Health & Safety when you have 5 employees or more

As soon as you have 5 employees or more, you have a legal requirement to comply with all work-related health and safety legislation.

Your obligations are outlined in the Safety at Work Regulations 1974.

How this changes from less than five employees is you now need to ensure you have:

• Written Health and Safety Policy
• Written Health and Safety Policy Statement
• Written Risk Assessments
• COSHH assessments
• Toolbox talks
• A competent person either within your business or a consultant.

We act as competent people for over 800 companies. When we act as your competent person, we will complete all the documents you need to comply and keep the documents up to date as legislation changes. You also have access to over 1,000 documents including risk and method statements, COSHH data, toolbox talks, and more. We charge a small monthly fee. 

If you are not sure exactly what your business will require, you can find details on it by visiting the HSE website. Every business is different, and a competent person will be able to cover all aspects for you.

If you wish to employ your own competent person, they should be fully qualified in all aspects of Health & Safety; this can prove to be an expensive requirement if you employ them full-time. 

A more competitive way is to use a remote competent person service. We offer this service using one of our safety consultants as your competent person. We will make sure all your documents and training are up to date today, and be there to answer any questions. You also get free access to over 1,000 safety documents including RAMS.

There are a number of resources on the HSE website that can help you with any changes that may affect you as you continue to grow.

We are a friendly and professional team working in the background to help and support like-minded people get on with their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a health and safety policy if I have 5 employees or more?

Yes. If your business has 5 or more employees, you must have a written health and safety policy. The policy should explain how your business manages health and safety, who is responsible, and what arrangements are in place to protect employees and others affected by your work.

What health and safety documents do I need when I have 5 employees or more?

Businesses with 5 or more employees should have a written health and safety policy, written risk assessments, COSHH assessments where hazardous substances are used, training records, toolbox talk evidence, accident procedures and access to a competent person for health and safety advice.

Do I need written risk assessments if I employ 5 people?

Yes. If you employ 5 or more people, your significant risk assessment findings must be recorded in writing. This helps show that hazards have been identified and suitable control measures have been put in place.

Do subcontractors count as employees for health and safety?

Subcontractors may not count as PAYE employees, but you still have health and safety duties towards anyone affected by your work. If subcontractors are working under your control, you must ensure their work is planned, managed and carried out safely.

Do I need a competent person for health and safety?

Yes. Employers must have access to competent health and safety advice. This can be someone within the business with suitable knowledge and experience, or an external health and safety consultant or safety advisor.

What is a competent person in health and safety?

A competent person is someone with the knowledge, training and experience needed to help a business meet its health and safety duties. They can advise on policies, risk assessments, training, compliance, accident procedures and safe working arrangements.

Do I need COSHH assessments if I have 5 employees or more?

If your business uses substances that could be hazardous to health, you need COSHH assessments. This applies to materials such as chemicals, dusts, fumes, paints, solvents, adhesives and cleaning products.

What happens if I do not have proper health and safety documents in place?

Without proper health and safety documents, your business may fail client checks, struggle with CHAS or SSIP accreditation, be refused access to sites, face enforcement action, or increase the risk of accidents and legal claims.

Can Seguro help my business meet health and safety requirements?

Yes. Seguro can support businesses with health and safety policies, risk assessments, COSHH assessments, toolbox talks, training evidence, competent person support and accreditation preparation.

Do I need health and safety support if I am a small business?

Yes. Small businesses still have legal health and safety duties. If you have 5 or more employees, your responsibilities increase because key documents such as your health and safety policy and risk assessments must be recorded in writing.

How Can I Check if Someone Is SSIP Registered?

If you’re hiring contractors, awarding construction work, or managing supply chains, verifying a contractor’s health and safety credentials is an important part of due diligence.

One of the most common questions clients ask is:

“How can I check if a contractor is SSIP registered?”

The good news is that checking a contractor’s SSIP status is usually straightforward. In this guide, we’ll explain what SSIP registration means, how to verify it, and what to do if a contractor claims to be accredited but cannot provide evidence.

What Does SSIP Registered Mean?

SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement.

