Audit follow up steps

Answer:
After an audit, in the follow up phase, for each nonconformity found, the manager of the area where the nonconformity was found, and the environmental manager should first correct the situation. That means, eliminate the nonconformity. For example, sort different types of wastes that should not be mixed, and train employees in sorting those different types of wastes. Then, evaluate the need for a corrective action, an action to target the cause behind the nonconformity. For example, what is wrong in our environmental management system that allows that employees without the necessary training are put to work in an area with significative environmental impacts? Imagine that the corrective action includes updating requirements for initial training of employees in certain functions.

Then, someone should be responsible to check if correction and corrective action were implemented. And later, at a moment determined during the definition of the corrective action someone should check if the corrective action is effective. For example, after new employees enter the area, do wastes continue to be sorted correctly?

So, the steps are:
* determine a correction and implement it as soon as possible;
* check correction implementation;
* determine the cause and a corrective action and implement it;
* check corrective action implementation;
* check corrective action effectiveness;
* close the nonconformity.

The following material will provide you information about following up and audit:

- ISO 14001 – Internal Audits in the EMS: Five Main Steps - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2019/08/27/key-iso-14001-benefits-to-customers/nowledgebase/internal-audits-in-the-ems-five-main-steps/
- Dealing with nonconformities from the ISO 14001:2015 certification audit - https://advisera.com/14001academy/blog/2015/11/02/dealing-with-nonconformities-from-the-iso-140012015-certification-audit/
- free online training ISO 14001:2015 Internal audit Course - https://advisera.com/training/iso-14001-internal-auditor-course/
- book - THE ISO 14001:2015 COMPANION – A A Straightforward Guide to Implementing an EMS in a Small Business - https://advisera.com/books/the-iso-14001-2015-companion/