Being selected for an ISN HSE RAVS Plus® Implementation Assessment means you are part of a select group of contractors. While it may seem daunting, the process is a valuable opportunity to showcase your company’s commitment to safety. The feedback from contractors is that participating in the HSE RAVS Plus assessment actually helps improve their company’s safety culture.
This guide will demystify the assessment by breaking down the process, clarifying who needs to be involved, and outlining the timeline from start to finish.
Understanding the “Why”: The Purpose of RAVS Plus
At its core, the HSE RAVS Plus assessment is designed to gather evidence that the written Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) programs you have on file are being actively implemented and put into practice throughout your company. It’s a step beyond just having a written plan; it’s about demonstrating that plan in action.
Contractors are chosen to participate based on their connections with Hiring Clients. A Hiring Client might recommend your company based on your working relationship, tenure, or the type of high-risk work you perform. The assessment itself isn’t for a specific client’s operations but is designed to apply to your company’s overall scope of work, with the results visible to all of your connected ISN Hiring Clients.
The Assessment Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Overview
The entire process is structured and managed through ISN, ensuring a clear path for contractors. It consists of an interview, employee evaluations, and document submissions. Here’s what you can expect:
- Step 1: The Invitation & Scheduling. Your journey begins with an email from ISN, which will contain a link to schedule your interview at a time that works for you.
- Step 2: Employee Evaluations. Before the interview, you will need to select five craft-level employees. These individuals should represent the most common and highest-risk work your company performs. ISN will send each selected employee a link to an online safety evaluation. This mobile-friendly evaluation takes about 30-45 minutes and consists of multiple-choice or short-answer questions. It’s crucial to note that these employees are not required to join the interview meeting.
- Step 3: Document Submission. The assessment criteria align with the written program requirements already established by your Hiring Clients. You can view and submit the required Training and Supporting Documents directly within your ISNetworld account.
- Step 4: The Interview. This is the main event where you get to discuss your safety programs and culture with an ISN professional.
- Step 5: Addressing Gaps. After the interview, you might have some “Open Items,” which are identified gaps in knowledge or process. Your company will be responsible for uploading evidence of corrective actions to close these items.
Who’s in the Room? Key Players in the Interview Process
Knowing who to have ready for the interview is key to a smooth process. Participation is limited to specific roles to ensure the conversation is focused and productive.
- Your Team: You must have at least one management-level employee present who oversees your company’s health and safety. This individual should be able to speak in detail about the implementation of your safety programs. It is very important to note that participation is limited to your company’s employees only; consultants are not permitted to participate.
- The Assessor: The interview is conducted by an ISN HSE professional. They will review the results from your employee evaluations and use them to guide a conversation around your company’s safety culture and activities.
- The Observers: All of your connected ISN Hiring Clients are welcome to attend the interview as observers.
- The Evaluated Employees: As mentioned before, the five selected craft-level employees do not attend the interview. Their input is gathered exclusively through the online evaluation they complete beforehand.
Marking Your Calendar: The RAVS Plus Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps with planning and ensures you meet all deadlines without stress.
- Initial Scheduling: The interview is scheduled at least one month in advance, giving you ample time to prepare.
- Employee Evaluations: There will be a deadline for your selected employees to complete their online evaluations before your scheduled interview. The evaluation itself is a manageable 30-45 minute commitment for each participant.
- The Interview Session: While it’s wise to allocate 2 hours for the meeting, most interviews are completed in under 1.5 hours.
- Post-Interview Follow-Up: If any “Open Items” are identified, ISN will include detailed notes in your account within 10 business days after the interview.
- Corrective Action Period: Your company will have a 60-day grace period to address and close any open items. Successfully closing these items within this window can prevent a potential impact on your grade with clients.
The Payoff: Benefits of Completing the Assessment
Participating in the HSE RAVS Plus assessment is an investment in your company’s reputation and safety culture, and it comes with tangible benefits. Firstly, this service is included in your existing ISN subscription, so there is no additional fee.
Upon completion of the interview, a RAVS Plus participant icon will appear next to your company name within ISNetworld, signaling your achievement to all ISN Hiring Clients. Additionally, ISN will provide you with a participant logo that you can use on your own marketing materials, further showcasing your verified commitment to safety excellence.
Contact us today to stay up to date on processes and learn more about getting your company the correct certification and compliances.