A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED WITH THE BIZSAFE CERTIFICATION

Maintaining workplace safety and health is critical for organisations, employees and society at large.  As employees have the right to work in a safe environment, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace. In Singapore, bizSAFE is a programme designed to assist companies with improving their workplace safety and health standards. Workplace accidents can have major consequences, including injuries, fatalities, property damage, and loss of productivity. They can also have a detrimental impact on the business reputation, expose it to legal and financial risks, and influence employee morale and well-being. Implementing the bizSAFE programme enables companies to enhance their safety and health standards, minimise accidents and injuries, and foster a workplace culture that values safety and health.  

In this guide, we will explore the bizSAFE programme and how to get started with it step by step.

How Does the bizSAFE Programme Work?

The bizSAFE programme is a step-by-step approach that includes five stages, each with its own set of prerequisites and criteria for enhancing workplace safety and health. Businesses should meet the requirements of each level and pass an audit conducted by an accredited WSH auditor in order to receive the bizSAFE certification.

The bizSAFE levels are as follows. 

• bizSAFE Level 1
• bizSAFE Level 2
• bizSAFE Level 3
• bizSAFE Level 4
• BizSAFE STAR 

How to Get Started with bizSAFE?

1. Step 1: Get the Support of Top Management

First, your top management should fully commit to the bizSAFE certification process as it sets up the framework for how a business will manage workplace safety. The process begins with your top executives attending a half-day bizSAFE Level 1 workshop, which will help them understand the significance of WSH and their roles in promoting it throughout the company. 

2. Step 2: Select a Champion for Risk Management (RM)

Following the approval of the top management, the next step is choosing a dedicated Risk Management (RM) Champion. This person will be in charge of risk management and ensuring that your company adheres to bizSAFE regulations. 

3. Step 3: Develop a Workplace Health and Safety (WSH) Policy

Once you have an RM champion, it is time to develop a comprehensive WSH policy. This policy should outline your company’s commitment to providing a safe workplace, employee responsibilities and tasks, and risk management procedures. The WSH policy should be effectively communicated to all personnel and readily available for reference.

4. Step 4: Implement the Risk Management Plan

The implementation of a strong risk management strategy is necessary to reach bizSAFE Level 3. This strategy should outline potential work hazards, analyse the risks associated with them and offer guidance on mitigating or eliminating them. The RM Champion is responsible for leading this initiative and working closely with employees to ensure that all risks are effectively managed.

5. Step 5: Perform a Risk Management Audit

After your risk management plan has been implemented, it is crucial to have it evaluated by a MOM-approved WSH auditor. This audit will validate that your risk management plan complies with the WSH Regulations. Once the audit is successfully completed, your company will acquire the bizSAFE Level 3 certification.

6. Step 6: Establish a WSH Management System

In order to achieve bizSAFE Level 4, your company should develop a WSH management system that includes both risk management and other WSH factors. This approach requires you to consistently enhance your workplace safety standards and incorporate safety procedures into your daily operations. An effective WSH management system also includes regular employee communication and training.

7. Step 7: Conduct a WSH Management System Audit

Similar to risk management audits, your WSH management system should be audited by a MOM-approved WSH auditor. It will ensure that your system is effective and complies with the required standards. Once completed, you will be eligible to acquire the bizSAFE Level 4 certification. 

8. Step 8: Achieve Level Star Status in bizSAFE

The ultimate goal of bizSAFE certification is to receive bizSAFE Level Star. For your company to advance to this level, it should receive accreditation for an internationally recognised WSH standard such as ISO 45001. It indicates your company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards for employee health and safety.

9. Step 9: Promote a Safety-First Culture

Achieving bizSAFE accreditation entails more than just checking boxes; it also requires fostering a safety-first culture within your business. Therefore, encourage employees to attend safety training sessions, report hazards, and incorporate safety into their daily tasks. Make sure to acknowledge and reward staff members who are committed to workplace safety.

10. Step 10: Observe and Improve Constantly

Occupational safety is an ongoing process that requires consistent monitoring and improvement. Review your WSH policies, risk management strategies, and safety procedures on a regular basis to ensure they are effective and up-to-date. In order to make the necessary changes, inputs from staff members, incidents, and audits should also be considered.

Get bizSAFE Certification for Your Business with Assure Safety

Achieving the bizSAFE certification will significantly enhance the reputation of your company and provide a safe workplace for your employees. With extensive experience in safety consultancy, certification, and WSQ training, Assure Safety has been a reliable WSH partner for many businesses. As an approved training organisation (ATO) proficient in WSH, bizSAFE, and ISO, we offer realistic solutions that meet your requirements. Our qualified and professional consultants are readily available to help you with any WSH issue in your organisation. If you’re interested in obtaining bizSAFE accreditation for your company, contact us today!