What is Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation

In a highly regulated corporate environment, the need for solid health and safety practices cannot be overstated. Having the right accreditations alongside obtaining major contracts or working with significant clients is indispensable. The Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation is one of the most reputable certifications in this area.

In this blog, we further explore the meaning of Achilles Accreditation, its implications for business, along with its main components and benefits. Additionally, the blog discusses the steps involved in obtaining the accreditation.

Understanding Achilles Accreditation

Achilles operates globally, assisting businesses with risk management and supply chain streamlining. They specialize in supplier qualification and auditing by assessing compliance with a predefined set of benchmarks that encompass health and safety, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and financial health.

This designated accreditation confirms that organizations effectively manage risks associated with health and safety issues. Achilles accredited organizations conduct detailed compliance assessments aligned with industry best practices.

What is the Importance of Achilles Accreditation?

Some of the largest UK companies operating within the Construction, Utility, Transport, Oil and Gas, and Manufacturing Industries make use of the Achilles systems. In these industries, businesses usually work only with registered subcontractors who have undergone Achilles accreditation.

Having an Achilles accreditation enables your business to enjoy the following advantages:

• Enhanced reputability: Each organization seeks to prove and defend its reputation in the market; thus, Achilles accreditation allows an organization to show compliance with industry standards, which demonstrates commitment toward health and safety management.
• Access to valuable contracts: A majority of big vendors require their suppliers to be registered in Achilles, therefore opening access to top-tier contracts.
• Strengthened market position: You stand out among your competitors who lack such certifications.
• Improved organizational processes: The accreditation process by itself can shed light on some of the internal issues that an organization needs to work on, thus enabling the creation of a safer and more efficient workplace.

What Does the Achilles Accreditation Process Entail?

To attain the Achilles Accreditation, there is a thorough assessment that must be done for the suppliers, which includes the steps below:

1. Sign Up:

The first stage is to register the company with Achilles and create a supplier profile. This profile contains the company name, services it offers, documentation of the company, along with its health and safety records.

2. Questionnaire and Document Submission Upload:

You are required to complete specific health and safety questionnaires and submit relevant documents such as policies, risk assessments, training records, and logbooks of incidents.

3. Audit (For Certain Industries):

In certain industries, accreditation may require an on-site or desktop audit. This is how Achilles verifies that the described systems and practices have been put in place.

4. Assessment Result:

Document workflows have been streamlined so that you will be notified regarding your accreditation status swiftly once your documentation has been reviewed. However, it is critical to understand that non-compliances must be addressed to be granted accreditation.

5. Sustainability:

The accreditation will be valid for 12 months. Nonetheless, you must amend your documentation and complete annual renewals to maintain this status.

Is It Worth It? 

For most business entities, the Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation opens doors to numerous opportunities that otherwise may not be easily accessible. While the process might be cumbersome and rigorous, the benefits accrued in the long run are significant. It demonstrates your ability to interface with prospective clients and partners as a reliable and professional company.

In addition, gaining accreditation assists in improving your procedures, reduces risks, and guarantees meeting legal responsibilities. With the growing focus on health and safety concerns, pursuing such accreditation can prove to be a very strong strategic move.