ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Exam: How to Write a Non-Conformance Report

 

ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Exam: How to Write a Non-Conformance Report 

In an ISO 45001 Lead Auditor exam, writing a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) is a critical skill. A non-conformance occurs when there is a failure to meet a requirement of the standard or the organization’s own procedures. The key to writing a strong NCR is clarity, objectivity, and evidence-based reporting.

First, the auditor must clearly identify the requirement that has not been met. This could be a clause from ISO 45001 or a company procedure. Then, the auditor should describe the actual observed condition without adding assumptions or opinions. Evidence must be factual, such as records, interviews, or observations.

A well-written NCR includes three main parts: the requirement, the non-conformance statement, and the evidence. The statement should clearly show the gap between what is required and what was found. It should be concise but specific enough for corrective action.

It is important to avoid vague language and instead use measurable facts. For example, instead of saying “safety training is inadequate,” specify “three out of ten employees interviewed had no record of safety training.”

Finally, the NCR should allow the organization to identify root causes and take corrective action. A good NCR does not suggest solutions but highlights the problem clearly. This ensures objectivity and maintains the auditor’s independence.

Steps to Write NCR

• Identify Requirement
  • Quote exact ISO clause or procedure
• State the Non-Conformance
  • Clearly describe what went wrong
• Provide Evidence
  • Use facts (records, interviews, observations)
• Avoid Opinions
  • Keep it objective and neutral
• Ensure Clarity
  • Make it easy to understand and act upon

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