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Manual Handling E-learning
In certain industries and workplaces employers have the legal obligation to ensure that their employees have access to knowledge and training for correct manual handling techniques. This is to ensure that employees are protected from the risk of injury through manual handling tasks in the workplace.
Why should I train my staff?
Not knowing the correct techniques and carrying out manual handling incorrectly is one of the most common causes of injury at work. It causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which are responsible for over a third of all workplace injuries. Manual handling can be for any load such as a person or an animal, or a box or a ladder.
Workplace analysis
Manual Handling is not just about putting your employees on a course there also needs to be considerations made within the workplace:
Does the lifting have to take place
Could the lifting be carried out by machinery instead of a person
Can the item be delivered direct to where it is needed
Can the item be pushed rather than pulled?
These are all things that can be looked at a risk assessment should take place to ensure you have thought about how you can help within your working environment.
Manual Handling E-learning is the easy way to give your staff access to training without having to send them on a course which may disrupt the working day. If you are looking for a online Manual Handling Training Cource we can help.
Other training
We have a large number of H&S online training programstake a look to see if there any others you may find helpful.
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CHAS deem to satisfy process
The CHAS Deem to Satisfy process (DtS) scheme allows contractors to apply for CHAS Standard membership without undergoing another health and safety assessment.
All member schemes listed on the SSIP forum adhere to the SSIP Core Criteria, backed by the Health and Safety Executive.
By mutually recognising each other’s schemes, suppliers benefit from only needing to complete one assessment, while buyers enjoy more efficient procurement processes. This approach reduces costs and has saved over £68 million since 2016.
Eligibility
Contractors must have already met the requirements of an assessment through another SSIP member scheme.
Benefits
Contractors can save time and resources by avoiding a full assessment. They can also avoid paying full price for multiple accreditations.
Process
Contractors can:
Check if they have a qualification that CHAS recognises by contacting CHAS or using the e-form.
Submit their assessment, which will be reviewed within 10 working days.
Respond to any requests for additional information within the 2-week deadline.
CHAS deem to satisfy registered members
Two-Way Deem to Satisfy between SSIP Registered Members.
Approval with a Registered Member can only be used to Deem to Satisfy with another Registered Member; it cannot be used to gain a Deem to Satisfy with a Certification Body Member.
Below is the list of registered members you can use for deem to satisfy:
3Core2 Certification Limited Trading As SafeArb SafeArb
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Having trouble with your RE-CHAS?
Each application for CHAS is treated as a new application, this is so that your paperwork can be assessed on a yearly basis to ensure that you comply with the latest Health & Safety Legislation. We often get calls from companies saying that the paperwork they have submitted last year has not been accepted this time around.
If you submit documentation that CHAS do not think is up to the standard they need to pass, they will provide you with a list of actions. This will be sent out to you by your appointed CHAS assessor.
The documentation will go into detail to let you know what you need to provide as additional information, there are a number of actions you can then choose:
Compile the documentation yourself
Purchase the documents needed and complete it independently
Contact a Competent Health & Safety Consultant who can provide you with the information needed as well as advice
We can do your CHAS with you starting at £300 + vat for less than 5 employees.
Having trouble with your RE-CHAS? support
As a Health and Safety Consultant we are happy to look at your documentation and bespoke the responses based on your business please get in touchif you would like our help on 0800 031 5404.
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CHAS or Constructionline how do you decide?
We often get asked which one is best CHAS or Constructionline?
Both are part of the SSIP group which means there are a lot more to choose from these just seem to be the two most popular. Recently there has been a new one added called PQS and if price is a factor this one may be work looking at as they offer the cheapest assessment fee on the market.
CHAS is a remote assessment of your Health & Safety Practices within your business, CHAS assess your competence for carrying out the work you detail you perform. CHAS are looking to make sure everything is in place and your company has the correct level of training and competence within your business.
If you have more than 5 employees CHAS will also be looking to make sure you have all your legal responsibilities covered within your Health & Safety policy and you have the correct level of safety advice available to you.
