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The construction industry in the UK is enormous. According to the Office for National Statistics, there are over 325,000 registered construction businesses. This covers categories including not only construction but also civil engineering and specialist works. With that, comes a wide range of health and safety requirements which must be met.
Effective health and safety is absolutely crucial for any construction business to operate. Fortunately, there is a wide range of rules, legislation and guidance available from, for example:
A heavily regulated industry, opportunities are available within both the public and private construction sector. These may include individual contract opportunities, Dynamic Purchasing Systems and Framework Agreements.
There are health and safety tenders available in the following categories:
Sub-sectors that you might find health and safety tenders include:
Buyers seek professional consultancy, training and management services for many reasons:
Therefore, procurement through health and safety tenders may provide them with the following benefits:
Within the construction sector, buyers will seek a supplier who can provide a comprehensive range of services. This includes proven experience and ability in the following areas:
In consultancy and management roles, you may be expected to know which health and safety requirements are essential. Examples include:
As a supplier, you must demonstrate that you thoroughly understand workplace health and safety in context. This includes how these processes are implemented, improved and communicated in the workplace.
In health and safety training roles, you must demonstrate a similar knowledge. Additionally, having experience delivering training in a range of contexts is beneficial.
For example, this could include training delivered through seminars, digital learning platforms, and on-site groups. You must be capable of training individuals at all levels, from operatives to directors.
Developing case studies is an excellent way to demonstrate health and safety training in context. A useful and effective tool is the STAR method. STAR means Situation, Task, Action and Result. Writing your health and safety training experience under these headings will ensure you demonstrate your skills with clarity. Developing a good bank of persuasive, clear case studies will give your organisation a competitive edge.
Some buyers may seek external support for their own organisation to gain accreditation. This is suitable for larger organisations who already implement many formal processes and procedures. It may also benefit smaller organisations.
For example, those who may struggle to fully understand the requirements of a health and safety management system. This is where high-quality health and safety consultation services can shine.
ISO 45001 has replaced OHSAS 18001 as an international standard. The focus of this management system is to create working conditions which are safe. The ISO 45001 system was designed for integration with other ISO systems. For example, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. Therefore, organisations who are already accredited with these ISOs may find the accreditation process for ISO 45001 easier.
Typically, organisations seeking support with their health and safety tenders may require consultation and training with:
It goes without saying – responding to COVID-19 concerns is at the forefront of each organisation’s priorities. This may continue for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the scope for health and safety tenders is rapidly expanding.
The ISO organisation is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by the development of a new ISO: 45003. This is scheduled for publication in 2021 next year. ISO 45003 will build upon ISO 45001, with a focus on psychological health and safety.
Essential to health and safety tenders going forward will be the management of COVID-19 risk. This includes:
On 11th May the Government published COVID-19 guidance for the workplace. This provides protocols and steps for businesses to operate safely during the pandemic.
Therefore, you must be able to evidence, for example:
Crucial to COVID-19 health and safety legislation is different guidance for different regions. Therefore, it is important to differentiate between guidance for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Many health and safety consultants are registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR). However, this is not a requirement for every health and safety tender. It does provide additional value to your organisation when tendering and a competitive edge.
The OSHCR is recommended by HSE (Health and Safety Executive). It is worth bearing this in mind – when developing specifications, buyers will refer to best practice.
Consultants registered with the OSHCR can provide additional assurances to their clients. Membership demonstrates that you are fully committed to professional standards. It requires chartered status or membership with a professional body. This can include qualifications at degree level. You must also have in place appropriate insurance, relevant to the consultancy services you provide.
Some organisations may seek support with CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) accreditation through health and safety tenders. CHAS accreditation is essential for many construction companies to tender for work. It demonstrates to their own clients that they are fully compliant in a range of modules.
For example:
A key element of accreditation with CHAS is risk management. Suppliers must confirm, demonstrate and provide evidence of a wide range of policies and protocols to qualify. Providing suppliers support with CHAS accreditation can prove beneficial and lucrative for both consultant and supplier. This is because the foundations for good practice are established, long term.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are crucial for construction health and safety. Many construction professionals will already be fully familiar with the guidance and its application.
However, some construction organisations may seek external professional guidance during a construction project.
CDM regulations are more than guidelines. They are expected health and safety duties which construction companies must adhere to during all project stages. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that each project is:
There is a lot to consider when approaching health and safety tenders. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate appropriate evidence, experience and relevant knowledge. To improve your prospects when tendering for consultancy, management or training bids, reflect on the following key points:
These roles require many of the qualities of tender writing. This includes organising your evidence to ensure it is fully accounted for and relevant to your aims. Insurance, finances, certifications, memberships, CVs and policies are essential.
This applies whether you are providing consultancy services as an individual or an organisation. Clarify roles and responsibilities of each person who will provide services. Establish who is accountable for communications and actions.
For example, do you have particular links to additional health and safety resources that competitors may lack? What processes do you have which will reduce the time spent on a task, whilst increasing quality?
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Health and Safety Compliance Framework
Central & Cecil Housing Trust- London- Budget: Undisclosed
07-12-2020
Health and Safety Consultancy
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames- South East- Budget: £12,000
15-01-2021
Health and Safety Management System
Citizen- West Midlands- Budget: Undisclosed
22-01-2021
Health and Safety Services
Birmingham City Council- West Midlands- Budget: Undisclosed
15-01-2021
Health and Safety Support for the Council’s Revitalisation of Health and Safety Programme and Implementation of a Compliance Assurance System
Cheshire West and Chester- North West- Budget: Undisclosed
23-02-2021
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