QHSE Management Review: Driving the Management System

The management review is the key step in the QHSE management PDCA cycle. It enables management to evaluate the system, make decisions, and plan improvements according to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001.

The Management Review is the key step in the QHSE management PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. It formalizes management commitment and allows for the evaluation of the management system as a whole. It is a requirement of the ISO 9001:2015 (quality), ISO 14001:2015 (environment), and ISO 45001:2018 (occupational health and safety) standards.

Definition and Objectives

The management review is an mandatory annual meeting during which management examines the management system to ensure its relevance, suitability, and effectiveness. Its objectives are:

To evaluate the overall performance of the system.
To identify opportunities for improvement.
To make strategic decisions.
To plan resources and actions.

Review Inputs (Inputs)

The standard lists the elements to be examined:

Status of actions from previous reviews.
Changes in external and internal issues (context, interested parties).
QHSE policy and objectives.
Risks and opportunities identified.
Results of internal and external audits.
Evaluation of regulatory compliance.
Non-conformities and corrective actions.
Results of monitoring and measurement (indicators).
Consultation of workers (ISO 45001:2018).
Performance of suppliers and subcontractors.
Results of programs and action plans.
Serious events: accidents, incidents, occupational illnesses.
Results of previous management reviews.

Review Outputs (Outputs)

The decisions and conclusions of the review must include:

Decisions on system improvement.
Need for changes in policy, objectives, processes.
Allocation of necessary resources.
A formalized action plan with responsible parties and deadlines.

Frequency and Participants

The minimum frequency is annual, but partial reviews can be held in the event of a major change (merger, restructuring, serious accident). Key participants:

Top management or its representative (chairperson).
QHSE Manager (facilitator).
Managers of relevant departments.
Worker representatives (in France, the CSE — Social and Economic Committee, which replaced the CHSCT in 2018; the CSSCT is a specialized committee of the CSE. In Morocco, the equivalent must be verified within the applicable regulatory framework).
Internal auditors, if necessary.

Best Practices

An effective management review requires:

A prepared file in advance with consolidated data.
A written report with traceability (audit evidence).
Follow-up of actions in a dashboard.
Visible involvement of management (presence, decisions).

Sources et références

Code du travail marocain (Loi n° 65-99), Titre IV — articles 281 et suivants ILO NATLEX : https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/r/natlex/fe/details?p3_isn=67319
INRS — Système de management SST (portail risques) https://www.inrs.fr/risques.html
ISO 9001:2015 — Quality management systems https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html