In the UK, Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) certifications like CHAS, SafeContractor, and Constructionline are crucial for companies committed to high standards of health and safety. These accreditations indicate that your business meets essential safety criteria as well as adherence to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
However, many businesses, especially those on the smaller side, often find it challenging to document safety initiatives and provide the required evidence.
This blog shares some useful and effective ways of documenting your businesses safety commitment, focusing on welfare arrangements and the significance of pre-start agreements.
What is SSIP Certification?
SSIP certifications are highly regarded in the UK and help simplify the pre-qualification process for the construction and other related industries. Obtaining SSIP certification assures clients of your business’s compliance with the stringent health and safety standards outlined in CDM 2015 which are aimed at improving safety practices within the construction industry.
Efficient Documentation:
Managing documentation effectively is key to meeting SSIP requirements, here are some methods to streamline this process:
- Establish a Centralised Documentation System:
Create a central digital platform to store all health and safety documents, including safety policies, risk assessments, method statements, training records, incident reports and evidence of welfare arrangements. This method ensures easy access and keeps everything up-to-date for SSIP certification.
- Make use of Templates and Checklists:
Standard templates and checklists help maintain consistency in your documents. For example, using a pre-start health and safety checklist can assist in documenting agreed welfare arrangements before commencing work on-site.
- Regularly Update and Review Documents:
Update documents regularly to align with current practices and legal requirements. By scheduling periodic reviews, you can prevent oversights and maintain your documentation.
Common Misconceptions:
Some businesses mistakenly believe that certain evidence requested for SSIP certification doesn’t apply to them.
For instance, small contractors may think that specific CDM requirements, like welfare arrangements, are only essential for larger companies or more complex projects. However, this is not the case as compliance with CDM regulations is mandatory for all construction work – and demonstrating adherence especially concerning welfare arrangements is critical.
Evidencing Compliance with CDM Regulations
Here are some practical ways you can demonstrate compliance with CDM regulations:
- Welfare Arrangements:
CDM 2015 mandates the provision of adequate welfare facilities for workers. Document these welfare arrangements by keeping records of the facilities provided.
Top tip – you should also include photos, inspection reports and routine maintenance logs.
- Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS):
Even for small contractors, producing RAMS is necessary to manage risks effectively. Top tip – Include specific hazards and mitigation steps in your RAMS, again ensuring welfare arrangements are included.
- Training Records:
Maintain detailed records of employee training; including first aid, working at height, or safety topics this evidences ongoing safety education.
- Site Inspections:
Regular site inspections are essential for CDM compliance. Document these inspections, including any identified issues and actions taken to resolve them.
Top tip – always include welfare arrangements.
- Subcontractor Management:
If you engage subcontractors, demonstrate how you ensure their competence and compliance with CDM regulations. This could involve vetting procedures, copies of their SSIP certifications or evidence of safety briefings and welfare arrangements before they begin work.
Taking Steps Towards Certification
SSIP certification goes beyond meeting legal requirements; it shows dedication to a safe work environment.
By effectively documenting and evidencing your efforts, particularly in welfare arrangements and pre-start agreements, you can simplify the certification process and gain a competitive advantage in the market! Win win.
