Health and Safety Advisors

Engineers and construction companies should view the COR 2020 or ISO 45001 certification as a significant achievement. However, the company’s journey doesn’t end with such certification achievement. To ensure long-term security and for compliance, companies should build their business practices ahead of time. Here we offer some strategies to maintain these certifications effectively.

1. Regularly Review and Update Safety Policies

If your company is to maintain COR 2020 and ISO 45001 certification, its safety policies must be clear and up-to-date. This makes it easy more practicable for compliance with (or litigation against) an always-evolving body of regulator codes.

Take time for regular reviews of safety policies and procedures at least once a year. Make updates when new risks, tools or regulatory changes arise.

2. Conduct Regular Internal Audits

Internal audits help to identify deficiencies in your safety management system before those faults have become large. For both certifications, such audits are critical to ascertain whether safety practices are being maintained properly.

Plan and audit every 6-12 months, then use an audit checklist to evaluate your safety system against all required standards and find places needing improvement.

3. Engage Employees in Safety

Employee involvement in safety practices is essential for sustaining a strong safety culture. Both COR 2020 and ISO 45001 stress the importance of employee engagement in maintaining safe work environments.
Hold regular safety meetings and encourage employees to report safety concerns. Create a culture where everyone is responsible for safety.

4. Provide Ongoing Training

Continuous training is vital for maintaining ISO 45001 and COR 2020 certifications. It ensures employees understand their roles in safety and stay informed on the latest best practices and regulations.

Develop an annual training plan that includes refresher courses and safety updates. Document all training and certifications to maintain accurate records.

5. Track and Analyze Incident Reports

Monitoring accidents and near misses helps identify trends and potential risks, enabling proactive safety measures. Both certifications require companies to track these incidents for continual improvement.

Implement a system for reporting incidents and near misses. Regularly analyze these reports to identify root causes and update risk assessments accordingly.

6. Engage a Health and Safety Consultant

External consultants offer valuable expertise in maintaining certifications and ensuring compliance. They can conduct independent audits and provide guidance on improving safety management systems.
Consider partnering with a consultant to periodically review your health and safety practices. Their objective perspective can help you stay on track with certification requirements.

7. Maintain Comprehensive Documentation

COR 2020 and ISO 45001 require thorough documentation to demonstrate compliance. Well-organized records are crucial during audits and for ongoing monitoring.

Invest in a digital documentation system to easily track safety policies, training records, audits, and incident reports. Ensure all records are consistently updated.

8. Focus on Continuous Improvement

Both certifications emphasize continuous improvement in safety practices. Companies should always strive to enhance their safety systems to minimize risks and improve overall safety performance.
Set measurable safety goals and regularly assess progress. Encourage employee input on safety improvements and integrate those suggestions into your safety management plan.

Conclusion

Maintaining COR 2020 and ISO 45001 certifications requires ongoing dedication to safety practices. By regularly reviewing policies, conducting audits, engaging employees, and focusing on continuous improvement, your company can ensure compliance, reduce workplace risks, and maintain a strong safety culture. These efforts not only protect your workforce but also enhance your company’s reputation and success in the competitive construction industry.