What is fact and what is fiction in the world of accreditation? Andrew Harrison, Director at ESSA, explores the myths and truths around time, cost, resources and benefits to industry suppliers.
Time
When it comes to health and safety, time is naturally needed to ensure teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work safely when operating at events.
While there will always be some commitment of time to achieve this effectively and safely, more streamlined processes and around- the-clock support means companies and individuals can become accredited quicker than ever before – and accreditation plays a crucial role when it comes to proving your technical competence.
Cost
Accreditation should be viewed not simply as a cost but as an investment that yields substantial cost-saving returns long term.
This is particularly relevant when we look at reducing accidents. Last year, the average number of sick days a year in the UK per employee reached 7.8 – the highest in a decade. Add the increased risk of accidents that comes with working on events, and this can be even higher.
Safer working therefore means fewer disruptions, fewer sick days and a more positive bottom line.
Resources
While most accrediting bodies will require you to showcase your business’s ability to provide safe working conditions for all, this doesn’t need to be done from scratch.
For example, ESSA provides companies with templates and examples to assist with your application which outline clear steps and a framework to follow. Our templates help you create new examples of evidenceto showcase your commitment to health and safety negating the need for historical documents.
Benefits
Showcasing your commitment to health and safety and promoting safer working conditions are two great benefits that come with accreditation, but that’s not all. Showcasing your abilities through an industry-recognised accreditation improves your reputation and ensures your business stands out as a supplier of choice.
It’s win-win. Companies of all sizes should feel empowered to take this step towards greater success so, what’s stopping you?
Read about one of the accreditations that may help you win more business on page 28.