It can be a daunting task to make your first ISO 14001 audit. Having auditors examine your environmental management system (EMS), many businesses fear the possibility of what will occur in the event that something goes wrong. Point out what should be improved, and ensure the adherence of your organization to environmental sustainability. With proper planning and confidence in facing the audit, the stress levels will be significantly lower, and it will also be a more relaxed process.
Know the Intention of the Audit
Lack of knowledge on what to expect is one of the primary reasons why businesses are anxious. An ISO 14001 audit is not about to trip you up and ensure that your EMS is up to the mark. Examining the data provided by the external auditors is aimed at seeking evidence of compliance, yet at the same time, no system is flawless. Rather than being afraid of the process, consider it as an opportunity to demonstrate your environmental practices and what can be improved.
Get To Know The Audit Process
Uncertainty is a major cause of stress. Knowing the general steps of an ISO 14001 audit can do wonders for those nerves. The step normally involves pre-assessment or review of your documentation, which is then succeeded by the Stage 1 audit, which checks the readiness of your system. Secondly, there is the Stage 2 audit, which is a closer review of the effectiveness of your EMS in practice. Lastly, the certification is awarded when the auditors are satisfied. Being aware of this structure will allow your team to think ahead about every step.
Make Comprehensive Documentation
Auditors will seek evidence of your policies, procedures, and compliance records. One of the largest stressors to businesses is absent or incomplete development documents. When everything is ready in time and everything is systematically arranged and easily accessed, then you will never be caught in a panic and will find it easy to relax. These involve reports on monitoring, reports on risk assessment, registers of legal compliance, and training session records.
Train and Involve Employees
Employees will tend to get scared when they are questioned by auditors. Training can help to reduce this stress. Ensure that the staff members are aware of their jobs in the EMS. One more way to achieve it is to engage employees in the process early on, as well as ensure that the employees have a sense of responsibility.
Conduct a Mock Audit
One of the practical methods of eliminating stress is to conduct an internal mock audit. This practice enables you to trace any possible loopholes, rehearse how to respond to the questions of the auditor, and become familiar with the procedure. A simulation audit will help you relax when it comes to the actual audit date, as your team will have an idea of what to expect then.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
Lastly, do not forget that auditors do not come to penalize you. They are professionals who are self-motivated, seeking conformity rather than perfection. Rather than considering the audit as an exam under high pressure, consider it as a healthy exercise that builds your business.
A first-time ISO 14001 audit does not need to be stressful. You can become confident about the process by being knowledgeable of the purpose, preparing documentation, training employees, and even practicing by conducting a mock audit. Having the right set-up and attitude, the audit can be a great experience to make your environmental management system better and express your willingness to be sustainable.
FAQs
Q1. Approximate time of an ISO 14001 audit?
The time will vary depending on how large and comprehensive your company is, but the audit process takes between two and five days.
Q2. What about the nonconformities that arise in the course of an audit?
Any nonconformity is documented, and you will have time to rectify it. The certification can still be given in case corrective actions are taken.
Q3. Do all employees need to be involved in the audit?
Not everyone will be interviewed, but employees should understand their roles in the EMS, especially those directly connected to environmental performance.
Author Bio - With this blog, the author wanted to help first-time auditors in reducing stress.
