Health & Safety when you have 5 employees or more

As soon as you have 5 employees or more, you have a legal requirement to comply with all work-related health and safety legislation.

Your obligations are outlined in the Safety at Work Regulations 1974.

How this changes from less than five employees is you now need to ensure you have:

• Written Health and Safety Policy
• Written Health and Safety Policy Statement
• Written Risk Assessments
• COSHH assessments
• Toolbox talks
• A competent person either within your business or a consultant.

We act as competent people for over 800 companies. When we act as your competent person, we will complete all the documents you need to comply and keep the documents up to date as legislation changes. You also have access to over 1,000 documents including risk and method statements, COSHH data, toolbox talks, and more. We charge a small monthly fee. 

If you are not sure exactly what your business will require, you can find details on it by visiting the HSE website. Every business is different, and a competent person will be able to cover all aspects for you.

If you wish to employ your own competent person, they should be fully qualified in all aspects of Health & Safety; this can prove to be an expensive requirement if you employ them full-time. 

A more competitive way is to use a remote competent person service. We offer this service using one of our safety consultants as your competent person. We will make sure all your documents and training are up to date today, and be there to answer any questions. You also get free access to over 1,000 safety documents including RAMS.

There are a number of resources on the HSE website that can help you with any changes that may affect you as you continue to grow.

We are a friendly and professional team working in the background to help and support like-minded people get on with their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a health and safety policy if I have 5 employees or more?

Yes. If your business has 5 or more employees, you must have a written health and safety policy. The policy should explain how your business manages health and safety, who is responsible, and what arrangements are in place to protect employees and others affected by your work.

What health and safety documents do I need when I have 5 employees or more?

Businesses with 5 or more employees should have a written health and safety policy, written risk assessments, COSHH assessments where hazardous substances are used, training records, toolbox talk evidence, accident procedures and access to a competent person for health and safety advice.

Do I need written risk assessments if I employ 5 people?

Yes. If you employ 5 or more people, your significant risk assessment findings must be recorded in writing. This helps show that hazards have been identified and suitable control measures have been put in place.

Do subcontractors count as employees for health and safety?

Subcontractors may not count as PAYE employees, but you still have health and safety duties towards anyone affected by your work. If subcontractors are working under your control, you must ensure their work is planned, managed and carried out safely.

Do I need a competent person for health and safety?

Yes. Employers must have access to competent health and safety advice. This can be someone within the business with suitable knowledge and experience, or an external health and safety consultant or safety advisor.

What is a competent person in health and safety?

A competent person is someone with the knowledge, training and experience needed to help a business meet its health and safety duties. They can advise on policies, risk assessments, training, compliance, accident procedures and safe working arrangements.

Do I need COSHH assessments if I have 5 employees or more?

If your business uses substances that could be hazardous to health, you need COSHH assessments. This applies to materials such as chemicals, dusts, fumes, paints, solvents, adhesives and cleaning products.

What happens if I do not have proper health and safety documents in place?

Without proper health and safety documents, your business may fail client checks, struggle with CHAS or SSIP accreditation, be refused access to sites, face enforcement action, or increase the risk of accidents and legal claims.

Can Seguro help my business meet health and safety requirements?

Yes. Seguro can support businesses with health and safety policies, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, toolbox talks, training evidence, competent person support and accreditation preparation.

Do I need health and safety support if I am a small business?

Yes. Small businesses still have legal health and safety duties. If you have 5 or more employees, your responsibilities increase because key documents such as your health and safety policy and risk assessments must be recorded in writing.

What Is Health & Safety in Construction Compliance?

Health and safety in construction compliance refers to the systems, processes, and documentation required to ensure that work is carried out safely and in line with UK regulations.

This typically includes:

• Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Health & Safety policies
• Workforce training and competency records
• Accreditation through recognised schemes

In the UK, compliance is not optional. It is a legal requirement under legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Why Is Health & Safety Compliance Important for Construction Companies?

For small and medium sized construction businesses, health and safety compliance is essential not only for legal protection but also for commercial success.

Key Benefits of Compliance

1. Access to More Work
Many clients and principal contractors require businesses to hold recognised accreditations before they can tender for projects.

