff involved in the design and implementation of OHS management systems

On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and structure of ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 within the PDCA framework
• Describe the responsibilities of an internal auditor in planning, conducting, reporting and following up an internal OH&SMS audit
• Prepare audit documentation including checklists and audit plans
• Conduct effective internal audits, including evidence gathering and interviewing techniques
• Evaluate compliance with OH&S policy, procedures, and legal requirements
• Communicate audit findings clearly and constructively
• Contribute to the continual improvement of occupational health and safety management systems

These outcomes ensure real-world audit competence that drives improvement in workplace settings.

This comprehensive two-day course focuses on the fundamentals of OH&SMS internal auditing under ISO 45001:2018.

Day 1

• Introduction to OHS management systems and the PDCA cycle
• ISO 45001 and ISO 19011 standards
• The purpose and structure of ISO 45001
• Linking OH&SMS purpose to organisational context, stakeholder expectations, and performance outcomes
• The Risk Assessment Process and auditing legal and other OHS requirements
• Understanding context, leadership, risks, and operational planning

Day 2

• Audit preparation, execution, and reporting
• Interviewing and evidence gathering techniques
• Audit roles, responsibilities, and behaviours
• Corrective actions, reporting and audit follow-up

Content is reinforced through practical exercises and can be tailored for in-company delivery to reflect specific organisational systems and needs.

This programme is delivered by seasoned industry experts whose knowledge and real-world experience in occupational health and safety auditing is unrivalled. Each tutor brings a wealth of hands-on expertise, practical insight, and professional credibility, ensuring an exceptional and impactful learning experience.

• Elizabeth Walker 
• Finbarr Stapleton 
• Gerry Higgins 
• Peter Fleming

Learners should have the following prior knowledge;

• Basic knowledge of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
• Basic knowledge of how health and safety risks are identified, controlled, and kept in line with legal requirements.
• Awareness of common OH&S legislation
• Understanding of key ISO 45001 terms and definitions
• Understanding of the requirements of ISO 45001

This prior understanding enables full participation in the audit exercises and course discussions.  Learners who do not already have this knowledge are strongly encouraged to complete an ISO 45001 Foundation (OH&SMS) course beforehand.

English Language Competency

A good standard of written and spoken English is important to engage effectively with this programme. While formal certification (e.g. IELTS) is not required, learners whose first language is not English should have a self-assessed proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 or CEFR level B2.

This level of competence will support learners in understanding course materials, contributing to discussions, and completing assessments where applicable.

Learners are assessed continuously throughout the course via interactive exercises and engagement in Q&A sessions:

• Role-playing audit scenarios
• Involvement in case study exercises
• Active participation in course discussions
• Tutor-led evaluation of individual contributions

Full attendance and participation are required for successful completion.

Successfully completing this course fulfils one of the key training requirements set by CQI IRCA for individuals seeking certification as an Internal OH&SMS Auditor.

Our training approach is practical, highly interactive, and discussion-based, with flexibility to meet organisational needs:

• Pre-training consultation to align with your OHS system (for in-company courses)
• Where appropriate, exercises incorporate the organisation’s own OH&SMS documentation, offering learners the opportunity to practise audit techniques in a relevant and realistic setting. This hands-on approach culminates in a tutor-supervised internal audit, reinforcing practical application and embedding core learning outcomes.
• Real-time support from expert tutors

Flexible delivery options to suit different needs:

• onsite and live virtual training for your team
• scheduled virtual public courses for individuals to join independently

Class sizes are generally limited to 10–12 to support personalised learning and individual support.

• This course is CQI IRCA certified (Antaris Certificate No. 1971), meeting rigorous international standards for auditor training.

CQI IRCA is internationally recognised for setting global benchmarks in auditor training and certification, particularly in areas such as Occupational Health & Safety. Its endorsement gives learners and organisations the confidence that their training meets international best practice for ISO 45001.

Learners may wish to continue their professional development with:

• ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor (OH&SMS) training
• Internal Auditing – Integrated Management Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001)

These options enable further specialisation in auditing and health and safety systems.