SSIP was established in May 2009 with the support of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It aligns with the objectives of the 2007 Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, which set criteria for assessing health and safety competence in the construction industry.
After years of talks, SSIP was formed as an umbrella organisation to reduce the administrative burden on contractors and suppliers facing multiple health and safety assessments.
Since its creation, SSIP has played a key role in promoting high safety standards across various industries.
SSIP sets out essential requirements for health and safety compliance. Organisations seeking SSIP certification must demonstrate adherence to core health and safety criteria, which typically include risk assessments, accident reporting and emergency procedures.
They must also show evidence of effective health and safety policies, employee training programmes, and ongoing monitoring of safety practices. Businesses also need to comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and maintain accurate records of health and safety activities.
By meeting these requirements, organisations can achieve SSIP certification, which enhances their credibility and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
SSIP certification acts as proof that your business adheres to the highest level of health and safety management, boosting your credibility and reliability in the eyes of clients and stakeholders.
These are the steps to certification:
Although certification may seem challenging, preparing ahead of time can make it more manageable and beneficial for your business.
SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement.
SSIP is not a legal requirement. However, it is widely recognised as proof of health and safety compliance in the UK.
Many organisations, particularly within the construction industry, require SSIP certification to streamline the procurement process so that contractors meet essential safety standards.
While not mandated by law, SSIP certification can significantly enhance your credibility and competitiveness. It also makes it easier to secure contracts by demonstrating your commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
The purpose of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is to simplify and standardise health and safety assessments for suppliers and contractors in the UK.
By providing a mutual recognition platform, SSIP reduces the need for multiple assessments, saving time and resources. It helps organisations to meet essential safety standards, fostering a safer working environment. SSIP certification enhances credibility, making it easier for businesses to demonstrate compliance and compete for contracts, particularly in industries like construction (where safety is paramount).
Industries that benefit most from SSIP certification are those where health and safety are critical, particularly construction, engineering and manufacturing. In these sectors, demonstrating compliance with robust safety standards is crucial due to the inherent risks involved.
SSIP is often required or preferred by clients and main contractors so that their suppliers and subcontractors adhere to consistent safety practices. Additionally, sectors such as facilities management, utilities and transportation also leverage SSIP to enhance safety credibility and streamline procurement processes.
SSIP is not equivalent to ISO 45001, but they both serve related purposes in health and safety management.
SSIP is a UK-based umbrella organisation that facilitates mutual recognition among various health and safety assessment schemes, primarily aimed at simplifying the procurement process by verifying that businesses meet essential safety standards. It is not a standard itself, but a framework for ensuring that accredited schemes adhere to recognised safety criteria.
ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System. It aims to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create safer working conditions worldwide.
While both SSIP and ISO 45001 focus on health and safety, they are not equivalent; SSIP is procurement-focused, while ISO 45001 provides a comprehensive management system framework applicable across various industries globally. Together, they complement each other by enhancing safety compliance and operational efficiency.
Yes, you can use the SSIP logo if your organisation is accredited by an SSIP-member scheme and you comply with any usage guidelines they provide.
SSIP is a worthwhile investment for many organisations, particularly those in high-risk industries like construction and engineering.
It simplifies the procurement process by providing a recognised standard for health and safety compliance. This certification can enhance your credibility with clients and main contractors, making it easier to secure contracts. By reducing the need for multiple assessments, SSIP saves time and resources, allowing you to focus on core business activities while demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
