NEN has requested that the Construction Safety Governance Code (GCVB) amend and provide further clarification regarding its communication on the acceptance of VCA-MAX as supplementary evidence within Safety in Tendering (ViA). The current communication may give the impression that VCA-MAX is substantively equivalent to step 3 of the Safety Culture Ladder (SCL), whilst an independent study carried out by TNO and the University of Antwerp does not reach that conclusion.
NEN endorses the GCVB’s ambition to further strengthen the safety culture in the construction and infrastructure sectors. As the independent administrator of the Safety Culture Ladder (SCL), NEN emphasises the importance of clear communication regarding the meaning and evidential value of various assessment tools. According to NEN, this is essential for clients, contractors, certification bodies and contracting authorities.
Research highlights similarities and differences
Independent research by TNO and the University of Antwerp identifies the similarities and differences between VCA-MAX and SCL Level 3. Among other things, the report describes differences in theoretical framework, assessment criteria, audit methodology, assessment logic and the significance of the certification outcome. The research does not establish any substantive equivalence. It is therefore important to continue to distinguish between the GCVB’s policy decision to permit VCA-MAX within ViA and a substantive comparison of the two schemes.
Request for further clarification
NEN has asked the GCVB to make it explicitly clear in its communications that the study does not establish any substantive equivalence between VCA-MAX and SCL Level 3. In addition, NEN has asked the GCVB to provide further clarification on the policy considerations behind the approval of VCA-MAX, as well as the status, scope and evidential value of VCA-MAX within ViA. NEN also requests clarity regarding the announced further development of VCA-MAX, the supervision of the scheme and the potential implications for the validity and interpretation of current and future VCA-MAX certificates. Until it is clear what both instruments assess and what evidential value can be attributed to them, there will be no level playing field, particularly in tendering procedures. Clients, contracting authorities and tenderers must know in advance which forms of evidence are accepted and under what conditions, so that a fair and transparent assessment of tenders is possible.
Discussing a carefully planned follow-up
NEN is keen to continue its dialogue with the GCVB on the further development of ViA. Both organisations share the same ambition: to strengthen the safety culture in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Clear communication regarding the functioning, application and evidential value of various tools is a key prerequisite in this regard.
