6 Steps to Crafting an Effective Safety Statement for Your Irish Business

Ensuring workplace safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture where employees feel secure and protected. For all Irish businesses, a robust Safety Statement is a cornerstone in achieving this goal. From small startups to medium-sized enterprises, the process of preparing a Safety Statement should be straightforward and practical, serving as a guide to minimise accidents and promote well-being at work.

Here are the essential steps to craft a comprehensive Safety Statement tailored to your organisation’s needs:

1. Formulate a Health and Safety Policy: Begin by drafting a clear and concise health and safety policy. This declaration, endorsed at a senior management level, showcases your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. Outline your organisation’s safety objectives, emphasising the importance of compliance with statutory requirements. Ensure the policy is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the workplace dynamics and regulations.
2. Identify Hazards: Conduct a thorough assessment of potential hazards in your workplace. This includes examining materials, equipment, chemicals, and work activities. While some hazards may be apparent, such as machinery risks or working at heights, others might require closer scrutiny. Utilise resources like accident records, legislation guidelines, and manufacturers’ instructions to identify and prioritise risks accurately.
3. Perform a Risk Assessment: Under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are mandated to conduct risk assessments. Evaluate the likelihood and severity of identified hazards, using templates provided by regulatory authorities or industry-specific publications. This step helps determine the level of risk associated with each hazard, guiding the implementation of necessary precautions.
4. Determine Precautionary Measures: Assess the adequacy of existing safety measures and determine if additional precautions are needed. Strive to go beyond mere compliance with legal requirements by aiming to eliminate hazards where possible. Consider modifying work processes or providing additional training to mitigate risks effectively. The goal is to make the workplace as safe as reasonably practicable for all employees.
5. Document Findings: Record significant findings from risk assessments and precautionary measures taken. This documentation forms a crucial part of your Safety Statement, providing transparency and accountability. Ensure employees are informed about the identified hazards and the steps being taken to address them. Keep this information readily accessible for inspections and audits.
6. Regular Review and Updates: The journey towards workplace safety is ongoing. Regularly review and update your Safety Statement to keep it relevant and effective. Changes in work processes, organisational structure, legislation, or workforce composition may necessitate revisions. While minor changes may not require immediate updates, significant alterations should prompt a thorough reassessment of risks and preventive measures.

Who is responsible for preparing the Risk Assessment and Safety Statement?

Those required to prepare a Risk Assessment and Safety Statement are:

• all employers
• those who control workplaces to any extent
• those who provide workplaces for use by others
• those who are self-employed

Crafting a comprehensive Safety Statement requires dedication and diligence, but the rewards are significant. By prioritising the well-being of your employees, you not only comply with legal obligations but also foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone in the organisation.

Remember, safety is not just a priority—it’s a core value that defines your organisation’s commitment to its most valuable asset: its people.

Give our team a call about managing your safety requirements.