Thinking about Health and Safety Accreditations?
Posted on 28th January 2025 at 15:37
Health & Safety accreditations offer numerous advantages for construction companies and contractors. Some of the benefits can include enhanced credibility and trust, pre-qualification for tenders and contracts, competitive advantage, and improved risk management, whilst also demonstrating a high level of commitment and continuous improvement to Health and Safety.
By achieving and maintaining accreditations, your business can stay competitive, compliant, and prepared for long-term success.
How to Prepare for a Health & Safety Accreditation
Understand the Requirements
Each H&S accreditation scheme has its own set of requirements. The first step is to review the specific criteria outlined by the accreditation scheme of your choice.
Compliance with CDM is often a baseline requirement so understanding the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 will be beneficial here.
Conduct a Gap Analysis
Now is the perfect time to assess your current H&S policies, practices, and documentation by completing a gap analysis to compare what your company already has in place with what is required by your chosen scheme. Areas to focus on include:
H&S Policy: Ensure you have a written, up-to-date Health & Safety policy.
Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS): These should be comprehensive and cover common risks in your operations. Some schemes will require site specific RAMS to be provided for evidence.
H&S Training Records: Make sure all employees, especially those on-site, have completed relevant H&S training to their role. Also, ensure training is in date, and that you can evidence that training is reviewed periodically.
Accident and Incident Reporting Procedures: Implement a clear and effective process for reporting accidents or near-misses. This includes forms and templates, alongside investigations and data tracking.
Update Your Health & Safety Management System
If your gap analysis reveals any deficiencies, these will need to be resolved. You’ll need to demonstrate that your company has a proactive approach to managing health and safety risks:
Appointment of a Competent Person: Under UK H&S law, every business must appoint someone to manage H&S matters, whether that’s an external consultant or a trained employee.
Regular Inspections and Audits: Introduce regular safety audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
Emergency Procedures: Update your emergency procedures, ensuring they cover all project types and environments.
Consultation and Communication: Make sure you’re consulting with your workforce regularly, as well as others such as clients, principal contractor, and sub-contractors.
One of the most crucial parts of the accreditation process is proving your compliance with the scheme’s requirements through documentation. Things to consider will include:
Certificates of Competence and Qualifications: This may include CSCS cards, First Aid training, or specialist qualifications. Expect to provide evidence that’s specific to your trade or area of expertise.
Accident Logs: Keep detailed records of any workplace accidents and your response.
Insurance Documents: This would include proof of public liability insurance, employers' liability insurance, and other relevant insurances based on your chosen scheme.
Subcontractor H&S Standards: If you work with subcontractors, ensure they also comply with H&S standards.
What to expect during the submission process
Once you’ve submitted your application, your chosen scheme may provide feedback or request additional documentation. Be sure to address feedback promptly to avoid delays in receiving your accreditation.
How to stay ahead once Accreditation has been awarded
Maintain Ongoing Compliance.
Achieving accreditations is not a one-off process, and maintaining ongoing compliance will not only benefit your business culturally, but also make future submissions quicker. To ensure your status is maintained, you should:
Review and Update Your H&S Policies Annually.
Record Communications with the Workforce.
Renew Certifications and Training as Needed.
Regularly Monitor and Audit H&S Performance.
This will make it easier to renew your accreditation and maintain a high standard of health and safety across your projects.
Preparing for a Health & Safety accreditation can be an in-depth process, but it ensures that your company meets industry standards. If you need any help or advice, please call Leanne on 07709 675925, Jane on 07743 198414, or Tracey on 07872 589286. Alternatively, you can drop us a message at tracey.nottage@influentialmg.com.
HSE link, including links to related content/ supporting documents: Construction - Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (hse.gov.uk)
Tagged as: Health and Safety
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