So, is Chas accreditation mandatory by law? Or is it just a nice-to-have accreditation?
The short answer is no – CHAS itself is not a legal requirement for contractors, per se. There’s no specific UK legislation that mandates that contractors must be CHAS-accredited.
That said, many major clients and contractors won’t work with anyone who isn’t CHAS accredited. So while it might not be a legal requirement, I would say it’s definitely a smart business decision to become accredited if you want to stay competitive.
As a contractor, not having CHAS can significantly hinder your chances of winning contracts and limit the clients you can work with.
Many clients, especially those in the public sector, make CHAS accreditation a prerequisite for contractors on their projects.
The role of Chas accreditation in the construction industry
CHAS is a health and safety assessment scheme that evaluates the health and safety standards of contractors. ‘
It’s a pre-qualification service used by thousands of buyers and suppliers to identify contractors who have health and safety standards that meet their own requirements.
The scheme, a part of the Safety Schemes in Procurement, was initiated in 1997 to help standardize health and safety assessments in the UK.
The accreditation process is rigorous and the reason is the need to be sure that contractors have adequate health and safety measures in place to protect employees and the public.
Legal Requirements for Health and Safety
I want to be clear on the fact that even as CHAS accreditation is not a legal requirement, there are indeed various UK regulations that contractors must follow regarding workplace health and safety.
Key regulations include the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
These laws require all employers, including contractors, to manage health and safety effectively to protect their workers and the public.
They place a legal duty on employers to provide a safe working environment for employees and members of the public. This means that contractors need to ensure they have adequate health and safety measures in place, regardless of whether they have CHAS accreditation.
As such, contractors must conduct risk assessments by an experienced safety advisor (it’s a requirement) to identify potential hazards and take steps to control these hazards.
They must also have written health and safety policies and procedures in place and make sure that employees are trained on these policies and procedures.
So you can see how CHAS helps ensure that you’re meeting health and safety standards, which can prevent accidents and legal issues.
Why do contractors need CHAS?
The reality is most major projects and organizations won’t hire contractors without CHAS accreditation nowadays.
It has become the industry-accepted baseline credential for health and safety compliance. CHAS accreditation is increasingly becoming essential for contractors who want to bid on major construction projects
Here’s why:
- It’s a way for clients to vet contractors and ensure they’re working with companies that take health and safety seriously. This helps avoid accidents and the associated risks and costs.
- CHAS accredited contractors tend to win more contracts, as clients have peace of mind knowing they’re working with responsible, safety-conscious firms.
- CHAS accreditation can help you demonstrate that your business is reputable and committed to health and safety, which can be a huge selling point when bidding for contracts.
Having CHAS gives contractors a competitive edge and opens up far more business opportunities across both private and public sectors.
I would recommend that you get accredited to show that you’re really commited to health and safety best practice- making you a more attractive hire.
Advantages to getting CHAS accredited
There are numerous advantages to getting CHAS accredited, both for contractors and their clients:
For contractors:
- Demonstrates commitment to excellent health and safety standards
- Since many clients require CHAS accreditation before considering a contractor for a project, being accredited opens doors to more job opportunities.
- Contractors with CHAS accreditation are seen as reputable and responsible businesses.
- Reduces paperwork and streamlines prequalification processes
- Potential for lower insurance premiums
- Promotes a culture of safety within their organization by helping contractors identify and address any gaps in their health and safety management system.
- By having CHAS accreditation, you set yourself apart from other contractors and demonstrate your commitment to health and safety, which can make you more attractive to potential clients.
For clients:
- Easily identify competent, safety-compliant contractors
- Assurance that contractors comply with safety regulations
- Reduced risks and liabilities on construction projects
- Access to CHAS’s audited database of accredited contractors
- Fulfill their own legal health and safety obligations
So, is CHAS a legal requirement?
To summarize – No, CHAS accreditation is not a strict legal requirement for UK contractors. However, in practical terms, it has become an industry-standard and a virtual must-have for any contractor wanting to stay competitive.
I would say the benefits of CHAS far outweigh the relatively low accreditation costs. From opening up lucrative work opportunities to verifying your health and safety practices, getting CHAS accredited is simply good business.
So, if you’re a contractor in the UK, whether it’s a small business or a big company, considering becoming CHAS accredited is a smart move. It shows that you care about health and safety, which can go a long way in the construction industry.
If you’re ready to get accredited, give us a call today!
By the way, If you’re a contractor looking to get CHAS accredited, THS can help. We’re a Waltham Abbey, England-based training provider, and we know exactly what it takes to get your business fully accredited.
As your dedicated Safety Advisor, I’ll manage risk assessments, policy reviews, and all the necessary documentation to ensure you’re fully compliant and ready for CHAS approval.
At THS, we specialize in making SSIP accreditation, including CHAS, as easy as possible. I don’t just offer templates or advice like others do; I do the heavy lifting, guiding you every step of the way. Thanks to our affiliate status, I can even offer you faster processing times and discounts on fees. You can get your accreditation in two days!
We’ll do all the work for you, from the paperwork to the assessments to the procedures. Call Sam today at +44 20 8059 3633 or email [email protected].
WE CAN HELP YOU GET CHAS ACCREDITED!
