6 Ways to Improve Your ISNet Score

For contractors and suppliers working with ISNetworld, maintaining a high ISNet score is essential for securing and retaining business with hiring clients. A lower score (often called a grade) can limit job opportunities, while a strong score demonstrates compliance, safety, and reliability. ISNetworld compliance is particularly crucial for those in oil and gas, automotive, energy, chemical, industrial, manufacturing, and waste management industries. If your score isn’t where it should be, reviewing your ISN scorecard for gaps is the first step. Simply locate your client in the list of connected clients on your homepage and click on the grade to reveal the components. Here are six effective ways to improve your ISNetworld score:

1. Ensure Drug & Alcohol Compliance

Hiring clients often requires contractors to have a formal drug and alcohol policy, whether DOT or non-DOT. To improve your score in this area:

• Establish a comprehensive drug and alcohol program.
• Enroll employees in a compliant drug testing consortium.
• Register employees in the appropriate databases as required.
• Keep all documentation up to date in ISNetworld.

If your company lacks a compliant policy, Cascade QMS can help establish one that meets ISNetworld requirements.

2. Meet Insurance Coverage Requirements

ISNetworld hiring clients often require specific insurance policies beyond general liability. Common gaps include:

• Additional workers’ compensation coverage.
• Pollution liability.
• Increased general liability coverage limits.

Failing to meet these requirements can lower your ISN score. Ensure your coverage aligns with hiring clients’ demands and keep current certificates of insurance in ISNetworld.

3. Update Written Safety Programs (RAVS®)

Written programs (RAVS®) is a critical component of ISNetworld. Contractors must submit written safety programs that align with hiring client requirements. To improve your score:

• Regularly review and update safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Adapt programs to meet specific hiring client needs.

Cascade QMS specializes in helping businesses develop and maintain ISNetworld-approved RAVS programs, saving time and ensuring compliance.

4. Submit OSHA Logs and EMR

ISNetworld requires a three-year history of OSHA data, including:

• Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR).
• Lost Time Rate (LTR).
• DART rate and other safety metrics.

If past incidents negatively impact your ISN score, consider improving safety training and implementing preventative measures to reduce future occurrences. Accurately reporting and documenting any corrective actions can also demonstrate improvement in hiring clients. A current EMR (Experience Modification Rate, also known as an ExMod) must always be on your profile. The general rule of thumb is anything over a 1.0 represents a negative light as it tells a story of workers’ compensation claims. 1.0 and under is the industry standard or better. Read our article on EMR ratings to learn how they are calculated and why they matter.

5. Identify and Address Safety Questionnaire Gaps

The ISNetworld safety questionnaire compares your safety practices against hiring client requirements. To boost your score:

• Review questionnaire responses for gaps.
• Identify missing safety programs or protocols.
• Implement required programs to close compliance gaps.

Many businesses overlook minor discrepancies in their HSE questionnaire responses. Oversights can significantly impact their ISN score. A professional review with a safety compliance consultant can ensure all necessary protocols are in place.

6. Partner with Cascade QMS to Improve Your ISN Score

The easiest way to improve your ISN score is to work with an experienced consultant. Cascade QMS provides:

• A free gap analysis of your ISN scorecard.
• Customized solutions for drug & alcohol compliance, insurance requirements, written safety programs, OSHA data accuracy, and safety questionnaire alignment.
• Ongoing support to keep your ISNetworld profile up to date.

Our team takes the guesswork out of ISNetworld compliance, saving you time, reducing stress, and helping you secure more contracts.

Get Expert Help Today

If your ISNetworld score isn’t where it needs to be, Cascade QMS can help. Contact us today for a free consultation and start improving your compliance score with expert guidance. Visit our ISNetworld Management Plan page to learn more! By following these six steps, you can enhance your ISN score, demonstrate compliance, and position your company as a trusted contractor. Don’t leave your ISNetworld compliance to chance—let Cascade QMS help you optimize your profile and secure more business opportunities!