2. Improved Credibility
Demonstrating compliance shows that your business operates professionally and responsibly.

3. Reduced Risk
Effective health and safety systems help prevent accidents, delays, and costly legal issues.

4. Stronger Tender Submissions
Pre qualified and compliant companies are more likely to pass initial screening stages.

How Compliance Helps Businesses Win Bigger Contracts

Compliance is No Longer Just About Following Rules

Many businesses view compliance as an administrative burden. It can feel like paperwork, audits and procedures that take time away from running projects and serving customers.

However, for organisations looking to win larger contracts, compliance has become a commercial advantage.

Whether you operate in construction, facilities management, engineering, manufacturing or professional services, clients increasingly expect suppliers to demonstrate compliance before work is awarded.

In many sectors, businesses that can clearly demonstrate compliance are more likely to progress through tender stages, satisfy procurement requirements and be considered lower risk suppliers.

Common Health & Safety Accreditations in the UK

To work on larger or higher value projects, construction companies are often required to obtain third party accreditation.

The most widely recognised schemes include:

• CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)
• Constructionline
• PQS
• SafeContractor

These accreditations assess a company’s health and safety policies, procedures, and track record.

What Are RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)?

Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are essential documents in construction.

• Risk Assessments identify potential hazards on-site
• Method Statements explain how work will be carried out safely

Well prepared RAMS are often required before work can begin and are frequently reviewed by clients or principal contractors.

Poorly written or non compliant RAMS are a common reason for project delays or rejected tenders.

The Role of a Competent Person in Health & Safety

UK law requires businesses to appoint a “competent person” to manage health and safety responsibilities.

A competent person must have:

• Sufficient training and experience
• Knowledge of relevant regulations
• The ability to implement effective safety measures

Many SMEs choose to outsource this role to specialist consultancies to ensure full compliance without hiring in house.

How Seguro Health & Safety Supports Construction Businesses

Seguro Health & Safety provides practical, hands on support to help construction companies achieve and maintain compliance.

Their services include:

• Accreditation support (CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor, PQS)
• RAMS preparation and review
• Acting as your competent person
• Ongoing compliance advice and documentation support

This approach helps businesses stay compliant while focusing on delivering projects and growing their operations.

Is Health & Safety a Cost or a Growth Strategy?

Health and safety is often seen as a necessary expense. However, in today’s construction industry, it is better understood as a growth enabler.

The Commercial Impact of Compliance

• Compliance builds credibility → Clients trust your business
• Credibility creates access → You qualify for more tenders
• Access drives revenue → More opportunities to win work

Companies that treat health and safety as part of their business strategy, not just a tick box exercise are better positioned to scale.

Conclusion

Health and safety compliance is no longer just about meeting legal requirements. For UK construction SMEs, it is a critical factor in winning work, building credibility, and achieving sustainable growth.

By taking a structured and proactive approach, businesses can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Health & Safety Training Fails on Construction Sites, and How eLearning is Changing It

In the construction industry, Health & Safety isn’t optional, it’s critical.

Yet despite ongoing training, incidents still happen. Near misses go unreported. Procedures get forgotten.

Why?

Because most traditional training isn’t designed for how construction actually works.

A typical scenario, operatives pulled off site, sat in a room, run through slide decks, and asked to sign a register.

Compliance achieved.

But safer behaviour? Not guaranteed.

Because in construction, what people remember on site matters far more than what they hear in a classroom.

eLearning is transforming how Health & Safety is delivered across construction, making training more relevant, accessible, and effective in real working environments.

1. Built for Site Based Work

Construction doesn’t happen at desks.

With multiple sites, rotating teams, subcontractors, and tight deadlines, pulling workers into classrooms isn’t always practical.

eLearning allows operatives, supervisors, and contractors to complete training:

• On site
• Between tasks
• On any device

Training fits around the job, not the other way round.

2. Consistency Across Sites and Teams

Different trainers. Different interpretations. Outdated materials.

eLearning standardises delivery so that:

• Every worker receives the same guidance
• Content aligns with current UK regulations
• Site inductions remain consistent across locations

3. More Engaging, More Memorable

Construction is hands on, training should be too.

