Evaluation of compliance
Plain-language summary
Regularly checking, and proving, that you actually meet the safety laws and other obligations that apply to you.
What the clause is really asking
Knowing the law is not the same as obeying it, so this clause closes the loop on 6.1.3. You must evaluate your compliance with legal and other requirements at planned intervals, take action where you fall short, and keep records showing the status of your compliance. The intent is active, documented assurance that you are meeting your obligations, not an assumption that you must be fine.
What auditors look for
Auditors ask to see your compliance evaluation and check it covers the requirements in your legal register, with a real verdict on each rather than a blanket claim of compliance. They look for action plans where gaps were found and evidence those gaps were closed. They check the evaluation happens at a sensible frequency and is current.
Typical evidence
Compliance evaluation records against the legal register; audit or inspection findings on legal compliance; action plans and closure records for non-compliances; statutory inspection and test certificates; records of evaluation frequency.
How to comply — recommendations
Schedule a periodic check of your compliance against each item in your legal register and record an honest verdict for each, not a sweeping statement that everything is fine. Where you find a gap, raise an action, fix it, and keep the closure evidence. Keep statutory certificates, such as pressure vessel or lifting equipment inspections, current and on file. Set a frequency that matches your risk and stick to it.
Common nonconformities
Compliance assumed rather than actively evaluated; evaluation does not cover all items in the legal register; gaps identified but not corrected; statutory inspections or certificates lapsed; evaluation overdue or never scheduled.
Related clauses
ISO 9001 (no direct equivalent); ISO 14001 9.1.2
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