Audit and Accreditation Scheme

There is now a way in which you can demonstrate the level of your health and safety standards. NHBC's Health & Safety Audit and Accreditation Scheme will test your system, benchmark it against industry standards, and if you meet the criteria, accredit your company's health and safety management system so that you can demonstrate your level of effectiveness to third parties. Our audit is recognised by the Assocation of British Insurers (ABI) as part of their 'Making the Market work' scheme. This means that builders accredited through this NHBC scheme could receive reduced insurance premiums at renewal. All accredited builders are encouraged to inform their brokers when placing insurance.

The Scheme

Our Scheme is designed to help you ensure your health and safety management is comprehensive. It also tests how well your systems are understood and are being implemented.

If your system meets the accreditation threshold, we will provide an annually renewable accreditation. You will be able to use this accreditation as a demonstration of your health and safety competence.

Routes to accreditation

There are two routes by which an organisation can achieve accreditation.

The standard route consists of three phases and takes between six and nine months to complete. This route is designed so that NHBC can help the organisation work to achieve a standard at which successful accreditation is likely after the audit.

The fast-track route is for organisations that believe that they are already at a level at which accreditation will be achieved.

The Audit

The NHBC Health and Safety accreditation audit is based on the following:

• The HSE's guide to successful health and safety management (HSG65), a framework for managing health and safety.
• The International Standards Organisation (ISO) document, Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001, an occupational health and safety management system specification.
• Our extensive knowledge and experience of the building industry.

The audit has been designed to test the effectiveness of health and safety systems and benchmark them against industry standards. It is a specialist audit and, being tailored specifically to the building and construction industry, this audit is unique.

The audit is made up of two elements. The first part is undertaken in the company's office, with the remainder being carried out on at least two active building/construction sites. Sites to be included in the audit are jointly selected by us and the organisation being audited.

During the office stage of the audit, a review of the health and safety policy and procedures is undertaken. This is designed to establish the extent to which the safety management system addresses the requirements of both current legislation and established best practice. In addition, our auditor will interview key members of staff to review the level of compliance with procedures.

The second stage of the process is an audit of a minimum of two sites. The total number of sites audited will depend on the number of sites currently in build. Through all stages of the audit, the auditor will look for verifiable evidence of compliance with the organisation's health and safety management systems.

On completion of the audit, scores achieved against the various elements of the audit are reviewed, an aggregate score generated and a comprehensive audit report is presented. If the audit criteria have been met or exceeded, an NHBC Accreditation will be awarded. In instances where the accreditation threshold has not been reached, a re-audit can be carried out after a minimum period of three months.

Accreditation

If you successfully demonstrate that your health and safety management system meets the qualifying level, we provide you with an industry specific accreditation. The accreditation includes a certificate and a statement from us, which confirms that your organisation has been successful in demonstrating the effectiveness of your health and safety management systems. You will also be able to use the NHBC Health & Safety Audit and Accreditation 'mark' on your corporate literature, illustrating that you are committed to maintaining an acceptable level of health and safety management.

Accreditation is valid for twelve months, at the end of which a re-accreditation audit will be offered. Success in subsequent audits will ensure your continued accreditation within the scheme.

Take the first step

For further information and advice in becoming an NHBC Health & Safety accredited company, please call Gordon Halfacre on 01908 746986 or email ghalfacre@nhbc.co.uk.