Safety Statement

What exactly is a Safety Statement? 

Many business owners are surprised to learn that a Safety Statement is far more than a simple "Piece of Paper." It is in fact, a foundational legal document that serves as the backbone of your workplace protection strategy. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer in Ireland is legally required to maintain a written Safety Statement. 

A Safety Statement is your company's documented commitment to workplace health and safety. In reality, a Safety Statement is a comprehensive Safety Management System. It is a written pledge that outlines exactly how you manage safety, who is responsible for specific tasks, and the resources you have allocated to keep people out of harm's way. This strategic plan identifies workplace hazards, assesses risks, and details the preventative measures in place to protect your team.

Think of it as the "Master Manual" for your business. It doesn't just list rules; it provides a systematic framework for identifying hazards before they cause an accident. In the eyes of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), a robust Safety Statement is the first sign of a professionally managed, compliant business.

The Legal Landscape: The 2005 Act

While the requirement for a written safety plan dates back to 1989, the modern standard is set by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Under Section 20 of this Act, the law is explicit:

"Every employer shall prepare... a written statement... based on the identification of hazards and risk assessment... specifying the manner in which the safety, health, and welfare of his or her employees shall be secured and managed.

Failure to maintain an up-to-date, site-specific statement isn't just a safety risk—it's a significant legal vulnerability.

The Three Pillars of a Safety Statement 

1. The Safety Policy: A signed declaration by senior management stating the company's commitment to a safe working environment.

2. The Risk Assessment: A detailed "Hazard Log" where we identify everything from trip hazards to complex machinery risks, and rank them by severity.

3. The Controls: The specific actions, training, and equipment (PPE) required to eliminate or minimize those identified risks.

Why Your Business Can't Risk Being Without One

• Hefty Fines: Substantial financial penalties from the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland.

• Legal Prosecution: Potential criminal charges against directors and managers in the event of a serious accident.
• Insurance Issues: Many insurers will void or refuse a claim if they find your Safety Statement was outdated or non-existent at the time of an incident.

• Tender Disqualification: Most public and private sector contracts now require a valid Safety Statement as a mandatory part of the bidding process.

Our Safety Statement Consultancy Process

We provide a comprehensive, end-to-end service to ensure your business is fully compliant and your staff are protected.

• Initial Workplace Assessment: A thorough, on-site review of your premises, equipment, work activities, and existing safety culture.

• Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment: A systematic deep-dive to identify every potential hazard and provide a professional assessment of the associated risks.

• Bespoke Document Development: We draft a clear, legally compliant Safety Statement tailored specifically to the unique needs of your business.

• Implementation Support: Expert guidance on how to communicate and embed these safety practices across your entire organisation.

What You Will Receive

Upon completion of our consultancy, you will be issued a comprehensive Compliance Pack including:

• Audit & Inspection Report: A detailed breakdown of our findings.

• Your Completed Safety Statement: A professional, ready-to-use document.

• Industry-Specific Risk Assessments: Assessments tailored to your exact business type.

• CAPA Plan: A clear 'Corrective Action and Preventive Action' roadmap for future safety.

When should you update it?

A Safety Statement is not a "once-off" task. To remain legally valid, it must be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if:

• You move to a new premises.

• You introduce new machinery or technology.

• There is a change in your work processes or staff structure.

• Following a workplace accident or a "near-miss" incident.

Pricing & Quotations

Because every business is unique, our pricing is dependent on the size and nature of your operations.

Display Screen Equipment Assessments (DSE)

In today's digital-first world, your desk is more than just a piece of furniture—it's where your health meets your productivity. Improper workstation setups are the leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, and fatigue.

Our Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments ensure your team stays comfortable, compliant, and creative.

Why DSE Assessments Matter

Under health and safety regulations, employers are required to protect staff from the risks of sedentary screen work. But beyond "ticking a box," a proper assessment fosters a culture of care.

• Reduce Absenteeism: Prevent neck, back, and wrist injuries before they lead to sick leave.

• Boost Productivity: A comfortable employee is a focused employee.

• Legal Compliance: Meet your statutory obligations and protect your business from liability.

• Support Hybrid Work: Ensure home offices are as safe and ergonomic as the corporate HQ.

The Process: Simple & Effective

1. Analyse: We review the screen, chair, keyboard, and environmental factors (lighting, noise, breaks).

2. Adjust: Immediate on-the-spot corrections to posture and equipment positioning.

3. Advise: Practical recommendations for ergonomic accessories if required.

4. Report: You receive a comprehensive digital audit trail for your records.

Our DSE Assessment Process

1. Preparation & Pre-Screening

Before we even step into your office (or join a video call), we gather the essentials.

• User Questionnaire: Every employee completes a brief digital survey to flag existing discomfort, optical health, and current hardware setup.

• Scheduling: We coordinate with your team to find slots that don't interrupt deep-work sessions or important meetings.

2. The Expert Assessment

This is where the magic happens. A qualified assessor conducts a 1-on-1 session (typically 20–30 minutes) focusing on:

• The "Static" Setup: Evaluating the chair, desk height, and screen alignment using the 90-90-90 rule (elbows, hips, and knees at 90° angles).

• The "Dynamic" User: Observing how the employee actually moves. Do they cradle a phone with their shoulder? Do they lean in to read small text?

Immediate Adjustments: We don't just take notes; we fix what we can on the spot. We'll adjust chair tension, monitor height, and cable clutter immediately.

3. Education & Coaching

An ergonomic chair is useless if the user doesn't know how to sit in it. We empower your staff with:

• Postural Awareness: Teaching them the "Neutral Reach Zone" to keep frequently used items (mouse, phone, coffee) within easy grasp.

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Training them to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain.

• Micro-Break Habits: Simple stretches and movement cues to keep blood flowing and muscles engaged throughout the day.

4. Reporting 

Following every assessment, we provide a Technical Action Report. This document serves as your legal shield and your roadmap for improvement:

• Risk Rating: A "Traffic Light" system (Red/Amber/Green) to help you prioritize urgent interventions.
• Justified Recommendations: We only suggest new equipment (like standing desks or ergonomic mice) when there is a clear, evidence-based need.
• User Training Log: Verification that the employee has been educated on proper posture and the importance of "eye-breaks."

When should you update it?

Even if none of the above changes occur, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and industry best practices recommend a regular review cycle:

• Standard Review: Every 1 to 2 years This ensures that "ergonomic creep" (where equipment gets moved or posture slips) is corrected.

• Refresher Training: DSE awareness training for employees should typically be refreshed every 3 years.

Pricing & Quotations

Because every business is unique, our pricing is dependent on the size and nature of your operations and the number of assessments required.