The system must be written up into a policy, comprising a policy statement (signed, dated and displayed), organisation and arrangements. The SilkThread^® self audit questions lead you through these requirements and give you help at every turn, ensuring everything is covered. It’s also cross-referenced to OHSAS18001 for those who have this standard and references HDG 65, the HSE’s over-arching guidance on managing H&S at work.

Risk Assessments need to be updated after an accident, after a significant change in the way of working and on a periodic basis. You also have to be able to identify when a risk assessment is needed. Once they are done, it’s vital to carry out all the resulting actions to keep your workforce safe, and to monitor and maintain existing controls. The SilkThread^® app guides you through these areas and ensure your organisation has everything covered.

H&S control also includes devising and maintaining training programmes, managing suppliers and contractors on site carrying out work as well as managing haulage sub-contractors and agency staff. The questions in the audit cover all these areas and ensure that nothing is overlooked, with links to HSE guidance on each topic.

This includes Fork Lift Trucks, HGVs, vans cars, pallet trucks and diggers. Risks associated with vehicle movement are heightened when pedestrians are also working or walking in the same area. The SilkThread^® audit and guidance help operators look at al the aspects of Workplace Transport, from three perspectives: Safe Driver, Safe Vehicle and Safe Site. The HSE Guidance on the subject (HSG 136) is also referenced.

Focus on improving the safety of Drivers, Vehicles and Journeys has led to a dramatic reduction in road causalities in recent years but there is still significant work to be done. The SilkThread^® audit and guidance helps operators navigate this area, including ensuring that ORR is factored into all safety discussions and that all drivers, whether employed as professional drivers or working as sales staff or managers, are included in these risk assessments.

The Welfare Regulations were established in 1992 and although now superseded in places by newer legislation like the smoking ban, still have an important part to play in ensuring that staff welfare is considered whilst employees are at work. SilkThread^® ensures that companies consider all these elements in their overall approach to H&S.