A safety statement is required by all places of employment, the only exemption been construction related employers with 3 or less employees. It may exist on its own within a small company or in more complex situations become the bases for a Safety Management System( SMS) which can expand up to IS18001 / Safe-t-Cert standards requiring external 3rd party certification.
It is a document/ set of documents with sets out an employer’s policy on safety in their workplace.
It identifies hazards with in the workplace, decides the level of risk there is and sets out the control measures that they will put in place, resource and enforce to minimise the risk to their employees.
It is a legal requirement and should be professionally produced with the full and active assistance of the employees.
Cost- a previous poster says they are expensive( so is legal advice, accountancy advice), and yes some "free lancer" may overcharge, as in any profession.
However my approach has always been based on
1. The turnover of the company
2. The severity of the hazards been dealt with.
The real cost is in implementing the control measures decided on, and maintaining them. i.e upgrading fire protection, PPE, training, replacing old equipment, supervision.
A sensible approach is to deal with the major hazards and riskiest items first. have a plan, with 1-3-5 year milestones.
If engaging a Safety Professional to assist, do it with the intention of forming a relationship, not just buying a package/once off.
Make sure the professional is suitable qualified and experienced - competency is a key item, at min they should be CMIOSH.( Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
Some major players, use very junior staff and a cut and paste approach and charge large fees.
Min to expect is
1. out line of service to be provided and quotation
2. initial visit, hazard identification and risk assessment, all areas
3. draft review, 2nd visit to tidy up
4. presentation of Safety statement to Director Level
5. Introduction of Safety statement to staff in a training situation.
6. ongoing review and updating-- new legislation change in equipment or process.
Do not's
1. buy one over the phone arrives by email
2. borrow one and copy
3. go off half arsed and make a hash of it
Do's
1. Use professional advice / assistance
2. make sure all areas are included
3. make sure staff buy in to the control measures
4. resource the control measures
The HSA website, NISO website all have good advice.
all the best and “be sensible, its safer”.