Achieving BizSafe Level 2 Certification: What You Need to Know
As a business owner, manager, or supervisor, taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and health of your workforce is crucial. With the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) mandating these aspects of the workplace, it’s essential to obtain the required certification. One such certification is the BizSafe Level 2 certification, which demonstrates a company’s commitment to safety and health.
Understanding BizSafe Level 2 Certification
BizSafe is a five-step program introduced by the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council, which aims to help companies build and cultivate their WSH capabilities. The program is designed to help companies identify and manage WSH risks, which can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. The five-step program, Progressive WSH Programme, starts from Level 1 and goes up to Level 5, with each level representing an enhanced level of certification.
For companies with 10 or more employees, the BizSafe Level 2 certification is a mandatory requirement that is meant to provide a reliable standard for managing occupational safety and health risks. The certification is designed to help companies develop and implement effective WSH management systems, which can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
What is BizSafe Level 2 Certification?
BizSafe Level 2 certification identifies that the company has sound Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Management Systems in place, indicating a company’s capability to manage WSH risks in the organization proactively. With this certification, companies display compliance with key national WSH standards, as well as a commitment to safety and health. The certification process involves a thorough assessment of the company’s WSH management systems, policies, procedures, and training programs.
The certification is valid for three years, after which the company will need to undergo a recertification process to maintain their certification status. The recertification process involves a reassessment of the company’s WSH management systems, policies, procedures, and training programs.
Importance of BizSafe Level 2 Certification for Businesses
Attaining BizSafe Level 2 certification provides a unique competitive edge, demonstrating a business’s commitment to implementing and maintaining the highest standards of WSH management. It benefits all the stakeholders involved, including the employees, customers, and regulatory authorities. The certification can also increase the company’s credibility and reputation, paving the way for better business prospects and partnerships.
Moreover, the certification can help companies reduce their insurance premiums, as insurance companies often offer discounts to companies that have achieved BizSafe certification. This can result in significant cost savings for the company, which can be reinvested in other areas of the business.
Differences Between BizSafe Level 1 and Level 2 Certification
BizSafe Level 1 and Level 2 certification differ based on the company’s scale and scope. Level 1 is typically intended for smaller companies, while Level 2 is meant for larger companies with a more significant workforce or higher risks.
Level 2 has more stringent requirements in terms of policy development, risk assessment, implementation, and review processes, and training obligations. Companies that achieve Level 2 certification have demonstrated a higher level of commitment to WSH management, which can help reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Overall, achieving BizSafe Level 2 certification is an important milestone for any company that is serious about workplace safety and health. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence and sets a high standard for other companies to follow. By investing in WSH management systems and achieving certification, companies can create a safer and healthier workplace for their employees, while also reaping the benefits of improved credibility, reputation, and cost savings.
Requirements for BizSafe Level 2 Certification
For a company to achieve BizSafe Level 2 certification, they will need to meet several requirements. These include:
Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Policy
The first requirement for BizSafe Level 2 certification is the establishment of a clear and concise Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) policy. This policy outlines the company’s commitment to safety and health within the organization. The WSH policy should reflect the organization’s safety and health objectives, and the company management must endorse and communicate the policy to all employees.
The WSH policy should also outline the roles and responsibilities of employees in ensuring workplace safety and health. It should be easily accessible to all employees and reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.
Risk Management Implementation Plan
The second requirement for BizSafe Level 2 certification is the implementation of a risk management plan. This plan must follow a formal and systematic approach in identifying, assessing, controlling, and reviewing risks to ensure continuous improvement.
The risk management plan should include a process for identifying potential hazards in the workplace and assessing the risks associated with those hazards. It should also outline the measures that will be taken to control and reduce those risks to an acceptable level. The plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
The third requirement for BizSafe Level 2 certification is the establishment of a process for hazard identification and risk assessment. This process should be structured and involve the participation of employees.
The process should include the reporting and tracking of any hazards identified. Employees should be encouraged to report any hazards they identify, and the company should have a system in place for tracking and addressing those hazards.
Risk Control Measures
The final requirement for BizSafe Level 2 certification is the implementation of risk control measures. Once risks are identified, the company must implement measures to manage and reduce those risks to an acceptable level.
The company must demonstrate and document the implementation of control measures to regulatory authorities to obtain certification. This documentation should include evidence of the measures taken to control and reduce risks, as well as evidence of the effectiveness of those measures.
By meeting these requirements, a company can achieve BizSafe Level 2 certification, demonstrating its commitment to workplace safety and health.
Steps to Achieve BizSafe Level 2 Certification
The steps to achieving BizSafe Level 2 certification are:
Appoint a Risk Management Champion
The company must designate a senior management level Risk Management Champion (RMC) to oversee the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) management system and its implementation. The RMC should be highly knowledgeable in risk management principles and should have the authority to manage and implement the system effectively.
The RMC should be responsible for creating a culture of safety within the organization and should lead by example. They should be able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels and ensure that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Attend Risk Management Course
The company’s WSH team must attend Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) courses related to risk management. These courses will provide them with the necessary knowledge and competencies needed to implement the WSH management system effectively.
During the course, the WSH team will learn about the legal requirements for workplace safety and health, risk assessment techniques, hazard identification, and risk control measures. They will also learn about the importance of communication and employee participation in the WSH management system.
Conduct Risk Assessment
The company must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential safety and health hazards. This process should involve all levels of employees, and the results should be communicated clearly to all employees.
The risk assessment should be conducted regularly to ensure that any new hazards are identified and addressed promptly. The assessment should also take into account the changing nature of the workplace and any new equipment or processes that may introduce new hazards.
Develop and Implement Risk Management Plan
Once the risks are identified and assessed, the company must develop and implement an appropriate risk management plan. The plan must include risk control measures, communication processes related to safety and health issues, review procedures, and training programs for employees.
The risk management plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. Any changes to the workplace or work processes should be evaluated to determine if they introduce new hazards or require changes to the risk management plan.
Submit Required Documents for Certification
The final step involves submitting all required documents, policies, procedures, and records to the regulatory authority to obtain BizSafe Level 2 certification. The regulatory authority will review the documents and perform audits to ensure that the WSH management system meets the required standards before issuing the certification.
Once the certification is obtained, the company should continue to monitor and evaluate the WSH management system to ensure that it remains effective and relevant. The company should also continue to provide training and education to employees to ensure that they remain aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Conclusion
Attaining BizSafe Level 2 certification demonstrates a company’s dedication to safeguarding the safety and health of its employees. The certification provides a standardized framework that helps companies to identify and manage potential WSH risks, minimizing workplace accidents, and ensuring business continuity. By following the outlined steps, businesses can obtain the required certification and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
