The different between a small and a large CHAS application
Insight by
Amanda Lambert
Published on
18 October 2022
CHAS
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The different between a small and a large CHAS application
Understand the difference between a small and a large CHAS application and the impact of employee numbers on requirements. We often get companies asking us what is the difference between having 4 employees or 5 when applying for CHAS. CHAS define an employee as someone who you pay through your PAYE system, there are different assessment fees due depending on the number of employees you declare.
In particular to CHAS there is an increased number of documents you need to provide as well as evidence of your safety arrangements including Health & Safety policy.
Once you have 5 employees or more you have legal requirements under the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974, you need to have formal arrangements in place for competent Safety advice as well as a full Heath & Safety Management system.
Learn more about CHAS
We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:
If you are not sure which bracket you fall under, or if you have enough documentation to satisfy the assessment get in touch and we will be able to provide you with advice.
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What are Toolbox talks and why do I have to do them?
Introduction
The definition of a Toolbox Talk – An informal meeting that focuses on Health & Safety topics related to a specific job that is on site, such as workplace hazards and safe work practices. These meetings are normally less than 10 minutes (kept short) and are normally conducted at the job site prior to the job or shift starting.
Why do i have to do them? – Toolbox talks are a quick way for you to communicate to all workers on a particular site, safety work practices that are applicable to them.
Toolbox talks are focused discussions about safety topics that provide valuable insights and practical guidance that can help prevent accidents and injuries on site.
Toolbox talks can significantly enhance the safety culture onsite when conducted regularly.
Understanding the purpose of toolbox talks
The primary purpose of toolbox talks is to enhance workplace safety through education and communication. The talks are designed to inform workers about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their duties.
Organisations can create a shared understanding of risks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols by engaging the site teams in conversations about safety. This collaborative approach helps to foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, leading to a more informed and vigilant workforce.
Key elements of a toolbox talk
The topics discussed directly relate to the tasks and hazards at the worksite. For example, if drainage trenches are to be excavated on site, the site supervisor can talk about the dangers, hazards, good practice and working close to deep excavations, to keep people safe.
Conducting a tool box talk requires careful planning and execution to maximise its effectiveness.
Gather necessary materials to support the discussion, such as handouts, visual aids, or tools illustrating the subject matter. Being well-prepared allows the supervisor to engage with the audience confidently.
Next, choose an appropriate setting and time for the tool box talk. Selecting a location free from distractions is essential, allowing participants to focus on the discussion.
Creating a comfortable environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences will lead to a more productive conversation.
The supervisor should encourage open communication and interaction among participants during the talk. Start with a brief introduction of the topic, followed by an engaging discussion inviting workers’ input and questions.
Use real-life examples to illustrate points and encourage employees to share their experiences related to the topic.
Tips for creating engaging and interactive tool box talks
Creating engaging and interactive tool box talks is essential for maximising their effectiveness. One key tip is to incorporate multimedia elements into the discussions. Using videos, slideshows, or infographics
Incorporate real-life case studies, sharing stories of actual incidents, whether from your own experiences or from industry examples,
Consider incorporating hands-on activities or demonstrations into tool box talks. Engaging employees in practical exercises, such as proper lifting techniques or the correct way to use safety equipment, can reinforce learning and enhance retention.
Conclusion
Harnessing the power of tool box talks for a safer and more productive worksite
In conclusion, tool box talks are an invaluable tool for enhancing safety and productivity on any worksite.
By fostering open communication and engaging employees in discussions about potential hazards and best practices, organisations can create a culture of safety that resonates throughout the workforce.
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Working at Height Training
Working at height training is critical as trips and falls within business remains one of the biggest causes of major injuries and fatalities. The most common causes include falls from ladders, roofs and through weak surfaces.
The definition of ‘Work at height’ is working anywhere; if there were no measures in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury (for example, a fall off a ladder when you are working on a roof).
Your responsibilities?
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that all work carried out by your employees has been carefully planned, looking at the risks involved. These should then be measured using a risk assessment and method statement to ensure that you are doing everything possible to manage the risk by adopting the avoid, prevent and minimise rule.
Do’s and don’ts of working at height
Do….
Ensure that when working at height, there is a safe route to and from ground level.
Try to do as much of the work required from ground level.
Ensure all equipment is suitable and maintained.
Ensure extra precautions are taken when working near weak surfaces.
Don’t…
Overload ladders refer to all mechanical information that is provided to ensure the machinery is fit for purpose.
Overreach on ladders or stepladders
Rest a ladder against weak surfaces, e.g. glazing or plastic gutters.