Constructionline is a remote assessment of your company and will be looking for you to provide information about your company, directors, finances and areas of operation. As well as your Health & safety, equal opportunities and environmental management.
Constructionline is an online portal where you are able to update your information and save progress over a period of time to enable to you get the documentation needed together. You can then submit your information and feedback will be provided.
It might be worth looking into the other SSIP accreditations to see if they are the best fit your company, every business is different and if your clients don’t have a preference find the best one for you.
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Health snd Safety Resources
Here at Seguro we like to ensure that our customers are able to have access to all the available Health snd Safety Resources we have. We are constantly asked for new policies and risk assessments that we spend the time in creating.
We have recently updated the website to include all the recent resources we now have available to buy, a few of the items now available include:
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Outsource Health and Safety
Outsource health and safety and make your life a lot easier.
The pros of outsourcing definitely outweigh the cons, but before you form a partnership with a Health & Safety consultant, you must learn all you can about outsourcing. Once you are fully informed, you can decide if outsourcing is right for your business and how it can help you.
Following is a list of pros and cons of outsourcing:
Pros of Outsourcing
Up-to-date professional advice when you need it
Gives you access to skilled professionals at a low cost
The confidence in knowing your legal duties are covered
Reduces your cost of doing business, as you save on infrastructure, workforce, hiring costs, training costs, and technology and software investments
Allows you to focus more on your core business functions
Cons of Outsourcing
You will have to rely on the expertise of another company without fully understanding all the detail yourself
You need to ensure that your outsource partner is available for your working hours, not just theirs
You need to understand turn around times and accept them
You may not be able to get what you want when you want it
You have to trust the information they provide is accurate and up-to-date
Outsourcing your Health & Safety resources can give your business the competitive edge it requires to win work and be successful on tenders.
If anything, the disadvantages of outsourcing give you the opportunity to think before-hand about the things you need to keep in mind when selecting an outsourcing partner.
Seguro Health and Safety Advisor Service
Here at Seguro, we pride ourselves on being able to support all businesses regardless of their size. We can provide your business with less than five employees a service, ensuring you meet all your Health & Safety needs.
Our service provides you with:
Support to implement new documentation into your business
Provide support ongoing should you need it for all Health & Safety advice.
Provide off-the-shelf risk assessments and method statements should they be needed (bespoke ones are chargeable)
Enable you to name us should you need to on PQQ documentation
Provide you with General pre-prepared COSHH from our library
We are available throughout the working day by email or telephone, whichever way you prefer to communicate.
This service is available to anyone who needs it, and there is a fixed cost for everyone.
This service is also FREE with any accreditation we submit for you so if you are looking to get CHAS or a similar SSIP we can assist with that and provide this service for FREE.
If you need more information about SSIP, we have lots of blogs to help or you can visit SSIP directly.
Included in our safety advisor service
Put Seguro down as your named health & safety advisor.
Use our name when filling out pre-tender qualification questionnaires.
Use a CV from one of our Consultants.
We are here as back-up should you require advice and guidance on health & safety issues.
Outsource Health and Safety Support
Complete the form, and we will get in touch and give you free advice and direction on outsourcing your health and safety.
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Risk Assessments and Method Statements
Here at Seguro we know that Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS) can seem a daunting task when you have to start them from scratch. We have developed a library of documents that can be used within your business on a day to day basis.
We constantly update our shop section with the latest activity based ones we have created.
Our RAMS can be purchased individually for only £10 + vat or in a pack depending on what you need.
If you are unsure if we have the document you need please visit ourSHOPand see what you can find.
We also offer a RAMS Packwhich contains 65 templates covering a range of subjects.
Standard RAMS
We provide a wide range of RAMS in template format on our website. Each can be five to sixteen pages long and contain between 3,000 and 9,000 words.
The RAMS are within a template and cover all the principal risks and methods to carry out a specific job. The RAM Templates need the client’s involvement as there will be a comprehensive sequence of work that could apply. As the client, you would be responsible for ensuring that this sequence was relevant to yourself and, if not amended to reflect your process.