Modern eLearning uses:

• Real-life site scenarios
• Hazard recognition exercises
• Short, focused modules

This approach helps workers recognise risks in real situations, not just in theory.

4. Cost Effective Without Slowing Projects

eLearning reduces:

• Travel and venue expenses
• Lost productivity
• Scheduling disruptions

It also gives site managers visibility over:

• Who has completed training
• Knowledge gaps
• Compliance status in real time

5. Keeps Up With Changing Regulations

With eLearning:

• Updates can be rolled out instantly
• Workers stay aligned with current standards
• No need to wait for the next scheduled training session

The Bigger Picture: Creating Safer Sites

eLearning isn’t just about meeting compliance requirements.

It’s about creating a culture where:

• Workers actively recognise risks
• Safe behaviours become routine
• Accountability is shared across every level of the site

In an industry where environments change daily and risks are high, training needs to be continuous, practical, and accessible.

Final Thought

In construction, safety doesn’t come from ticking boxes.

It comes from what workers remember, and apply, when it matters most.

eLearning helps make that happen.

70 FREE Toolbox Talks

Toolbox talks are short health and safety talks. The talks are designed to inform workers about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their duties on site.

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.

Key Benefits of Tool box Talks

Our Free tool box talk documents are written in house by our consultants and cover all the main topics including:

TT1 – Abrasive Wheels

TT2 – Accident Prevention & Control

TT3 – Accident Reporting & Investigation

TT4 – Alcohol and Drugs

TT5 – Asbestos

TT6 – Benefits of Safety

TT7 – Buried Services

TT8 – Cartridge-Operated Tools

TT9 – Chainsaws

TT10 – Control of Dust & Fumes

TT11 – Control of Noise

TT12 – COSHH

TT13 – Electricity on Site

TT14 – Excavations

TT15 – Fire Prevention & Control

TT16 – First Aid

TT17 – General Safety Legislation

TT18 – General Site Health & Safety

TT19 – Health & safety at Work Act 1974

TT20 – Health on Site

TT21 – HFLs & Petroleum Based Adhesives

TT22 – Hoists and Hoist Towers

TT23 – Hydro Demolition

TT24 – Ladders

TT25 – Lead Hazards

TT26 – Legal Duties of Employees

TT27 – Lifting Accessories

TT28 – Lifting Equipment & Operations

TT29 – LPG & Other Compressed Gases

TT30 – Manual Handling

TT31 – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

TT32 – Mobile Plant

TT33 – Mobile Scaffold Towers

TT34 – Needle-stick Injuries

TT35 – Personal Hygiene

TT36 – Personal Protective Equipment

TT37 – Piling

TT38 – Plant & Equipment

TT39 – Pollution Control

TT40 – Portable, Hand-held Tools

TT41 – Powers of the HSE

TT42 – Protection of Eyes

TT43 – Protection of Skin

TT44 – Risk Assessment & Method Statements

TT45 – Road & Street Safety

TT46 – Safe Stacking of Materials

TT47 – Safe Working at Height

TT48 – Safety in Demolition

TT49 – Safety Inspections & Consultation

TT50 – Safety Nets & Suspension Equipment

TT51 – Safety with Steelwork

TT52 – Security on Site

TT53 – Signallers and Slingers

TT54 – Site Transport

TT55 – Slips, Trips and Falls

TT56 – Sun Safety

TT57 – System Scaffolds

TT58 – Trackside Safety

TT59 – Trestles and Stepladders

TT60 – Tube & Fittings Scaffolding

TT61 – Vehicle Fuels

TT62 – Vibration

TT63 – Waste Management

TT64 – Water Jetting

TT65 – Weil’s Disease

TT66 – Welfare Arrangements

TT67 – Woodworking Machines

TT68 – Working in Confined Spaces

TT69 – Working over Water

TT70 – Young People on Site

Free Toolbox Talks Download

All toolbox talk documents are in MS Word Format so you can easily amend them and bespoke them to your needs. There are over 70 in the pack including an attendance register.

SSIP Accreditation: What It Is & Why It Matters for Contractors Guide

What is SSIP? Everything construction businesses need to know about the pre qualification and winning more opportunities.

