Why CHAS Accreditation is Essential for Contractors & How to Get It

Lee Marsden
March 7, 2025
Lee Marsden
March 7, 2025

Health and safety compliance is a top priority in the construction industry, and achieving CHAS accreditation is one of the best ways for contractors to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high safety standards. CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a widely recognised accreditation that helps contractors win more work, stay compliant, and reduce risks.

In this blog, we’ll explore why CHAS accreditation is essential for contractors, the benefits of being accredited, and how to obtain it.

  • CHAS accreditation demonstrates that contractors meet recognised health and safety standards, improving credibility, ensuring legal compliance and helping businesses qualify for more public and private sector projects.
  • Gaining accreditation involves selecting the right level, preparing key documentation such as policies and risk assessments, submitting an application and passing an assessment, with certification typically renewed annually to maintain compliance.

1. What is CHAS Accreditation?

The Definition:

CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a UK-based accreditation that certifies contractors’ compliance with health and safety regulations.

Why It Matters:

  • Demonstrates that your company meets legal health and safety requirements.
  • Enhances credibility and trust among clients and main contractors.
  • Helps contractors prequalify for public and private sector projects.

2. Benefits of CHAS Accreditation for Contractors

Win More Contracts

Many local authorities, principal contractors, and developers require CHAS accreditation as a prequalification for project tenders.

Ensure Legal Compliance

  • CHAS accreditation ensures you comply with HSE (Health and Safety Executive) regulations.
  • Demonstrates adherence to CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management) Regulations.

Improve Health & Safety Standards

  • Reduces workplace accidents and legal risks.
  • Shows a proactive commitment to creating a safer work environment.

Save Time & Money

  • A single CHAS assessment reduces the need for multiple prequalification checks.
  • Helps avoid costly legal fines and project delays due to non-compliance.

3. How to Get CHAS Accreditation

Step 1: Choose the Right CHAS Accreditation Level

CHAS offers different levels of accreditation:

  • CHAS Standard: Covers health and safety compliance.
  • CHAS Advanced: Includes additional compliance areas such as environmental and quality standards.
  • CHAS Elite: The highest level, covering all PAS 91 prequalification areas.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

To pass a CHAS assessment, some of the things you’ll need:

  • Health and safety policy documents.
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).
  • Evidence of staff training and qualifications.
  • Records of incident reporting and site inspections.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Register on the CHAS website and complete the online application.
  • Upload the required documents and pay the accreditation fee.

Step 4: Assessment & Approval

  • CHAS assessors will review your submission.
  • If successful, you’ll receive your CHAS certification, valid for 12 months.

4. How Majestic Construction Can Help

At Majestic Construction, we specialise in helping contractors achieve CHAS accreditation quickly and efficiently. We provide:

  • Expert guidance on documentation and application processes.
  • Health and safety audits to ensure full compliance.
  • Ongoing support to maintain accreditation year after year.

Need help getting CHAS accredited? Contact us today at lee@majesticconstruction.co.uk or 01484 426302.