Use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks; only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time)
Get your people working at height trained.
Book them onto a Working At Heights E-Learning training program to protect yourself from prosecution and keep your people safe from trips and falls.
Our E-learning courses can be taken on-site, which isvery easy to do and very economical. You can try one for FREE to see the quality.
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CDM Construction Phase Plan
Know your responsibilities
As potential Contractors under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, you need to be aware of your responsibilities. The CDM Regulations require all construction projects to have a construction phase plan (CPP), you will need to ensure this is in place before any works commence.
You will need to produce a construction phase plan describing how you will manage the various safety aspects of the works. The Managing Director in conjunction with the Supervisor shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of secured contracts Health and Safety documentation. The Site Supervisor shall co-ordinate the activities of all operatives to ensure they comply with the construction phase plan including contract Health and Safety requirements and legislation, plus check on the provisions of information and training of all employees, where appropriate, as well as subcontractor’s health and safety, when appointed.
When/if acting as Principal Contractor the following protocol will be adopted:
Develop and maintain a Construction Phase Plan as required by The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
Through on-site management ensure that every contractor complies with the rules set out in the health and safety plan.
Ensure co-operation between all contractors;
Taken steps to ensure that only authorised persons are allowed onto the construction site area.
Ensure that the particulars of the F10 Notification are displayed in a prominent location on the site where they can be read by any person working on the project;
Keep the up-to-date with any information required to go into the health and safety file;
Oversee and ensure compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Monitor and ensure all work is carried out in accordance with approved/agreed Risk Assessments and Method Statements and ensure that staff and sub-contractors are appropriately qualified/certified to carry out the work;
Undertake regular site inspection and feed forward to regular toolbox talks with contract staff and sub-contractors.
Manage the interface between the construction and the site operations to ensure minimum disruption to operations.
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What Is a Risk Assessment
What is a risk assessment? A clear, practical explanation for contractors, builders, and construction SMEs.
A construction risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It identifies the hazards associated with construction work, evaluates who may be harmed, how serious the risks are, and the control measures required to keep people safe.
In simple terms: 👉 A risk assessment explains what could go wrong — and how you will stop it from happening.
Risk assessments form the backbone of your wider RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements) and ensure safe, compliant, and well-managed construction sites.
Why RAMS Matter in Construction
Construction is one of the highest-risk industries in the UK. Without structured RAMS, accidents become more likely — especially involving:
Working at height
Manual handling
Machinery and plant
Lifting operations
Excavations and groundworks
Noise, dust, vibration, and hazardous substances
A RAMS helps contractors: ✔ Reduce accidents and injuries ✔ Stay compliant with UK law ✔ Protect workers, clients, subcontractors & the public ✔ Avoid costly delays, fines, or enforcement ✔ Win more work (clients now ask for RAMS upfront)
Do You Legally Need a Construction Risk Assessment?
Yes — every construction business must carry out risk assessments, regardless of size.
And if you have 5 or more employees, you must write them down.
Even sole traders are responsible for completing RA for higher-risk tasks.
Who Should Carry Out a Risk Assessment and Method Statement?
RAMS must be completed by a competent person, meaning someone with:
Experience in the type of construction work
Knowledge of site hazards
Training in health & safety principles
Many small contractors use: 🔹 A health & safety advisor 🔹 A site manager or supervisor 🔹 An external consultant
Five Steps to Risk Assessment
There are five steps to a risk assessment. A strong, HSE-compliant risk assessment should cover the following:
1. Hazard Identification
Anything with the potential to cause harm, such as:
Working at height
Ladders
Electricity
Tools and equipment
Moving vehicles
Materials handling
Excavations
Hot works
2. Who Could Be Harmed?
For example:
Workers
Subcontractors
Visitors
Members of the public
Delivery drivers
Neighbours
3. Risk Evaluation (Severity + Likelihood)
This determines how dangerous the activity is and how urgently controls are needed.
4. Control Measures
This is where you state how risks will be reduced, such as:
Scaffold with guardrails
Machine guarding
Dust suppression
PPE
Training and supervision
Permit systems
Signage
5. Residual Risk & Monitoring
Even after controls, some risk remains — this must be evaluated and monitored.
Examples of Construction RAMS
Common types include:
Working at Height
Manual Handling
COSHH (cement, silica dust, adhesives, solvents)
Excavation & Groundworks
Use of Power Tools
Lifting Operations
Traffic Management
Noise & Vibration
Hot Works
Confined Spaces
These normally sit within your RAMS pack.