What Is SSIP?

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is the UK’s national umbrella organisation for health & safety assessment schemes.
Instead of completing multiple safety accreditations, SSIP allows businesses to gain recognition once and have it accepted by many different buyers.

SSIP includes well known schemes such as:

• CHAS
• PQS
• Constructionline
• SafeContractor
• SMAS Worksafe

If a contractor holds a CHAS, Constructionline, or PQS-approved accreditation, clients can trust that their health & safety systems meet core standards.

Why The Accreditation Matters

SSIP is now one of the most important benchmarks for contractors, subcontractors, and trades in the UK. Here’s why:

1. Win More Work With Recognised Safety Standards

Major contractors, councils, FM companies, and developers increasingly require CHAS, Constructionline, and PQS as part of PQQ or onboarding.

2. Saves Time on Repetitive Safety Pre-Qualification

SSIP prevents businesses from having to complete multiple health & safety assessments for different clients—saving hours of admin every month.

3. Reduces Cost of Compliance

Instead of paying for several accreditations, one SSIP certificate is accepted by many buyers.

4. Demonstrates Legal Compliance

SSIP assessments align with UK safety laws including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

• CDM Regulations

This reassures clients that your company operates safely and competently.

5. Strengthens Your Brand & Credibility

Displaying an SSIP badge shows customers, inspectors, and project managers that you take safety seriously.

What Do The Assessors Check?

To gain accreditation through any approved scheme, your company must provide evidence of:

Health & Safety Management

• Up to date H&S policy
• Competent person support
• Safety arrangements
• Toolbox talks & site inductions

Risk Management

• Recent RAMS
• COSHH assessments
• Site-specific risk controls

Training & Competence

• CSCS/CPCS evidence
• Certificates of training
• Induction process

Incident & Reporting Systems

• Accident records
• RIDDOR procedures
• Near-miss processes

Insurance

• Employer’s liability
• Public liability
• Professional indemnity (if relevant)

When applying for enhanced schemes (e.g., SafePQQ), additional checks are conducted to assess environmental, quality, and social value standards.

How to Get SSIP Accreditation (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Scheme

Decide whether CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, or Constructionline best matches your business needs.

Step 2: Complete the Online Assessment

Provide your company details, trade activities, and scope of works.

Step 3: Upload Documentation

Submit your health & safety policy, RAMS, training records, and insurance certificates.

Step 4: Assessment Review

An SSIP auditor reviews everything and may request additional evidence.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, your business is added to the national database and can display the SSIP badge.

Accreditation lasts 12 months and must be renewed annually.

Most Common Reasons Applications Fail

Avoid these issues to secure fast approval:

❌ Outdated or missing H&S policy
❌ No recent or adequate RAMS
❌ Missing staff training certificates
❌ Incomplete accident records
❌ Insurance out of date or incorrect
❌ Competent person details missing

Fixing these in advance boosts your first-time pass rate.

SSIP vs Non-SSIP Schemes

SSIP is designed to simplify compliance across the entire supply chain.

Is it Worth It for Contractors?

Absolutely. The Accreditation helps you:

✔ Win more work
✔ Reduce tendering admin
✔ Get recognised by major contractors
✔ Demonstrate health & safety competence
✔ Strengthen your professional image

If you want to grow in construction, FM, engineering, or local authority supply chains, SSIP is now an essential requirement—not just a “nice to have.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SSIP accreditation mean?

SSIP accreditation means your business has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards and can demonstrate that it has suitable policies, procedures, risk assessments and evidence of compliance in place.

Is CHAS an SSIP scheme?

Yes. CHAS is an SSIP member scheme. This means CHAS assesses contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

Which schemes are SSIP recognised?

Common SSIP recognised schemes include CHAS, SMAS, SafeContractor and Constructionline Acclaim. These schemes assess contractors against the SSIP core criteria.

Do contractors need SSIP accreditation?

Many UK contractors need SSIP accreditation because main contractors, local authorities and commercial clients often request it before allowing businesses to tender for work or start on site.

What documents are needed for the accreditation?

Typical documents include a Health and Safety Policy, risk assessments, method statements, training records, insurance certificates, accident reporting procedures and evidence of competent health and safety advice.

