What is SSIP in construction?

The Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) framework is a nationally recognised certification system designed to streamline health and safety assessments for contractors and suppliers. It ensures that businesses, such as those in the construction industry, meet essential health and safety standards, simplifying the procurement process for clients and contractors alike. By aligning with the SSIP framework, construction companies can demonstrate their commitment to compliance, reduce duplication in certification efforts, and improve their chances of winning contracts.

Why SSIP is essential for the construction industry

In construction, where the risks are high and regulatory demands are stringent, SSIP certification plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong safety culture. It’s not just a checklist but a comprehensive system that documents how a contractor manages health and safety risks across all operations. For construction firms, SSIP certification provides a clear advantage by ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards, reducing liability risks, and streamlining supplier selection.

Latest HSE statistics: The reality of construction safety

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain during 2023/24. Of these fatalities, 50 resulted from falls from a height, 25 from being struck by moving vehicles, and 20 from being struck by moving objects. The construction industry alone accounted for 45 fatal injuries, representing approximately 33% of all workplace fatalities. These statistics highlight the urgent need for stringent health and safety measures within construction.

Additionally, the HSE reported that 1.7 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2023/24, with stress, depression, or anxiety affecting 776,000 workers. For construction firms, this underscores the importance of adopting robust safety and well-being strategies to protect their workforce.

SSIP certification: A dynamic risk-based assessment for safer construction sites

Tailored risk-based evaluation: Unlike static assessments, SSIP certification uses dynamic, risk-based assessment tailored to contractors’ specific business profiles and work types. This ensures that every query is relevant and proportionate to the risks involved, providing a more accurate assessment of compliance.

Thorough risk mitigation: SSIP assessments address operational, ethical, and financial risks, alongside core health and safety credentials, ensuring contractors meet high safety standards.

Continuous monitoring: SSIP certification is not just a one-time approval—it requires ongoing compliance to adapt to evolving industry regulations and best practices.

Supply Chain Confidence: Clients can trust that their contractor partnerships are built on robust safety and compliance frameworks, offering peace of mind and minimising risk.

Competitive Edge: SSIP certification enhances contractors’ marketability, giving them a strong advantage when bidding for construction projects.

Managing supply chain risk in construction with SSIP

Construction firms operate in an environment where supplier and contractor compliance is critical. Labour shortages, material availability, and increasing regulatory expectations make effective supply chain management a business priority. By ensuring that contractors hold SSIP certification, construction companies can mitigate financial and reputational risks while fostering safer, more ethical working conditions.

At SafeContractor, we support over 50 construction sector clients in managing their supply chains effectively. Our platform provides real-time insights, ensuring that businesses work only with accredited, safety-conscious contractors. Our clients—ranging from large construction firms to specialist subcontractors—trust us to help them maintain compliance and operational efficiency.

How SafeContractor supports SSIP certification for construction

SafeContractor’s platform simplifies the SSIP certification process, ensuring that construction businesses meet health and safety standards while maintaining efficient supply chains. Our services include:

• Full visibility: Gain complete oversight of your supply chain to make informed decisions about contractor partnerships.
• In-depth auditing: Our expert in-house audit team assesses supply chain compliance in health and safety, ESG, sustainability, quality, and more.
• Regulatory compliance: Identify and manage certified contractors while addressing compliance gaps proactively.
• Operational efficiency: Streamline data and processes with our digital platform, reducing administrative workload.
• Reliable sourcing: Use our contractor portal to find SSIP-certified, safety-conscious contractors in your area.

Why SafeContractor for SSIP in construction?

• Seamless onboarding: We handle contractor onboarding, ensuring a smooth certification process.
• Industry recognition: As the largest SSIP-registered member holding UKAS accreditation, we uphold the highest industry standards.
• Expert auditing: Our in-house technical experts rigorously assess contractor compliance to provide an accurate risk profile.
• Dedicated support: A dedicated Customer Success Manager helps guide businesses through the SSIP certification process.
• Dynamic questioning: Our risk-based question set adapts to each contractor’s activities, making assessments more relevant and efficient.
• Centralised compliance management: Keep all contractor data, documents, and risk ratings in one easy-to-use portal.

SSIP certification is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a strategic asset for construction businesses. By proactively managing risk, improving supply chain efficiency, and demonstrating a commitment to safety, construction firms can safeguard their workforce and strengthen their business reputation.