QUESTION 23
On behalf of a certification body, you are conducting a combined audit of Shelf-Fit. The organization designs, manufacturing install interiors for retail stores. They employ subcontractors for the installation work.
Representing the ISO 45001 audit, you ask the Purchase Manager about the identification of health and safety hazards for contractors on site. Having previously reviewed the hazards list (HZD-21/11 Rev.3), you found that various health and safety hazards were listed but not were associated with contractor working on-site.
When you ask about the use of contractors, the response is, ”We know that contractors use chemicals, such as glues, paints and vanishes. We trust them since they know more than we do about the safe handling of such issues”. The auditor made the same enquiry to an accompanying member of the health and safety team and was told that chemical safety had never been a problem with the installation process.
Major nonconformities are raised when there is a systemic failure to meet ISO 45001 requirements that could lead to significant risks.
Analysis of Options:
* B. Lack of a documented process for controlling outsourced work (8.1.4.3):Major nonconformity.
A failure to control outsourced work is a serious systemic issue.
* C. Failure to include OH&S policy in contractor contracts (5.2.f):Not a major nonconformity.
While this is a nonconformity, it is procedural and not critical.
* D. No hazard assessment for installation works (6.1.2.2):Major nonconformity. A lack of hazard assessment for site-specific tasks is a serious issue.
* E. Missing safety data sheets for contractor chemicals (8.1.4.2):Not a major nonconformity. While important, this issue does not indicate systemic failure.
* G. Chemical hazards on installation sites not referenced in the hazard list (6.1.2.2):Major nonconformity. This reflects a failure in hazard identification and risk assessment.
* H. Internal audit program does not cover installation sites (9.2.2):Not a major nonconformity. This is a gap in auditing scope but does not directly endanger safety.
* I. Safe use of chemicals left to contractors:Not a major nonconformity. This could be addressed through improved contractor oversight rather than indicating systemic failure.
ISO References:
* Clause 8.1.4.3: Control of outsourced processes.
* Clause 6.1.2.2: Hazard identification and risk assessment.
* Clause 7.4.1: Communication requirements.