How long does the accreditation take?

The accreditation can often be completed within one to three weeks, depending on the scheme, the quality of your documents and whether the assessor asks for further evidence.

Can Seguro help with accreditations?

Yes. Seguro Health and Safety can help prepare your documents, complete your application, respond to assessor queries and support you through the accreditation process.

Health and safety in construction

In the fast-paced world of construction, safety is of paramount importance. From home extensions to infrastructure projects that shape our country, the welfare of workers and the public is our first consideration.

When it comes to creating a culture of safety, construction companies must have robust processes and systems in place.

• Health and safety legislation
• Common hazards in the construction industry
• Implementing health and safety on construction sites
• Safety planning and risk assessment in construction projects
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction
• Training and education for construction safety
• Construction site inspections and audits
• Creating a culture of safety on construction sites
• Site Manager Compliance Kit
• SSIP Accreditation
• HSG150 health and safety in construction

Health and safety legislation

Health and safety legislation in the workplace is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974This legislation sets out the duties of employers, employees, and others. 

Responsibilities of employers

• Assess risks: Identify risks to employees, customers, and others 
• Create a policy: Have a written health and safety policy if they employ five or more people 
• Provide training: Ensure staff are adequately trained 
• Provide welfare: Ensure adequate welfare provisions are available 
• Provide information: Ensure employees have access to relevant information, instruction, and supervision 
• Consult employees: Consult employees about risks and preventive measures 

Responsibilities of employees 

• Have a duty of care to themselves and others

Other construction-related health and safety legislation

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002
• Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998
• Work at Height Regulations 2005

Common hazards in the construction industry

The construction industry is fraught with hazards that can lead to serious accidents if not properly managed.

• There were 51 fatal injuries to workers in 2023/24
• 47,000 workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work averaged over the three years 2021/22-2023/24

One of the most prevalent risks is falls, which can occur from heights such as scaffolding, ladders, or roofs.

Another common hazard is the risk of being struck by objects. This can happen when tools or materials are improperly secured or when heavy machinery is involved.

Construction site workers are often close to moving equipment, and the potential for accidents increases.

Exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos and silica dust, poses a significant risk.

Implementing health and safety on construction sites

Implementing health and safety processes and systems on construction sites is essential. Many clients now insist that contractors hold a minimum health and safety standard. SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) implemented the standard. SSIP is an umbrella organisation formed in 2009 to reduce the duplication of health and safety assessments. CHAS and PQS are suppliers of the standard.

Below is a health and safety checklist for a typical site construction setup

• Company health and safety policy
• Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM 2015), which can be easily amended and edited for specific projects
• Site setup check sheet
• Site Rules
• Site Induction
• Site Registers – PPE, Plant & Equipment etc
• Permits to Work – Confined Space, Excavation, Hot Work, Asbestos, etc
• Site inspection Check Sheets – Scaffold, Dumper, Excavator etc
• Risk assessments and method statements
• COSHH data sheets
• Toolbox training
• Worker training records

Safety planning and risk assessment in construction projects

Planning work operations is a key factor in keeping people safe on-site. The process is to develop a method statement of how the work will be executed and then develop a risk assessment. The risk assessment analyses the risks and looks at ways to mitigate them. The project planner may adjust the method statements if the risk assessment finds that the risk is too high.

Ready for use Risk assessment and method statements templates.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence to keep people safe. PPE can include the following:

• Hard hat
• His visibility vests and trousers
• Ear protection
• Eye protection
• Lung protection
• Hand protection
• Skin protection
• Foot protection

The site manager must ensure that their workers are provided with the necessary equipment and trained on how to use it effectively. A PPE register is vital to control who had what and when.

Site training

Training and education are fundamental for a safe construction site. On-site training includes:

• Site induction
• Toolbox talks
• Health and safety essential training
  • Site safety awareness training
  • Fire awareness training
  • Manual handling training
  • Abrasive wheel training
  • Working at height training
  • Risk assessment training

On-site e-learning to train site workers saves time and cost.

A training register is vital to control who had what and when.

Construction site inspections and audits

Regular inspections and audits of construction sites are critical for ensuring ongoing health and safety compliance.

