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.

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 our SHOP and see what you can find.

Here are some examples listed below:

RAMS For Screeding
Plumbing RAMS
External Painting RAMS
RAMS for commercial electrical installation

We also offer a RAMS Pack which 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.

Review our standard RAMS

Risk assessment training

If the tasks you are carrying out are different and unique to your business a  Bespoke RAMS might be better for you.

This is where we create a RAMS that is 100% specific to your needs., prices start at £150 + vat

We would need information from you to create the documents please find the criteria we would need here.

How much does SMAS cost?

• Fixed Fee for helping with your accreditation, which will depend on the number of your employees.
• eLearning may be required

• Worksafe
• Worksafe PQQ

SMAS Types

SMAS Worksafe – Health & Safety Only

SMAS Worksafe is a health and safety–focused SSIP accreditation.

It assesses:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Training and competence
• Accident reporting procedures
• Compliance with UK H&S legislation

Key points:

• SSIP recognised
• Focuses purely on health and safety competence
• Often sufficient where clients ask for “SSIP” or “SMAS”
• Lower cost and faster to achieve

Best for:
Small to medium contractors who only need to demonstrate H&S compliance.

SMAS Worksafe PQQ – Full Pre-Qualification

SMAS Worksafe PQQ includes everything in Worksafe, plus additional pre-qualification checks similar to Constructionline or CHAS Advanced.

It assesses:

• Health & safety (SSIP core criteria)
• Company and business information
• Insurance and financial standing
• Policies such as equality, environment, modern slavery
• Governance and compliance information

Key points:

• Broader PQQ-style assessment
• Often required for public sector or framework work
• Replaces the need to complete multiple PQQs

Best for:
Contractors tendering for larger projects or buyers who require a full pre-qualification scheme, not just SSIP.

Quick Comparison

Which One Do You Need?

• If your client asks for SSIP / SMAS → Worksafe
• If your client asks for PQQ, framework approval, or enhanced compliance → Worksafe PQQ

If you’re unsure, choosing the wrong level is a common (and costly) mistake.

Expert Tip

If you’re unsure whether your documents meet SMAS standards, a pre-application gap analysis can save time, cost, and failed submissions.

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.

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?

• 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

• Worksafe
• Worksafe PQQ

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

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
• Business activities and workforce size

Ensure insurance limits meet typical client requirements.

Step 5: Complete the SMAS Application

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.

Summary

• SMAS is an SSIP-recognised accreditation
• Evidence-based health & safety assessment
• Requires competent person support
• Valid for 12 months
• Preparation is key to approval

What are Toolbox talks and why do I have to do them?

Introduction

The definition of a Toolbox Talk – An informal meeting that focuses on Health & Safety topics related to a specific job that is on site, such as workplace hazards and safe work practices. These meetings are normally less than 10 minutes (kept short) and are normally conducted at the job site prior to the job or shift starting.

Why do i have to do them? – Toolbox talks are a quick way for you to communicate to all workers on a particular site, safety work practices that are applicable to them.

Where can you get them – You can download 70 toolbox talks free using this link

Importance of toolbox talks in the workplace

Toolbox talks are focused discussions about safety topics that provide valuable insights and practical guidance that can help prevent accidents and injuries on site.

Toolbox talks can significantly enhance the safety culture onsite when conducted regularly.

Understanding the purpose of toolbox talks

The primary purpose of toolbox talks is to enhance workplace safety through education and communication. The talks are designed to inform workers about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their duties.

Organisations can create a shared understanding of risks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols by engaging the site teams in conversations about safety. This collaborative approach helps to foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, leading to a more informed and vigilant workforce.

Key elements of a toolbox talk

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.

Save time and download 70 toolbox talks

How to conduct a tool box talk

Conducting a tool box talk requires careful planning and execution to maximise its effectiveness.

Gather necessary materials to support the discussion, such as handouts, visual aids, or tools illustrating the subject matter. Being well-prepared allows the supervisor to engage with the audience confidently.

Next, choose an appropriate setting and time for the tool box talk. Selecting a location free from distractions is essential, allowing participants to focus on the discussion.

Creating a comfortable environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences will lead to a more productive conversation.

The supervisor should encourage open communication and interaction among participants during the talk. Start with a brief introduction of the topic, followed by an engaging discussion inviting workers’ input and questions.

Use real-life examples to illustrate points and encourage employees to share their experiences related to the topic.

Tips for creating engaging and interactive tool box talks

Creating engaging and interactive tool box talks is essential for maximising their effectiveness. One key tip is to incorporate multimedia elements into the discussions. Using videos, slideshows, or infographics

Incorporate real-life case studies, sharing stories of actual incidents, whether from your own experiences or from industry examples,

Consider incorporating hands-on activities or demonstrations into tool box talks. Engaging employees in practical exercises, such as proper lifting techniques or the correct way to use safety equipment, can reinforce learning and enhance retention.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of tool box talks for a safer and more productive worksite

In conclusion, tool box talks are an invaluable tool for enhancing safety and productivity on any worksite.

By fostering open communication and engaging employees in discussions about potential hazards and best practices, organisations can create a culture of safety that resonates throughout the workforce.

Download your FREE 70 tool box talks today