It is a framework that allows contractors to demonstrate compliance with recognised health and safety standards through an approved assessment scheme.

A contractor who is SSIP registered has successfully completed an assessment through an SSIP member scheme such as:

• CHAS
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

The assessment reviews the contractor’s health and safety management arrangements, including policies, risk assessments, training records, insurance and competent health and safety support.

Why Check a Contractor’s SSIP Registration?

Verifying accreditation helps ensure that contractors have demonstrated a suitable level of health and safety management.

Benefits include:

• Reducing supply chain risk
• Meeting procurement requirements
• Supporting contractor selection decisions
• Demonstrating due diligence
• Improving workplace safety standards
• Helping satisfy CDM and client compliance obligations

Many principal contractors and organisations make accreditation checks part of their onboarding process.

How to Check if Someone Is SSIP Registered

There are several ways to verify a contractor’s SSIP status.

1. Ask for Their Accreditation Certificate

The simplest method is to request a copy of the contractor’s current accreditation certificate.

The certificate should include:

• Company name
• Accreditation scheme
• Registration number
• Expiry date
• Scope of certification

Always check that the accreditation is still valid and has not expired.

2. Use the SSIP Portal

SSIP provides a contractor search facility that allows clients to verify whether a business holds a recognised SSIP accreditation.

By searching the contractor’s:

• Company name
• Registration number
• Accreditation details

You can confirm whether they are currently recognised under the SSIP framework.

This is often the quickest and most reliable verification method.

3. Check the Accreditation Provider’s Database

Many SSIP member schemes operate their own contractor directories.

For example, accredited contractors may be searchable through their scheme provider’s database.

Common schemes include:

• CHAS
• SMAS
• SafeContractor
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

If the contractor appears within the scheme’s directory and the accreditation is current, this generally confirms their status.

4. Request Supporting Evidence

In addition to accreditation certificates, many clients request:

• Employers’ Liability Insurance
• Public Liability Insurance
• Health & Safety Policy
• RAMS
• Training records
• Competent person details

Accreditation should complement wider contractor due diligence rather than replace it completely.

What Information Should You Check?

When reviewing accreditation, verify:

Company Name

Ensure the legal trading name matches the business you are engaging.

Expiry Date

Many SSIP accreditations require annual renewal.

An expired accreditation should not be treated as current.

Scheme Provider

Confirm the accreditation is from a recognised SSIP member scheme.

Scope of Work

Check that the accreditation aligns with the contractor’s activities.

Insurance Status

Ensure insurance documents remain valid and current.

Can You Trust SSIP Accreditation?

SSIP accreditation provides independent verification that a contractor has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards.

However, accreditation should form part of a wider contractor selection process.

Clients should still consider:

• Experience
• References
• Competence
• Qualifications
• Insurance
• Project suitability

Accreditation is an important indicator but should not be the only factor in contractor approval.

What If a Contractor Claims to Be SSIP Registered but Cannot Prove It?

If a contractor cannot provide evidence of accreditation:

Request Documentation

Ask for a current certificate or registration number.

Verify Directly

Use the SSIP portal or accreditation provider database.

Confirm Expiry Dates

Some contractors may have previously held accreditation that has since lapsed.

Proceed With Caution

If accreditation is a contractual requirement, work should not proceed until suitable evidence is provided.

How Long Does SSIP Accreditation Last?

Most SSIP accreditations are valid for approximately 12 months.

Contractors must renew their accreditation annually to maintain recognised status.

Failure to renew can result in removal from contractor databases and loss of approved status.

Which Accreditations Are Recognised Under SSIP?

Examples of recognised SSIP member schemes include:

• CHAS
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• Constructionline
• CQMS
• PQS

All assess contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

Although schemes differ in branding and additional services, the underlying assessment standards remain broadly consistent.

Why Many Clients Require SSIP Registration

Clients increasingly request SSIP accreditation because it helps:

• Demonstrate compliance
• Simplify contractor pre-qualification
• Reduce repeated assessments
• Improve supply chain consistency
• Support health and safety management

For contractors, accreditation can improve credibility and access to larger projects and framework opportunities.