Inspections help identify potential hazards that may have arisen since the last inspection and ensure that safety measures are effectively implemented.

Inspections can be conducted by internal safety officers or external auditors, providing an objective perspective on the effectiveness of the site’s safety practices.

Creating a culture of safety on construction sites

Creating a safety culture begins with a commitment from leadership to prioritise health and safety measures at all levels of the organisation.

By communicating that health and safety are priorities in the company culture, workers will feel empowered to work safely and promote safety with their workmates.

Site Manager Compliance Kit

Overview

The Site Manager Compliance Kit is an essential tool for every contractor. The Compliance Kit contains all of the information and documentation needed to comply with the requirements of today’s Safety Regulations.

Includes

• Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM 2015), which can be easily amended and edited for specific projects
• 70 Toolbox Talk Documents
• 65 Completed Risk Assessments
• 41 COSHH Assessments
• Site inspection Check Sheets – Scaffold, Dumper, Excavator etc
• Permits to Work – Confined Space, Excavation, Hot Work, Asbestos, etc
• Site set-up check sheet
• Site Induction
• Site Rules
• Site Registers – PPE, Plant & Equipment etc

Review the Site Manager Compliance Kit

CHAS Accreditation

If you want to implement CHAS, we can help you achieve this goal.

The CHAS assessment standards and requirements are listed below.

• Policy
• 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
• Qualifications and Experience
• Monitoring, Audit and Review
• Risk Assessment and Safe System of Work
• Workforce Involvement
• Co-operation and Co-ordination
• Welfare Provision
• Subcontractors and Sub-consultants
• Responsible Person
• Contractor
• Declaration

Review CHAS accreditation

HSG150 health and safety in construction

HSG150 Health and Safety in Construction explains the essential tasks for achieving healthy and safe construction sites.

It helps the reader to identify hazards and control risks and explains how to plan, organise, control, monitor and review health and safety throughout the life of a project.

It is aimed at everybody involved in construction work, including clients, designers, contractors and individual workers. Clients, designers and others who specify construction work may also find the book useful.

Download HSG150

Available health and safety online training courses

You can also select a course you are interested in and click on the FREE trial button on the course. Select any courses from the list below:

The courses available are:

• First Aid Training
• Asbestos Training
• Legionella Training
• Abrasive Wheels Training
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Training
• Display Screen Equipment Training
• Fire Safety Training
• Food Safety Training
• Level 1 Health & Safety in a Construction Environment
• Manual Handling Training
• Working at Height Training
• Working Safely Training
• Working in Confined Spaces
• CDM Awareness
• Introduction to Personal Safety for Lone Workers
• Behavioural Safety
• Introduction to Risk Assessment
• Electrical Safety
• Noise Awareness
• Slips, Trips and Falls
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Safeguarding Training
• Positive Handling in Schools
• Prevent Duty

Need support

Once you have seen what we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch, and we will be happy to set you up with your health and safety online training solution.

If you get stuck or need some help feel free to get in touch.

Buy a policy

We have written several health and safety policies. Click on the link to review them: Health and safety policies.

• HSG65 health and safety management
• Property developer
• General builder
• Demolition contractor
• Joinery contractor
• Electrical contractor
• Plumbing and heating contractor
• Air conditioning contractor
• Roofing contractor
• Flooring contractor
• Plastering contractor
• Cleaning contractor
• Haulage company
• Bespoke health and safety policy

We will write a bespoke policy for you if you can’t see your company type above.

How Can I Check if Someone Is SSIP Registered?

If you’re hiring contractors, awarding construction work, or managing supply chains, verifying a contractor’s health and safety credentials is an important part of due diligence.

One of the most common questions clients ask is:

“How can I check if a contractor is SSIP registered?”

The good news is that checking a contractor’s SSIP status is usually straightforward. In this guide, we’ll explain what SSIP registration means, how to verify it, and what to do if a contractor claims to be accredited but cannot provide evidence.

What Does SSIP Registered Mean?

SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement.

It is a framework that allows contractors to demonstrate compliance with recognised health and safety standards through an approved assessment scheme.

