What's in your safety stack?

Regardless of whether you are a consultant or an in-house safety professional; we all need effective tools to get the job done. 

Since joining a tech firm this year, I found a useful model to describe the development process. Known as a stack, the model aims to summarise how your service comes together via the tools you subscribe to.

We all have our own safety stack, even if we haven’t thought about it in this way before. I have shared mine above to be open about how I view my services. Here are some ideas to consider within your own stacks.

RAMS

We spend significant time writing, helping others write, or reviewing risk assessments and method statements. So why are we still relying on Word and Excel to produce these? Just like the ergonomic principle, we should be designing systems around people rather than making ourselves fit existing models. 

I’m sure I am not the only one who gets frustrated with having to re-format Word RAMS templates and revising table grids on Excel. That’s why I looked to purpose-made online RAMS systems four years ago to great success. Look for a system that is methodical, easy to use and can be shared with others.

Inspections & Audits

I probably use the most widely known safety tool out there. iAuditor has helped me produce quick reports with actions and photos attached as soon as the reader receives it. 

The system’s customisation allows me to build templates already used by businesses, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. With safety professionals no stranger to plate spinning, using a tool to help speed up site visits and get your points across is a no-brainer.

Investigations

Being reactive events, investigations are often the most difficult to plan for. You will want a tool that is both robust and consistent whether you are tackling a near miss or RIDDOR investigation. Using a recognised tool from the high-risk industry allows me to do just that.

Using storyboarding and 5-Whys root cause analysis helps me to deep dive into an incident, ensuring no stone is left unturned. As an added bonus, TOPSET now offers e-RCA (Root Cause Analysis) software within an app, meaning I can complete my enquiries on the go.

Legal Updates

Legal safety updates can be taken directly from the HSE website. However, I also want to be kept abreast of changing standards, guidance and codes of practice. Therefore, using The Compliance People (previously LUS) to have this additional information pushed to me as soon as changes are released

Better still, the system also allows me to build legal and risk registers for safety, environment and quality. This means I can take a holistic view of risks within a business and help rationalise the safety objectives I am proposing. Look for systems that automate information updates and serve as useful evidence within your external audits.

PPE

We know it is the last resort, but we still need the kit available. ARCO for me is reliable, features enough range of equipment and is trustworthy with its BSIF Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) certification.

Having a long-term partnership with your PPE provider will ensure good value for money, improved customer service and save time with one point of contact for PPE needs. With customised catalogues, you are also able to control what equipment can be purchased by the business.

Wrapping up

Stacks will take many forms depending on your responsibilities in your role. However, the model makes you think whether you are using the best tool for each duty you have. 

Many of you may think I have missed some elements that you will want to add to your stack. For example, the majority will either be completing continuous professional development (CPD) through IOSH or IIRSM, or have a preferred learning management system you utilise for training.

So, what’s in your safety stack?

Who are HandsHQ?

As safety software leaders, HandsHQ provides the solution to your risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) frustrations. Working with 1,500 clients whilst maintaining a library of RAMS, the system is quick and easy, keeping your employees, contractors and clients safe. Get in touch to see the benefits.