en_GB
en_GB nl_NL de_DE it_IT fr_FR
Envelope Linkedin
Certificate Register
Go to the web tool
en_GB
en_GB nl_NL de_DE it_IT fr_FR
Certificate Register
go to the web tool

SCL Original

What is SCL original

SCL Original is the most comprehensive form of assessment of the Safety Culture Ladder. Whereas other variants sometimes work with spot checks or a lighter assessment, with SCL Original your organisation is fully (100%) audited every year. This makes it the gold standard for companies that want to offer maximum assurance to their clients.

  • Certificate
  • Step indication
  • 100% audit for 3 Years
  • Free choice of questionnaire (SAQ) for self assessment

Features at a glance:

  • No system: No need to write new manuals. The SCL complements your existing agreements.
  • Practice rules: We are not looking at whether it is right on paper, but whether people are working safely and consciously in the workplace.
  • Integral security: It is about physical safety, but also psychosocial safety. Do colleagues dare to speak to each other? Does management listen to signals?
  • Full vetting: A 100% audit takes place every year. This shows you that safety is not a snapshot, but lives continuously on the shop floor.
  • Certificate with step: You will receive an official certificate showing the achieved Step (e.g. Step 3). Through SCL Original, you can obtain Step 5.
  • Validity: The certificate is valid for three years. In the intervening years, shorter audits take place to check that you still meet the requirements.

Not a system but a mindset

Many companies look up to an audit. They fear a 'paper tiger' on top of existing certifications. This concern is unjustified. The SCL is not a management system full of procedures and checklists. It is a hallmark that revolves around culture: attitude, behaviour and safety awareness.

Whereas other standards are often about rules and procedures, SCL is about practice. Do colleagues address each other about unsafe behaviour? Is there a focus on psychosocial safety? Does everyone feel free to make a report? SCL Original makes this visible and rewards your efforts with a certificate.

From insight to certificate in 5 steps

The road to certification need not be complicated. We have broken down the process into manageable steps.

Step 1: Reading and understanding

Know what you are getting into. Read the standard and explanatory notes to understand what safety awareness means. Look at the certification scheme for the ground rules around assessment. This gives peace of mind and clarity in the process.

Step 2: Self-assessment (Zero measurement)

You first conduct your own assessment. We recommend using the SCL Web tool (SAQ) to be used.

  • You complete the questionnaire.
  • You will immediately see your current level.
  • You define actions to strengthen your safety culture.
  • Tip: You may also use another tool, but the SCL Webtool fits seamlessly with the audit.

Step 3: The Audit (The practice check)

Are you ready? Then the Certifying Body (CI) will come along. Don't be afraid of a 'checklist check'.

  • People's work: The auditors conduct interviews (interviews) and look around the office and your project sites (observations).
  • Four-eye principle: There will always be two auditors. This ensures an objective and fair view.
  • Reporting: You will receive a clear report. This shows which step you are on and where you can still grow.

Step 4: Certification

  • No exam: Auditors do not come to judge you for errors in documents. They have conversations (interviews) and look around the workplace (observations). They want to see how safety is polite.
  • Independent: The assessment is always done by two auditors (four-eye principle) for a fair and reliable result.

Do you meet the requirements? Then you will receive the certificate from your CI. They will ensure that your certificate is registered in the official NEN-SCL register. You are now visible as a safety-conscious partner to your clients.

Step 5: Stay sharp

Culture is never 'finished'. Your certificate is valid for three years. Shorter follow-up audits take place in the intervening years. This keeps the focus on safety alive and ensures that you do not relapse. After three years, the cycle starts again.

Important: Take action now

  • Full agendas: There is a limited number of auditors available in the Netherlands. Towards 2026, there will be a peak. Therefore, book your CI well in advance.
  • Start small: Start the self-assessment in the web tool today. It takes little time and provides immediate direction.
  • File: Deliver your self-assessment to the CB in advance or give them access via the web tool. This helps auditors prepare properly.
View the overview of affiliated CIs
Go directly to the SCL Webtool

Take action now

Avoid missing out on orders later. Make the process small and start taking the first step today.

  1. Plan your audit: Contact a Certifying Institution directly to reserve a spot in the calendar.
View the list of affiliated CIs here

2.  Start the baseline measurement: Get insight into your current level.

Go to the SCL Webtool

Do you have questions about the standard or the process? NEN will be happy to help you on your way with the right information.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Applicable up to and including Step 5
100% audit
100% audit
100% audit
SCL Original certificate
Retention of certificate
Retention of certificate
Free choice of self-assessment
Free choice of self-assessment
Free choice of self-assessment