A contractor who is SSIP registered has successfully completed an assessment through an SSIP member scheme such as:

• CHAS
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

The assessment reviews the contractor’s health and safety management arrangements, including policies, risk assessments, training records, insurance and competent health and safety support.

Why Check a Contractor’s SSIP Registration?

Verifying accreditation helps ensure that contractors have demonstrated a suitable level of health and safety management.

Benefits include:

• Reducing supply chain risk
• Meeting procurement requirements
• Supporting contractor selection decisions
• Demonstrating due diligence
• Improving workplace safety standards
• Helping satisfy CDM and client compliance obligations

Many principal contractors and organisations make accreditation checks part of their onboarding process.

How to Check if Someone Is SSIP Registered

There are several ways to verify a contractor’s SSIP status.

1. Ask for Their Accreditation Certificate

The simplest method is to request a copy of the contractor’s current accreditation certificate.

The certificate should include:

• Company name
• Accreditation scheme
• Registration number
• Expiry date
• Scope of certification

Always check that the accreditation is still valid and has not expired.

2. Use the SSIP Portal

SSIP provides a contractor search facility that allows clients to verify whether a business holds a recognised SSIP accreditation.

By searching the contractor’s:

• Company name
• Registration number
• Accreditation details

You can confirm whether they are currently recognised under the SSIP framework.

This is often the quickest and most reliable verification method.

3. Check the Accreditation Provider’s Database

Many SSIP member schemes operate their own contractor directories.

For example, accredited contractors may be searchable through their scheme provider’s database.

Common schemes include:

• CHAS
• SMAS
• SafeContractor
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

If the contractor appears within the scheme’s directory and the accreditation is current, this generally confirms their status.

4. Request Supporting Evidence

In addition to accreditation certificates, many clients request:

• Employers’ Liability Insurance
• Public Liability Insurance
• Health & Safety Policy
• RAMS
• Training records
• Competent person details

Accreditation should complement wider contractor due diligence rather than replace it completely.

What Information Should You Check?

When reviewing accreditation, verify:

Company Name

Ensure the legal trading name matches the business you are engaging.

Expiry Date

Many SSIP accreditations require annual renewal.

An expired accreditation should not be treated as current.

Scheme Provider

Confirm the accreditation is from a recognised SSIP member scheme.

Scope of Work

Check that the accreditation aligns with the contractor’s activities.

Insurance Status

Ensure insurance documents remain valid and current.

Can You Trust SSIP Accreditation?

SSIP accreditation provides independent verification that a contractor has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards.

However, accreditation should form part of a wider contractor selection process.

Clients should still consider:

• Experience
• References
• Competence
• Qualifications
• Insurance
• Project suitability

Accreditation is an important indicator but should not be the only factor in contractor approval.

What If a Contractor Claims to Be SSIP Registered but Cannot Prove It?

If a contractor cannot provide evidence of accreditation:

Request Documentation

Ask for a current certificate or registration number.

Verify Directly

Use the SSIP portal or accreditation provider database.

Confirm Expiry Dates

Some contractors may have previously held accreditation that has since lapsed.

Proceed With Caution

If accreditation is a contractual requirement, work should not proceed until suitable evidence is provided.

How Long Does SSIP Accreditation Last?

Most SSIP accreditations are valid for approximately 12 months.

Contractors must renew their accreditation annually to maintain recognised status.

Failure to renew can result in removal from contractor databases and loss of approved status.

Which Accreditations Are Recognised Under SSIP?

Examples of recognised SSIP member schemes include:

• CHAS
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

All assess contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

Although schemes differ in branding and additional services, the underlying assessment standards remain broadly consistent.

Why Many Clients Require SSIP Registration

Clients increasingly request SSIP accreditation because it helps:

• Demonstrate compliance
• Simplify contractor pre-qualification
• Reduce repeated assessments
• Improve supply chain consistency
• Support health and safety management

For contractors, accreditation can improve credibility and access to larger projects and framework opportunities.

