What is ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation?
ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation is our annual company-level qualification that supports companies within the events industry to provide demonstrable proof that they are operating at the required level to meet stage one requirements of assessing competence under the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) 2015.
Independently audited while also adopting the principles of Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), the fully online accreditation provides comprehensive guidance and a step-by-step process to allow businesses to both assess and prove compliance when it comes to health and safety.
Along with providing a clear understanding of health and safety risks, the ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation offers guidance and advice for showcasing high health and safety standards across numerous key areas of event safety, including:
- Devising a clear health and safety policy
- Creating and completing a risk assessment
- Accurate reporting and logging of accidents and incidents
- Working at height
- First Aid
- Manual Handling
- Hazardous substances
- Work equipment
- Health surveillance
- Fire & Emergencies
Overall, ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation affirms a company’s competency, instilling confidence in clients, collaborators and regulatory bodies about its ability to execute projects with a strong focus on health and safety.
Why do I need ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation?
In an ever-increasingly competitive environment, clients, venues and organisers are seeking ways to differentiate between suppliers and contractors. They increasingly want to mitigate their risk when buying and recommending services from external suppliers and they want access to an assurance that is industry-wide, recognised and credible.
As such, the ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation provides a benchmark and an industry standard to reassure clients, venues and organisers that they are working with suppliers and contractors with only the highest standards when it comes to health and safety.
Other benefits include:
Legal and regulatory compliance
Navigating the complex landscape of health and safety regulations can be daunting. Accreditation helps an organisation remain compliant with industry-specific laws and standards, including CDM regulations. By adhering to these requirements, you not only avoid potential legal repercussions but also foster a reputation of integrity and trust.
Risk mitigation
Accidents and emergencies can disrupt operations and tarnish a brand's image. Accreditation equips a company with the tools to identify, assess, and mitigate risks proactively. This preparedness not only safeguards business continuity but also contributes to long-term growth while ensuring work conducted is CDM compliant.
Improved partnerships
Collaboration with other businesses, contractors, and suppliers becomes smoother with Health and Safety Accreditation. It provides an assurance of a commitment to a secure working environment, facilitating stronger partnerships and collaborations within the industry.
Cost efficiency
ESSA Health & Safety accreditation is free for all full members of ESSA. Accreditation reduces accidents and associated costs, including medical expenses, legal fees, and operational disruptions, thereby positively impacting a company’s bottom line.
Employee engagement and retention
A safe workplace fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among employees. Accreditation contributes to higher job satisfaction, which in turn leads to increased retention rates and a workforce that is motivated to excel.
Elevated workforce welfare
Employees are a company’s most valuable asset. Health & Safety accreditation showcases a commitment to their well-being by establishing and maintaining rigorous safety protocols. This translates to reduced accidents, improved morale, and higher productivity, creating an environment where a team can thrive.
Guidance and support
To make your accreditation journey easier, ESSA provides a comprehensive set of guidance notes, templates, and examples. These resources take you step by step through each requirement, giving you clarity and confidence at every stage.
How do I become ESSA Health & Safety Accredited?
To become ESSA Health & Safety Accredited, you must first ensure you are a full member of ESSA. Full ESSA members receive free access to the ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation as part of their membership.
Once an ESSA member, you can begin the process by emailing our Health and Safety Manager, Josh Taylor at josh@essa.uk.com to arrange an initial call where you will be guided on where to start, where to get help and how the process will work.
Once the process has started, the steps to achieving ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation are as follows:
Step 1 - Access to the health and safety accreditation portal is provided
Step 2 – Member company accesses the accreditation portal and begins to upload information. Members have 7 days to complete this process.
Step 3 – Member company completes the application process and submits the information.
Step 4 – ESSA begins the assessment process and produces a detailed audit report which will be completed within 10 days of submission.
Once assessed, the next steps will be dependent on whether the member company’s application is successful, needs amends, or is unsuccessful.
If the application is successful
If the member company has successfully completed the ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation, they will be notified by ESSA. The company will then gain access to certification, logos and other assets to help promote the news, as well as being added to ESSA’s list of accredited members.
If the application needs amends
If the application needs amends, ESSA will contact the member company of the areas that require attention. The member company then has 28 days to access the portal and address the areas requiring amends before resubmitting.
This step is repeated twice if necessary. Applicants will receive two sets of feedback and can submit a total of three times.
If the application is unsuccessful
If the application is unsuccessful, ESSA will notify the member company. The member company will then be offered the chance to appeal if they do not agree with the decision.
If the application failure is accepted, the member company is invited to apply again after three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about the ESSA Health and Safety Accreditation that isn’t answered here? Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions over on our FAQ page.
ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation Videos
Hear more about the ESSA Health & Safety Accreditation and its many benefits by exploring our range of videos below, including information from the ESSA team and other industry professionals.
| "" | "" | "" | "" | "" |
Using ESSA Health & Safety Accredited Members
Are you an Exhibitor, Organiser or Venue? Click the links below to see how ESSA Health & Safety accredited members can help you.
More information on the benefits of using an accredited member here.
Are you ready to become ESSA Health & Safety Accredited?
Check the links below for further information on the accreditation, how the process works, some tips and a pre-audit document to help you get started. If you have any questions and or want to get started then contact josh@essa.uk.com
Please note the scheme is not available to non member organisations.
 |
 |
 |
