SCL Light small organisations

SCL Light for small organisations

SCL Light for small organisations has been developed to lower the barrier to entry for companies with up to 50 employees. It is a practical approach to improving safety awareness.

The difference compared with the 'standard' SCL Light

Although both variants involve a less rigorous form of audit (40% audit), SCL Light offers small organisations specific benefits for SMEs that the standard variant does not:

Who is it for: Exclusively for businesses with between 5 and 50 employees. Not sure if you’re eligible? Check this in the ViA Guide.
Audit benefit: Under the standard SCL Light scheme, an external audit takes place again in year 3. Under this variant, the external audit in year 3 may be waived if you can demonstrate that you have made good progress in year 2. In that case, an internal auditor will suffice.
Focus on Step 3: specifically designed for care needs up to Level 3 (the requirement for the ViA).

Not a system, but a mirror

The Safety Culture Ladder is not a management system like ISO or VCA, but a quality mark for culture. It is all about hAgeing and behaviour: How do we treat one another? Do we speak to one another? It’s also about holistic safety: it’s not just about safety helmets, but also about psychosocial safety. Does everyone feel that their voice is being heard?

The SCL does not replace your current arrangements, but complements them. It brings to light what often remains hidden.

Your starting point

SCL Light for small organisations is a scalable model. Think of it as the entry-level version that makes it easier to get started.

Lighter start: In the first year, there will be no full inspection, but rather a 40% audit. This takes less time and has less impact on your organisation.
Practical: We don’t check whether everything is correct on paper, but whether people are working safely and conscientiously on the shop floor.
Acknowledgement: You will receive an official SCL Light Statement with a safety rating (valid for 3 years). This demonstrates that you take safety seriously.

Step-by-step plan

NEN manages the scheme, but you’re in charge. Follow these steps:

Arrange for an internal auditor: make sure there is a member of staff trained in accordance with NEN requirements, or hire an external contractor.
Complete the web tool: The internal auditor carries out the baseline assessment using the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
Select a Certification Body: Please contact a CI to book the audit. Places are limited.
Get the audit done: The auditor will carry out the 40% audit for your level classification.
Getting started: Use the findings to strengthen your culture.

Tip: Are you looking for specific guidance on implementation? NEN does not provide advice on the substance of the matter. There are various specialist consultancy firms that can assist you with this. Take a look at the SCL Knowledge Partners.

Safety Culture Ladder

SCL products