How Seguro Can Help

Seguro Health & Safety helps contractors achieve and maintain SSIP accreditation through:

• CHAS applications
• SafeContractor applications
• SMAS accreditation
• Constructionline support
• CQMS accreditation
• PQS accreditation
• Health & Safety Policies
• Risk Assessments
• RAMS
• Competent Person Services
• Accreditation renewals

Whether you are checking accreditation as a client or applying for accreditation as a contractor, professional support can help ensure compliance and reduce delays.

Conclusion

Checking whether someone is SSIP registered is an important part of contractor due diligence.

The easiest methods are to request a current accreditation certificate, use the SSIP contractor search facility, or check the accreditation provider’s database.

By verifying accreditation status, reviewing supporting documentation and confirming renewal dates, clients can make more informed contractor selection decisions while helping maintain high health and safety standards across their projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if someone is SSIP registered?

You can check if someone is SSIP registered by requesting a copy of their accreditation certificate, searching the SSIP contractor database, checking the accreditation provider’s online directory, or asking for their accreditation registration number.

What does SSIP registered mean?

SSIP registered means a contractor has successfully completed a health and safety assessment through a recognised SSIP member scheme such as CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS or PQS and has demonstrated compliance with the SSIP core criteria.

Can I verify a contractor’s SSIP accreditation online?

Yes. Many SSIP member schemes provide online contractor directories and the SSIP portal offers contractor verification tools that allow clients to check accreditation status and validity.

What information do I need to check SSIP registration?

You will usually need the contractor’s company name, accreditation number, registration details or a copy of their accreditation certificate to verify their SSIP status.

How long does SSIP accreditation remain valid?

Most SSIP accreditations are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually to maintain recognised accreditation status.

What should I check on an SSIP certificate?

You should verify the company name, accreditation scheme, registration number, issue date, expiry date and scope of certification to ensure the accreditation is current and relevant.

Which accreditation schemes are recognised by SSIP?

Recognised SSIP member schemes include CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS and PQS. All assess contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

What if a contractor claims to be SSIP registered but cannot provide evidence?

If a contractor cannot provide evidence of accreditation, you should request a current certificate, verify their status through the SSIP database or accreditation provider and confirm that the accreditation has not expired before proceeding.

Does SSIP accreditation guarantee contractor competence?

SSIP accreditation demonstrates that a contractor has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards. However, clients should also consider experience, qualifications, references, insurance and project suitability as part of their contractor selection process.

Why do clients require contractors to be SSIP registered?

Clients often require SSIP registration to simplify contractor pre-qualification, demonstrate health and safety compliance, reduce supply chain risk, support due diligence and improve consistency across procurement processes.

Can Seguro help contractors become SSIP registered?

Yes. Seguro Health & Safety helps contractors achieve and maintain SSIP accreditation through support with CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS and PQS applications, health and safety policies, RAMS, risk assessments and accreditation renewals.

All your H&S requirements in one place

Here at Seguro we can be a one stop shop for your safety needs. We can help you with one off client requests or by being your competent person providing you with our full Safety package the choice is yours.

All our our clients have different needs so we can tailor a package to fit your Health & Safety requirements.

Competent Person

We provide a full Health & Safety Management System including a policy, employee handbook and an environmental policy. Expert advice is available for you 24/7.

Accreditation

If your looking for an accreditation but not sure which one we can recommend one to suit your individual needs

We can help you to provide the paperwork needed to enable you to show you are capable of working safely. These vary depending on what accreditation you are looking to complete.

• PQS
• CHAS All Levels available 
• Safe Contractor
• Constructionline All levels (Silver or Gold)

We stay with you until the accreditation is achieved.

Risk Assessments & Method Statements

We have a full library of Risk Assessments & Method Statements available for you to purchase from as little as £10. All of our documents are available in word format for you to be able to amend and use as you need in your business.

examples

• Contract Gardening Service Risk Assessment and Method Statement
• Gas meter Installation Risk Assessment & Method Statement
• Installation aluminium windows and doors
• Floor wall tiling risk assessment method statement

Safety Advisor

This is a support service for less than 5 employees, this comes with expert advice as well as access to our online documents and Risk assessments. This can be purchased separately or comes free with accreditation applications for less than 5 employees.

We offer many more services including PQQ preparation, Construction Phase Plan preparation. Why not visit our website and see if we can help you with any issues you have now and throughout 2025.