Our standard RAMS cost from £6 to £12 per RAM or are provided free as part of our Safety Advisory service or Competent person service.
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How much does SMAS cost?
SMAS cost and Seguro Costs
Fixed Fee for helping with your accreditation, which will depend on the number of your employees.
eLearning may be required
SMAS Costs
Worksafe
Worksafe PQQ
The cost of your SMAS accreditation is based on the size of your workforce, so there’s no one-size-fits-all price.
The difference between the types is described below.
Rather than guess or overpay, the quickest way to get clarity is to complete our short form.
You can find a link in the main menu or on this page.
We’ll ask a few simple questions and provide you with a clear, accurate cost breakdown, so you know exactly what to budget, with no surprises and no obligation.
SMAS is part of the SSIP accreditation scheme known as ‘Safety Schemes In Procurement’ (SSIP). When you begin working for clients they may ask you to become a member of SSIP. This is so they can be assured that your H&S practices are up to standard with a third party certification.
As a consultant that assists with the paperwork needed we are focusing on saving our clients money where we can. SMAS is one of the most reasonable outlays for your business and to renew year on year.
If you have any questions or would like us to help you get your accreditation please get in touch on 0800 031 5404.
Why apply for your SMAS accreditation?
When you undertake your SMAS registration, you will be demonstrating that you meet the recognised standards required by any organisation looking to employ you as a contractor. Having your SMAS accreditation is almost certain to open more doors and lead to more opportunities – in turn generating more business and profit for you, ensuring your own workforce is protected by robust health and safety practices.
Submit your SMAS Accreditation with confidence
Getting SMAS approved depends on you satisfying the SMAS assessors on a wide range of compliance issues.
Which ones apply to you will depend on various factors relating to your business, so step one is to ensure you have the right support from the beginning.
We support you every step of the way
Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
A quick, easy and hassle-free process
Why partner with Seguro?
We assist with the completion of your application and prepare supporting documents on your behalf.
Up to date professional advice when you need it most
You, your directors and managers have direct access with a service provider who understands your needs
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Pre Qualification Questionnaire Guide (PQQ)
Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, also commonly know as a ‘PQQ’, is a questionnaire that companies (suppliers ) have to fill in when looking to tender for schemes they want to work on. PQQ are used when applying for an approved supplier list or when applying for most accreditation schemes. They are pro-dominantly used in the public sector, but can be used for private sector tenders too.
Filling out a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for the public sector, is an important process as they are used as a way to standardise all suppliers and the information needed to make a decisions when appointing new contracts. As all information is standard the PQQ can help to make a short list easier as companies are able to look at information in the same format and detail.
PQQs are scored according to the answers that you give so you need to ensure they are well thought out and give the best impression you can give of your company and its capabilities.
What is asked in a PQQ?
Every PQQ you fill in is effectively your companies marketing tool, filling out the PQQ to the best of your ability will allow you to show that your company is the best choice.
In general, a PQQ will need information about your:
Status
Finances
Quality Policy
Environmental Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
Health and Safety Policy
We provide help if needed to complete any PQQ you may have been given as well as advice in ensuring that you have all the information you may need for further Pre Qualification Questionnaires you get.
PQQ Support
Complete the form, and we will get in touch and give you free advice and direction on how to complete or how we can complete your PQQ for you.
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SMAS Accreditation Explained
What is SMAS accreditation? it is a UK health and safety pre-qualification scheme used to assess whether contractors meet recognised standards for managing health and safety. It is widely accepted across construction and related industries and is often required before contractors can tender for work.
What Is SMAS Accreditation?
SMAS stands for Safety Management Advisory Services. SMAS accreditation is SSIP-recognised, meaning it follows the SSIP Core Criteria for assessing health and safety competence.
Achieving SMAS accreditation shows clients and principal contractors that your business manages risk effectively and complies with UK health and safety legislation.
What Does SMAS Accreditation Assess?
A SMAS assessment typically reviews:
Health & Safety Policy
Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
Training and competence records
Accident and incident reporting procedures
Arrangements for managing subcontractors
The assessment is proportionate to your business size and risk profile.