How Seguro Can Help

Seguro Health & Safety helps contractors achieve and maintain SSIP accreditation through:

• CHAS applications
• SafeContractor applications
• SMAS accreditation
• Constructionline support
• CQMS accreditation
• PQS accreditation
• Health & Safety Policies
• Risk Assessments
• RAMS
• Competent Person Services
• Accreditation renewals

Whether you are checking accreditation as a client or applying for accreditation as a contractor, professional support can help ensure compliance and reduce delays.

Conclusion

Checking whether someone is SSIP registered is an important part of contractor due diligence.

The easiest methods are to request a current accreditation certificate, use the SSIP contractor search facility, or check the accreditation provider’s database.

By verifying accreditation status, reviewing supporting documentation and confirming renewal dates, clients can make more informed contractor selection decisions while helping maintain high health and safety standards across their projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if someone is SSIP registered?

You can check if someone is SSIP registered by requesting a copy of their accreditation certificate, searching the SSIP contractor database, checking the accreditation provider’s online directory, or asking for their accreditation registration number.

What does SSIP registered mean?

SSIP registered means a contractor has successfully completed a health and safety assessment through a recognised SSIP member scheme such as CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS or PQS and has demonstrated compliance with the SSIP core criteria.

Can I verify a contractor’s SSIP accreditation online?

Yes. Many SSIP member schemes provide online contractor directories and the SSIP portal offers contractor verification tools that allow clients to check accreditation status and validity.

What information do I need to check SSIP registration?

You will usually need the contractor’s company name, accreditation number, registration details or a copy of their accreditation certificate to verify their SSIP status.

How long does SSIP accreditation remain valid?

Most SSIP accreditations are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually to maintain recognised accreditation status.

What should I check on an SSIP certificate?

You should verify the company name, accreditation scheme, registration number, issue date, expiry date and scope of certification to ensure the accreditation is current and relevant.

Which accreditation schemes are recognised by SSIP?

Recognised SSIP member schemes include CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS and PQS. All assess contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

What if a contractor claims to be SSIP registered but cannot provide evidence?

If a contractor cannot provide evidence of accreditation, you should request a current certificate, verify their status through the SSIP database or accreditation provider and confirm that the accreditation has not expired before proceeding.

Does SSIP accreditation guarantee contractor competence?

SSIP accreditation demonstrates that a contractor has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards. However, clients should also consider experience, qualifications, references, insurance and project suitability as part of their contractor selection process.

Why do clients require contractors to be SSIP registered?

Clients often require SSIP registration to simplify contractor pre-qualification, demonstrate health and safety compliance, reduce supply chain risk, support due diligence and improve consistency across procurement processes.

Can Seguro help contractors become SSIP registered?

Yes. Seguro Health & Safety helps contractors achieve and maintain SSIP accreditation through support with CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, Constructionline, CQMS and PQS applications, health and safety policies, RAMS, risk assessments and accreditation renewals.

Remote Competent Safety Advisor Vs Onsite Visiting

We often get asked the question about our Competent Safety Advisor Service to see what the benefits are compared to having someone employed onsite. The obvious one is cost, it is much more cost effective to have a remote competent person as a service, a service like ours starts from £50 per month compared to a full time salary.

Why use an outsourced service?

• We supply a comprehensive Health and Safety Management System
• We develop a bespoke company Health and Safety Policy for your business
• We work with you to develop a company employee handbook
• We develop an Environmental Policy specific to you
• We provide assistance in Accident Reporting to Enforcing Authorities/Accident Investigation
• We will liaison with Enforcing Authorities on your behalf

Ongoing support

• Access to telephone advice on an unlimited number of occasions
• Updates on any changes in Health and Safety legislation
• Access to over 80 risk assessments and various supporting documentation held on our website
• Yearly review of all documentation and revised documents issued
• Monthly newsletters giving you latest Health & Safety News as well as legislation updates.

With over 200 clients we provide a comprehensive service that is affordable and reliable so SME’s can have peace of mind that they are compliant with their legal obligations.

There are no hidden fees and we pride ourselves with having an 95% retention record year on year. You can see testimonials on our website or on Trust pilot which is an independent review platform.