When Must a RAM Be Reviewed?
RAMS should be reviewed:
At the start of every project
If the work changes
After an accident or near-miss
If new equipment or materials are used
When site conditions change (weather, environment, layout)
A RAM is not a one-off document — it’s a living, working safety tool.
Risk Assessment vs Method Statement (RAMS)
Many contractors confuse the two, but the difference is simple:
Risk Assessment → identifies hazards & risks
Method Statement → explains how the work will be done safely
Together, they form your RAMS.
Benefits of Doing Proper Construction RAMS
For contractors and SMEs, the benefits go beyond compliance:
✔ Fewer accidents
✔ Stronger reputation with clients
✔ Better productivity
✔ Lower insurance claims
✔ A safer workforce
✔ Easier onboarding of subcontractors
✔ Higher-quality tenders and bids
Shop for your RAMS
It’s Quicker and more economical to buy RAMS that are written by professional health and safety experts. Some of our RAMS are twelve pages long and contain over 10,000 words. Save time and buy, they are only £10 each.
A RAM is more than a form — it’s the foundation of a safe, compliant and efficient construction site. By identifying hazards, understanding the risks, and putting strong controls in place, you protect your workers, your business and your reputation. Learn the five steps to risk assessments and teach others.
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Top Tips for Manual Handing
Did you know Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries?
Top Tips for Manual Handling. These injuries can include pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of all varieties.
Manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering and carrying. If any of these tasks are not carried out correctly there is a risk of injury.
Here are the top tips to make sure you ensure you handle correctly:
Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
Lift with your legs and body weight.
Use handles or lift aids where appropriate.
Have a good grip on the load.
Stand close to the load and face the direction you intend to move.
Lift load as close to the center of your body as possible.
Lift smoothly without Jerking.
Avoid lifting, side bending and carrying loads with one hand.
If you need any help with Manual Handling why not visit our site:
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What documents are needed for CHAS?
Find out what documents are needed for CHAS? CHAS is an assessment of your Health & Safety documentation, so you will need to provide evidence that this is carried out correctly. Depending on the size of your business depends on the information you need to provide. The details below are for 5 employees or less you will need more for 5+ employees.
Examples of documentation needed will include:
Toolbox Talks attendance sheets
COSHH assessments
Risk Assessment and Method Statement for job specifics
Sub contractor induction documentation
Agreements to show evidence of your safety advisor.
COVID 19 procedures and processes
Evidence of training requirement for your industry this can include:
CSCS cards
Manual Handling
Working at heights
Asbestos awareness
Abrasive Wheel Training
CHAS assessment criteria
The CHAS assessment criteria are the same as those of all SSIP suppliers. SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is an umbrella organisation formed in 2009 to reduce the duplication of health and safety assessments.
The CHAS assessment standards and requirements are listed below.
Policy
Arrangements
Occupational Health
Behavioural Management
Enforcement Actions
Accident Reporting and Investigation
Fleet Operations / Management Scheme
Competent Advice – Corporate and Construction
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Training and Information
Individual Qualifications and Experience
Monitoring, Audit and Review
Risk Assessment Leading to a Safe System of Work
Workforce Involvement
Co-operation and Co-ordination
Welfare Provision
Subcontractors and Sub-consultants
Contractor
Principal Contractor
Designer
Below is a flavour of the detail required for the first five parts of the CHAS application.
Policy
The Health and Safety Policy should be:
In the correct company name (As listed on the CHAS 2013 Ltd application)
Dated within the last 12 months
Approved by the appropriate company director / responsible person
Lists the persons with health and safety responsibilities and sets out the responsibilities of H&S management throughout the organisation.
We can make the process of the CHAS application easy for you by doing it for you.
Arrangements
The arrangements section of the Health and Safety policy should include but not limited to the following:
Accident reporting, including RIDDOR, first aid and work-related ill health
Training
Information, instruction & supervision
Communication
Risk assessment
Monitoring
Emergency procedures
Asbestos
COVID -19
Occupational Health
The policy or arrangements should include the following:
• Measures to raise awareness of these issues such as posters and toolbox talks
• How the workforce can access help and support if suffering from these issues Health & Safety Assessment Guidance v1.0 (website) 05/07/2023 Uncontrolled document when printed Page 2 of 13 Classification: PUBLIC • How the workforce is trained to handle these issues such as access to accredited mental health first aid training.
Behavioural Management
The supporting evidence must confirm that there are documented arrangements in place for a behavioural management or behavioural safety programme.
