The downsides of not having an SSIP certificate

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is an industry–recognised Health & Safety certification, backed by the HSE in the UK. Contractors complete an online assessment to prove their business meets 14 core Health & Safety standards.

SSIP was established in 2009 as a way to streamline Health & Safety assessments across different industries. It acts as an umbrella organisation that recognises various Health & Safety schemes, ensuring businesses meet a common set of safety standards. It saves both time and money, as contractors can prove their compliance with best practices without filling out multiple forms for different clients.

Whilst it’s not a legally mandated certificate, the benefits of having one outweigh the costs. So let’s take a look at the potential downsides of not having SSIP.

Impacts of not having SSIP certification

Choosing not to obtain SSIP certification can have significant consequences for your business. Even though it’s not a legal requirement, many companies mandate it for their contractors for proof of care and competency.

Without a recognised Health & Safety certificate, your business may struggle to secure high-value contracts, face higher insurance costs, and encounter difficulties in managing workplace safety. Let’s explore the key downsides of operating without SSIP and how they can affect your business in the long run.

A lack of Health & Safety assurance

One thing that SSIP does is make sure you’re prepared. The online assessment requires documents, planning, risk assessments, and more – so you know, before you step foot on site, that you’ve got everything you need for a smooth operation.

With SSIP certification, you’re proving that your business holds itself to nationally recognised Health & Safety standards. Without it, there’s no guarantee that you’ve got the right processes in place in case something goes wrong. Any clients you work with could see you as a liability – that you might not take Health & Safety as seriously as your competitors.

Miss out on working for big clients

Another downside to not having SSIP is that you’re missing out on working for the likes of Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and other high-profile clients who ask for SSIP as a requirement to work on their sites. This not only makes sure any contractors they hire are working to the same standard of safety, but it also saves them time when tendering. No one wants to juggle dozens – if not hundreds – of Health & Safety certificates.

As a contractor, having an SSIP certificate shows clients that your business meets these standards and will allow you to work on large projects.

Limiting your company’s visibility

At Smas, any contractor with SSIP certification automatically joins our network via the Smas Portal. This boosts your visibility to clients all across the UK, and proves to them that you’re Health & Safety conscious. They can then reach out if you’re in the right area, or have the skills clients are looking for.

Having SSIP is also a great way to market your business. By being approved, you can show customers and clients that you take Health & Safety seriously and have gone through the process to make sure that you are compliant. It’s definitely something you should shout about.

Increased insurance premiums

Insurance providers often view businesses without SSIP certification as higher risk, which can lead to increased premiums. This is because insurers rely on documented safety practices to assess risk.

Demonstrating compliance through SSIP provides tangible evidence of your commitment to safety, which could lead to better policy terms and reduced premiums. What’s more, insurers may offer specific discounts for businesses with recognised certifications.

Damage to reputation

In the event of a serious incident, a lack of recognised Health & Safety certification could damage your company’s reputation. Clients and the public may perceive your business as negligent, leading to a loss of trust and future contracts. Social media means that negative publicity can spread rapidly. This not only impacts your immediate client base but also your long-term business prospects.

Building a strong safety reputation is essential for success.

Legal complications

Without documented evidence of robust safety procedures, legal disputes following an incident can become significantly more complex and costly. SSIP certification provides a clear audit trail of your safety practices, demonstrating that you’ve taken reasonable steps to make sure people are safe.

This can be crucial in defending against liability claims and demonstrating due diligence. Also, comprehensive documentation aids in swift investigations, reducing the time and resources required to resolve disputes.

Accidents happen. Industries that require SSIP are likely higher-risk than most. But, in case of emergencies, you’ll want to know you took every precaution possible.

Difficulty attracting skilled labour

Potential employees are more likely to be attracted to companies that prioritise Health & Safety, and SSIP certification helps prove that. Skilled workers recognise that a safe work environment is essential for their wellbeing and career longevity. Demonstrating a commitment to safety through recognised certifications lifts your employer brand and attracts top talent.

Reduced efficiency

Without a structured Health & Safety management system, your site may experience more accidents, leading to lawsuits, low trust, and reduced productivity.

SSIP helps make sure you’ve got safety processes in place, improving overall efficiency by minimising risk. When it comes to Health & Safety, you’ve got to be proactive. A well-managed system helps identify and prevents hazards well in advance, reducing the chances of accidents and keeping operations smooth. This translates to improved project timelines, better worker morale, and overall cost savings.

Benefits of SSIP

SSIP certification provides a wide range of advantages for businesses, from improving workplace safety to increasing opportunities for securing high-value contracts. Beyond compliance, it can help your business stand out in a competitive market, proving your commitment to safety and operational efficiency.

Here’s a review of the ways SSIP can help you win tenders:

More work opportunities – Many large clients and organisations require SSIP certification before hiring contractors, opening doors to a wider range of projects.
Compliance with Health & Safety – SSIP makes sure your business meets nationally recognised safety standards, reducing legal risks and workplace hazards.
Improved risk management – With structured safety procedures in place, your company can proactively identify and address risks before they lead to incidents.
Save money and time – By streamlining the Health & Safety assessment process, SSIP reduces administrative burdens and lowers insurance premiums.
Enhanced reputation – Clients and employees view SSIP certification as a mark of trust and professionalism, strengthening your business image.
Increases productivity – Fewer accidents and smoother safety procedures leads to reduced downtime and more efficient project completion.
Demonstrates social responsibility – Commitment to Health & Safety shows that your business values the wellbeing of your workers and your community.
Simplifies supply chain management – SSIP allows businesses to meet multiple client requirements with a single certification, reducing the need for repeated assessments.

Do I need SSIP certification?

SSIP certification itself isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. However, demonstrating competent Health & Safety management is a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. SSIP certification provides a recognised way to demonstrate this competence.

Considerations:

Client requirements: If you work or intend to work with large construction companies, public sector organisations, or other clients that mandate SSIP, then you’ll need it.
Industry sector: Certain high-risk sectors, such as construction, demolition, and scaffolding, often require SSIP certification.
Business growth: If you aim to expand your business and win larger contracts, SSIP certification can be a crucial asset.
Risk management: If you want to demonstrate a strong commitment to Health & Safety and streamline your risk management processes, SSIP is highly beneficial.
Company size: Even smaller businesses can benefit from SSIP, as it provides a structured approach to Health & Safety management.

Get SSIP certified with Smas Worksafe!

Ready to get certified with Smas Worksafe? We’re experts in Health & Safety and can help you gain SSIP certification in as little as 1-7 days. Our expert team of in-house assessors are here to help you through the whole process, so you’re never left confused .

Or perhaps you’re looking to further enhance your team’s expertise? We also offer a range of CITB-approved training courses designed to upskill your workforce and advance their careers. For example, we offer:

In response to the Building Safety Act 2022, we’ve also developed our Building Safety Act (BSA) training courses to make sure you’re up to date on all the latest rules and regulations.

Simply get in touch to find out more, or give us a call on 01752 280183. Our industry experts are always happy to help and take you through any of our assessments.