SafeContractor Approved & Accredited

When you choose to use Browns Landscape Solutions LTD, you are using a SafeContractor accredited company. But what does this mean for you and how does selecting a SSIP approved contractor help our clients and customers?

What is SafeContractor?

SafeContractor is a UK accreditation scheme that assesses and verifies the health and safety competence of contractors and tradespeople, ensuring they meet recognised standards for safe working practices, risk management and compliance. It provides clients and employers with independent assurance that accredited contractors maintain appropriate policies, procedures and training, helping to reduce workplace accidents, meet legal obligations and improve procurement confidence.

How does using a SafeContractor accredited contractor benefit you, the customer?

Using a SafeContractor-accredited company gives customers confidence that the contractor meets recognized health and safety standards. Accreditation involves independent checks of insurance, risk assessments, method statements and training, reducing the likelihood of accidents or legal issues. It also signals professionalism and competence, increasing the chance of work being completed on time and to standard. For clients with regulatory or corporate procurement requirements, using an accredited contractor simplifies compliance and documentation. Overall, it lowers risk and offers clearer recourse if problems arise.

How does SafeContractor raise standards?

SafeContractor raises standards by delivering independent accreditation that verifies and improves organisations’ health, safety, environmental and quality management.

  • Requires independent third-party assessment of health and safety management systems, ensuring documented policies and procedures are implemented and maintained

  • Verifies competence of staff through training records, qualifications and evidence of ongoing professional development

  • Confirms adequate insurance cover (public liability and employer’s liability) to protect clients and contractors from financial risk

  • Assesses risk management practices, including site-specific risk assessments and method statements for high-risk activities

  • Checks accident and incident reporting, investigation procedures and evidence of corrective actions to prevent recurrence

  • Reviews contractor pre-qualification information to verify subcontractor procurement and oversight processes

  • Evaluates control measures for hazardous substances, waste management and environmental protection to reduce workplace and environmental harm

  • Requires demonstration of emergency preparedness, including first aid arrangements, evacuation procedures and access to emergency equipment

  • Verifies implementation of health monitoring where relevant (e.g. for noise, vibration, respiratory risks) to protect worker health over time

  • Confirms safe systems for plant, vehicles and working at height, including maintenance records and competency for equipment operators

  • Promotes continual improvement by setting standards for performance monitoring, internal audits and management review of health and safety systems

  • Provides a recognised national accreditation mark that clients can rely on when selecting competent, compliant contractors

  • Encourages industry best practice by aligning assessment criteria with current legislation, guidance and sector-specific standards

  • Reduces client procurement risk by streamlining contractor selection with a consistent, auditable verification process

  • Organisations are assessed against a consistent set of criteria by an impartial scheme. This verification assures clients that contractors and suppliers meet baseline competency in health and safety and related disciplines.

  • The assessment process encourages businesses to identify hazards, implement controls and document safe systems of work. This leads to fewer incidents, reduced downtime and lower insurance and compliance costs.

  • Membership requires evidence of ongoing monitoring and review. Regular renewal and re-assessment motivate firms to maintain and improve systems rather than relying on one-off approaches.

  • The scheme encourages organisations to align with statutory requirements and recognised guidance, decreasing the likelihood of regulatory breaches and associated penalties.

For tree surgery and grounds maintenance contractors, SafeContractor accreditation raises standards by ensuring safe working at height, correct use of plant and machinery, appropriate COSHH controls for chemicals, environmental protections around site works, and effective traffic and public protection measures.

Membership signals to clients that a contractor has: reliable systems to protect employees, the public and the environment, improving reputation and commercial opportunity while reducing operational risk.