Enforcement Actions
Details of any enforcement notices (Prohibition, Improvement or Crown) or prosecutions served on your company in the last five years by the HSE or Local Authorityand the remedial actions taken to prevent a reoccurrence. A prosecution or notice will not debar the business from registration but a failure to declare one could – please note that CHAS will check the HSE public register of convictions.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
Supporting Information:
Find out what documents are needed for CHAS arrangements.
• Documented arrangements for the recording, reporting, and reporting of accidents (Including RIDDOR reportable accidents).
Records of all RIDDOR-reportable and other incidents for at least the last three years, including remedial actions to prevent a reoccurrence.
Records of any other accidents within the last three years, including the remedial actions to prevent a reoccurrence. The accident statistics for the last three years incorporating the following categories: Health & Safety Assessment Guidance v1.0 (website) 05/07/2023 Uncontrolled document when printed Page 3 of 13 Classification: PUBLIC
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SafeContractor Accreditation: What It Is & How to Get Approved
Everything contractors, trades, and construction businesses need to know
What Is SafeContractor?
SafeContractor is one of the UK’s leading health & safety accreditation schemes, operated by Alcumus. It provides independent verification that your business meets essential health & safety, risk management, and compliance standards.
For construction companies, subcontractors, and trades, SafeContractor is often required by:
Principal contractors
Facilities management companies
Local authorities
Developers
Public sector buyers
It helps clients confirm that you operate safely, legally, and professionally.
Why SafeContractor Accreditation Matters
Safe Contractor is more than a badge—it’s a competitive advantage.
1. Win More Work with Bigger Clients
Many large companies only work with contractors who are Safe Contractor approved. Accreditation instantly elevates your credibility.
2. Shows You Take Health & Safety Seriously
Your policies, procedures, and training records are independently checked—giving buyers confidence in your competence.
3. Reduces Repetitive Paperwork
Instead of completing multiple PQQs for every tender, Safe Contractor acts as a pre-qualification shortcut, saving valuable admin time.
4. Proves Legal Compliance
Safe Contractor aligns with UK legislation such as:
The Health and Safety at Work Act
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
CDM Regulations
This shows your business understands and manages risk properly.
5. Enhances Your Reputation
Displaying the Safe Contractor logo instantly reassures clients and partners that your business meets high safety standards.
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Construction Site Safety Documents
Setting up a construction site and making sure that you have all the necessary documentation and details can be a laborious and time consuming task. Specialising in Construction and having experience on site we have been providing information to our clients for a number of years.
Based on the frequency we were asked to provide the details we decided to provide them as a product to help everyone who may need it.
Our Construction Site Safety Documents provide you with everything you need in one place allowing you to comply with the latest legislation.
The Safety Software includes
65 completed risk assessments
41 COSHH Assessments
Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM 2015), which can be easily amended and edited for specific projects
70 Toolbox Talks
Site inspection Check Sheets – Scaffold, Dumper, Excavator etc
Permits to Work – Confined Space, Excavation, Hot Work, Asbestos, etc
Site Setup Check Sheet
Site Induction
Site Rules
Registers
STOP AND THINK
Our site management tools where designed to set up our own site many years ago. We put the files onto a laptop for our site managers. It saved us a fortune over the years both in time and money. The purchase of this site management toolkit is a great investment. Click on the link to buy.
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SSIP Accreditation and CHAS
Have you recently been asked for an SSIP accreditation?
SSIP Accreditation and CHAS – SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is an umbrella group which sits above a number of accreditations you can get which assess your companies Health & Safety. There are a number of assessments you can go for and we have highlighted the most popular ones below:
The majority of our clients go for CHASaccreditation as this seems to be the popular one within the industry. CHAS have recently gone online with their submissions so customers can upload their documentation and then pay for the assessments once they are ready to submit.
This makes it easier for customers to see progress and communicate with their assessor.
If you are looking to get CHAS accreditation but are having trouble with the necessary documentation we can help with the preparation of these, we also provide a safety advisor service for companies with less than 5 employees so we can stay with you and help to implement the new documentation.
Impartial advise
Feel free to call us 0800 031 5404, and we can advise you on the best selection for your needs. We have completed thousands of applications and understand the market inside out. We don’t mind which company you select; the assessment process is the same, thanks to SSIP.
Who is Seguro
Seguro Health and Safety Management employs qualified health and safety consultants who complete the application to obtain accreditation from all the assessment companies. Seguro removes the pain of completing all the documentation and ensuring you comply. Feel free to contact us.
Learn more about CHAS
We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:
