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SCL Light

What is SCL light?

SCL Light is a ingrowth model. Think of it as the 'entry-level' version of the Safety Culture Ladder, designed to lower the threshold for you. Where a full certificate requires an immediate, heavy audit, SCL Light starts low-threshold. For organisations up to 50 employees, it is possible to opt for the SCL Light for small organisations.

Features at a glance

  • No system: You do not need to write new textbooks. The SCL complements your existing arrangements.
  • Practice rules: We don’t check whether everything is correct on paper, but whether people are working safely and conscientiously on the shop floor.
  • Integral security: It is about physical safety, but also psychosocial safety. Do colleagues dare to speak to each other? Does management listen to signals?
  • Lighter start: In the first year, there is no full audit, but rather a 40% audit. This takes less time and impact on your organisation.
  • Statement instead of certificate: You will not receive a certificate, but an official SCL Light Statement with a step indication. This demonstrates to clients that you are serious about safety.
  • Steps 1-3: This product is suitable for use for conditions up to and including stage 3.


Validity: hThe statement is valid for three years. In the intervening years, a limited review by 1 auditor takes place to check that you are still in compliance.

In short: SCL Light is an easy entry version that allows you to meet the of a step 3, without having to meet the toughest exam requirements right away. See ViA's Guide for this.

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 attitude and behaviour: How do we treat one another? Do we address one another directly? It’s also about holistic safety: it’s not just about safety helmets, but also about psychosocial safety. Does everyone feel heard?

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

The 'Look in the Blackbox' web tool

Many companies do not know where they stand when it comes to safety culture. It is a 'black box'. The SCL Web tool is the first step to shed light on this.

  • Insight: The web tool (which includes the compulsory Self-Assessment Questionnaire) immediately shows you where your strengths lie and where there is room for improvement.
  • Concrete action: You will immediately see what you need to work on to meet Step 3.
  • No exam: Don't think of the web tool as an exam, but as a baseline measurement. It is your starting point for growth.
To the SCL web tool

How does SCL Light work?

SCL Light is designed to take you by the hand. You will not receive a certificate, but a SCL Light Statement with a step indication. This statement is valid for 3 years, provided you actively work on the areas for improvement.

The trajectory in a nutshell:

  • Year 1: The start. You complete the SCL Web tool and an auditor conducts a limited audit (40% of a full audit). This provides a clear starting picture and a step indication (steps 1 to 3).
  • Years 2 & 3: Growth and action. You do not have to go through another tough audit. Instead, the auditor will assess your progress on the action plan and behavioural objectives you have set yourself.
  • Year 3: moving on to stage 3. You will continue to work actively on attitudes and behaviour within your organisation and carry out an annual self-assessment, so that you can monitor your own progress.

Your roadmap: Start today

NEN manages the scheme, but you are at the helm of your safety culture yourself. Follow these steps to be ready on time:

  1. Use the Web tool: Please complete the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) via the web tool for your baseline measurement.
  2. Choose a Certifying Body (CI): Contact a CI immediately to schedule an audit. Don't wait for this; full is full.
  3. Schedule the audit: Get the 40% audit for your SCL Light Statement.
  4. Getting started: Use the findings to strengthen your culture.


Tip: Are you looking for specific guidance on implementation? NEN does not advise on content, but there are several specialised consultancies that can support you.

Avoid downtime and start now.

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