Who Needs SMAS Accreditation?
SMAS accreditation is commonly required for:
Construction contractors and subcontractors
Electrical and mechanical contractors
Facilities management and maintenance companies
Businesses working for principal contractors or local authorities
For many buyers, SMAS is a minimum entry requirement.
Is SMAS the Same as SSIP?
No. SSIP is the umbrella body, while SMAS is one of the accreditation schemes recognised under it. Holding SMAS demonstrates SSIP-aligned health and safety competence.
How Long Does SMAS Accreditation Last?
SMAS accreditation is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually to keep your compliance status current.
Benefits of SMAS Accreditation
SMAS accreditation helps contractors to:
Win more work
Reduce repeated PQQ paperwork
Demonstrate health and safety competence
Meet client and procurement requirements
Build credibility with buyers
How much does SMAS cost?
SMAS cost and Seguro Costs
Fixed Fee for helping with your accreditation, which will depend on the number of your employees.
eLearning may be required
Additional RAMS may be required
SMAS Costs
Worksafe
Worksafe PQQ
The cost of your SMAS accreditation is based on the size of your workforce, so there’s no one-size-fits-all price. The difference between the types is described below.
Rather than guess or overpay, the quickest way to get clarity is to complete our short form. You can find a link in the main menu or on this page.
We’ll ask a few simple questions and provide you with a clear, accurate cost breakdown, so you know exactly what to budget, with no surprises and no obligation.
When you undertake your SMAS registration, you will be demonstrating that you meet the recognised standards required by any organisation looking to employ you as a contractor. Having your SMAS accreditation is almost certain to open more doors and lead to more opportunities – in turn generating more business and profit for you, ensuring your own workforce is protected by robust health and safety practices.
Submit your SMAS Accreditation with confidence
Getting SMAS approved depends on you satisfying the SMAS assessors on a wide range of compliance issues.
Which ones apply to you will depend on various factors relating to your business, so step one is to ensure you have the right support from the beginning.
We support you every step of the way
Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
A quick, easy and hassle-free process
SMAS Approval Guide: How to Get SMAS Accredited
SMAS accreditation is an SSIP-recognised health and safety assessment used by clients and principal contractors to verify contractor competence. Following the correct steps helps avoid delays, failed assessments, and unnecessary costs.
Step 1: Check Whether SMAS Is Required
Before applying, confirm that SMAS is the scheme requested by your client or tender documents. Many buyers accept any SSIP scheme, while others specifically ask for SMAS.
Step 2: Appoint a Competent Person
Under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you must have access to competent health and safety advice. This can be:
An in-house competent person, or
An external health & safety consultant
SMAS will expect clear evidence of this.
Step 3: Prepare Your Core Health & Safety Documents
SMAS approval is evidence-based. You will typically need:
A current Health & Safety Policy
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
Training and competence records
Accident and incident reporting procedures
Evidence of toolbox talks and inductions
Documents must be relevant to your actual work activities.
Step 4: Gather Company and Insurance Information
You will be asked to provide:
Company details and structure
Public and Employers’ Liability insurance certificates
Submit your application online via the SMAS portal, uploading all required documentation. Accuracy and consistency are critical at this stage.
Incomplete or generic submissions are the most common cause of delays.
Step 6: Respond to Assessor Queries
An assessor will review your submission and may raise clarification queries. Responding promptly and accurately helps keep the process moving and avoids rejection.
Step 7: Achieve SMAS Approval
Once approved, you will receive:
SMAS certification
Permission to use the SMAS logo
Inclusion on the SMAS contractor database
You can now reference SMAS in tenders and pre-qualification submissions.
Step 8: Maintain and Renew Annually
SMAS accreditation is valid for 12 months. Keep documents up to date and review your systems regularly to ensure a smooth renewal.
Common Reasons SMAS Applications Fail
Out-of-date or generic policies
Missing training records
Poorly written RAMS
No evidence of a competent person
Most failures are avoidable with proper preparation.