Safe-T-Cert is a construction sector specific safety management system standard. The Scheme is applicable to contractors of all sizes. The Scheme was developed jointly by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in Dublin and the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) in Belfast and was launched in October 2000 and is applicable in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Safe-T-Cert is also approved by Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) Forum as a qualifying scheme. This exponentially increases the recognition of Safe-T-Cert amongst clients in Great Britain. SSIP is a group of health and safety pre-qualification schemes in Great Britain which has formalised mutual recognition across the schemes. SSIP qualifying schemes must demonstrate that they assess health and safety competence in line with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. SSIP is actively supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Safe-T-Cert exceeds many of the requirements of SSIP and involves a more rigorous assessment of health and safety management than most of the other recognized schemes. It is the only scheme supported by IOSH.
Certification under the Scheme is a unique selling point for contractors to clients and others to indicate a professional approach to the health and safety management function and is thus a potential differentiator. STC1 SCHEME GUIDE as at 20_9_19 3.
The Scheme satisfies the health and safety suitability requirements for contractor organisations for public procurement in the Republic of Ireland and removes the requirement to provide additional information.
The Scheme satisfies the “Build Safe” requirements for contractor organizations, to operate a certified Safety Management System when tendering for publicly funded work in Northern Ireland.
- Certification demonstrates real commitment to health and safety risk management
- Certification demonstrates commitment to the well-being of the workforce
- Safe-T-Cert certification provides contractors with third party recognition which can be submitted for pre-qualification and selection procedures
- Certified contractors are listed on the Safe-T-Cert and SSIP register which is available to public and private sector clients
- Certification promotes reductions in liability insurance premiums
In order to achieve certification companies must demonstrate that they have a robust health and safety management system in place (following the philosophy of the ILO Guidelines to Safety Management Systems (see www.safe-t-cert.ie for guidance).
A Joint Standards Advisory Panel (JSAP) consisting of Client representatives, Professional bodies, the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Trade Unions and contractors advise on the standards for certification.
Companies that have gone through a detailed certification audit process and have met the minimum criteria will receive certification.
Companies can use Safe-T-Cert certification to demonstrate to clients and others that they have effective safety health and management systems and procedures. STC1 SCHEME GUIDE as at 20_9_19 4.
Audits are carried out by Safe-T-Cert approved Auditors from a panel of Auditors overseen by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
Auditors must:
- Have appropriate construction experience
- Hold Chartered membership of IOSH
- Be an IRCA Registered Lead Auditor (International Register of Certified Auditors)
- Have completed Safe-T-Cert Auditor Training and attend regular updates as required by Safe-T-Cert and IO
The audit itself entails a detailed examination of the company’s safety and health documentation and procedures together with interviews and site inspections.