What is a Safety Statement?

Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires all organisations to have a Safety Statement, which:

   – Specifies the manner in which the safety, health and welfare at work shall be secured and managed.

   – Is based on a systematic risk assessment

   – Details the protective and preventive measures taken and the resources provided for protecting safety

   – Specifies the duties of all employees regarding safety, including employees with specific safety responsibilities

The Safety Statement should be a ‘live’ document that all staff are aware of, which is implemented at all levels in the organisation, integrated into on-going activities and communicated to everyone in the workplace.

The Safety Statement must reflect the current situation, therefore it must be kept up to date. Nifast recommend that the Safety Statement be reviewed and updated annually.  It will also need to be updated when there have been significant changes, if there is another reason to believe it is no longer valid, or if instructed to by a HSA inspector.

How Nifast consultants can help with your Safety Statement

Nifast consultants can help by preparing a Safety Statement for your organisation or reviewing an existing one.  This can include:

   – Identification and evaluation of significant workplace hazards and risks

   – Recommendation of practical controld measures designed to control risk

   – Provision of advice on health and safety policies and procedures

   – Review of your programme and update as necessary

Questions:

   – Does your company have a site specific Safety Statement?

   – Do you need your Safety Statement reviewed and updated?

   – Have you identified new workplace hazards & risks in your organisation?

   – Has your organisation implemented new workplace practices or procedures?