CHAS vs Constructionline: Which Accreditation Do You Need? (2026 Guide)

Quick Answer

CHAS and Constructionline are both UK contractor accreditation schemes used to demonstrate health and safety compliance.

• CHAS focuses primarily on health & safety and SSIP compliance
• Constructionline combines health & safety with supplier verification, financial checks, and procurement tools
• If you’ve decided on CHAS, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.

What is the Difference Between CHAS and Constructionline?

CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)

• Health & safety focused
• SSIP accredited
• Recognised by public and private sector clients
• Often required for site access and contractor approval
• To understand how both schemes align, see our SSIP and CHAS explanation.

Best for:

• Contractors needing SSIP compliance
• Businesses working with main contractors or local authorities

Constructionline

• Broader pre-qualification platform
• Includes:
  • Health & safety (via SSIP at higher levels)
  • Financial checks
  • Company verification
• Acts as a supplier database for buyers

Best for:

• Contractors bidding for larger frameworks and tenders
• Businesses needing visibility to buyers

Key Differences (Simple Comparison)

Which One Do Clients Prefer?

It depends on the client:

• Main contractors / local authorities
  → Often ask for CHAS or SSIP
• Large frameworks/procurement platforms
  → Often specify Constructionline

Some clients accept either, as both align with SSIP standards

Cost Comparison (Overview)

• CHAS: Typically £400–£3,000+ per year
• Constructionline: Typically £498+ depending on level
• You can also review the typical costs of CHAS accreditation before deciding.

Costs vary based on:

• Business size
• Level of accreditation

Do You Need Both?

No one is enough

BUT:

• Some contractors choose both to maximise opportunities
• Certain clients specify one by name

When to Choose CHAS

Choose CHAS if you need to:

✔ Meet SSIP requirements
✔ Get approved for site work
✔ Demonstrate health & safety compliance
✔ Work with public sector or main contractors

When to Choose Constructionline

Choose Constructionline if you want to:

✔ Access procurement platforms
✔ Pass financial and supplier checks
✔ Bid for larger contracts
✔ Increase visibility to buyers

Pro Tip (Most Contractors Miss This)

All SSIP schemes (including CHAS and Constructionline )
follow the same core health & safety criteria

This means:

You may not need to duplicate applications.
You can often use one accreditation to support another

Final Thought

CHAS proves you are safe and compliant.
Constructionline helps you get found and win work

The best choice depends on:

• Your clients
• Your sector
• Your growth strategy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CHAS and Constructionline?

CHAS focuses mainly on health and safety compliance and SSIP accreditation, while Constructionline is a broader pre-qualification platform that includes financial checks, supplier verification and procurement visibility.

Is CHAS better than Constructionline?

Neither CHAS nor Constructionline is better overall. CHAS is better for demonstrating health and safety compliance, while Constructionline is better for accessing procurement opportunities and supplier databases. The right choice depends on your client’s requirements.

Do I need CHAS or Constructionline?

You may only need one accreditation, depending on your clients. Many contractors choose CHAS to meet SSIP requirements, while others choose Constructionline for tendering and visibility. Some businesses use both to maximise opportunities.

Is Constructionline SSIP accredited?

es. Constructionline Gold includes SSIP accreditation, meaning it meets the same core health and safety criteria as schemes like CHAS.

“Is CHAS part of SSIP?

Yes. CHAS is a founding member of SSIP and provides recognised health and safety accreditation that aligns with SSIP standards.

Which is cheaper, CHAS or Constructionline?

Costs vary depending on company size and level. CHAS typically costs from around £400 per year, while Constructionline starts from around £498 per year, with higher tiers costing more.

Can I have both CHAS and Constructionline?

Yes. Many contractors hold both CHAS and Constructionline to meet different client requirements and increase their chances of winning work.

Which accreditation do main contractors prefer?

Main contractors and local authorities often require CHAS or another SSIP scheme for health and safety compliance. Some larger frameworks and procurement systems may specify Constructionline.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’ve decided on CHAS, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.
• To understand how both schemes align, see our SSIP and CHAS explanation.
• You can also review the typical costs of CHAS accreditation before deciding.
• Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

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.