Sole Proprietor: ISNetworld® Certification
One of our clients’ most common questions is, “Can I become ISNetworld® certified as a sole proprietor?” The answer is an immediate resounding “Yes!”. There are, of course, many things to consider before jumping right into a membership.
What is ISNetworld®?
With the comings and goings of utilized software and contractor requirements, we are always happy when this isn’t the first question asked by our clients. During our consultations, we like to back up a step and provide a more detailed understanding of the process by explaining ISNetworld®’s primary function.
ISNetworld®® (ISN®) is a global contractor and supplier management service provider. It primarily serves industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and others where contractor and supplier management is crucial for safety and compliance.
This said, ISNetworld® is much more than a hurdle and red tape. ISNetworld® is a very formal method of providing your commitment to safety to significant corporations. Needless to say, large corporations tend to have the highest safety standards. Companies such as PG&E have superb safety cultures and require their contractors and suppliers to mirror that commitment.
ISNetworld® Cost for Sole Proprietor
Next in line for consideration is investment. How much does ISN® cost? We’re always happy to explain that ISNetworld® tends to have a great system for helping smaller businesses through their pricing matrix. The average employee count for the past three years determines a company’s ISNetworld® membership cost. Companies with 1-4 employees are in the bottom tier and pay the lowest rate for ISN® membership.
ISNetworld® tends to update its prices annually. A Cascade QMS consultant would be happy to provide the most current cost. Reach out now for more information.
Sole Proprietor Safety Culture
Companies of all sizes must adhere to the same protocols when completing an ISNetworld® profile and attempting certification. While every client has different grading requirements, they all tend to have critical major grading components: Safety Programs (RAVS), Recordable Injuries, Insurance (COI Review), and HSE Questionnaire.
At Cascade QMS, we firmly believe that safety culture should be top of mind for any business, even if you’re a one-person band. More importantly, a continued effort in documenting and organizing your safety performance and commitment is vital.
Is ISNetworld worth it?
ISNetworld® acts as an excellent way for sole proprietor companies to:
- Market for additional exposure and job opportunities
- Stay organized and keep safety documents current
- Remain current on industry compliance standards
- Prepare for future growth
- Mitigate risk and loss through formal verification
Navigating ISNetworld® Grading Components
Once it’s determined that the cost is worth the investment, it’s time to begin the certification process.
As previously mentioned, all companies must complete the same certification steps regardless of their size. As every hiring client utilizes the system differently to grade their contractors and suppliers, we’ll focus on the main components: Safety Programs (RAVS), Recordable Injuries, Insurance (COI Review), EMR, and HSE Questionnaire.
Safety Programs (RAVS)
Another great question asked by our smaller clients is, “Why do I need safety programs (RAVS)?” We understand the confusion. It’s a great question and one that is asked very often. Why would a sole proprietor need a safety manual? It’s understandable that you can’t train yourself. Furthermore, why would these documents need to remain current and updated? Our simple answer to this is the possibility of expansion.
Every company should have a custom set of safety programs on hand for their business, regardless of size. Whether you’re considering hiring subcontractors or end up with a job that warrants new hires, growth is always possible. If you’re reading this, you’re also in an industry and location where formal processes are in place for contractors and suppliers for verification. Keeping a current Health and Safety Manual containing current and relevant programs for your company is critical to moving through compliance quickly. You’ll not only set yourself apart from the competition but also set the tone for the quality of your work.
Recordable Injuries
Each company signing up for ISNetworld® memberships must submit the past three years of their OSHA 300A and OSHA 300 logs. As you likely know, OSHA requires that companies with ten or more full-time employees keep a record of recordable injuries. As the definition of a sole proprietor is a business owned and run by one person, OSHA logs are not required. ISNetworld® requires that OSHA logs are submitted to reflect recordable injuries without consideration of the company size. Cascade QMS offers this completion as part of our ISNetworld® Management services.
Insurance Verification (COI Review)
It’s important to recall that all companies utilize ISNetworld® differently when vetting contractors and suppliers. That said, while most companies require submission of a COI into the system for review, a select few opt to verify insurance through other means.
Insurance verification in ISNetworld® can be tricky. The most significant pain expressed by our clients is that their insurance agents need to familiarize themselves with the highly formal process. A simple misspelling of a word on a COI could cause a rejection. Cascade QMS works directly with your insurance agent to ensure all COIs are written as required and expedited through the review process. As the necessary limits and coverage are often arranged during MSA discussions, any rejections are typically easy to navigate through variance requests. Cascade QMS helps with those as well!
EMR
What is an EMR? EMR stands for experience modification rate.
Some agents will recognize the term ex mod a bit faster than EMR. An EMR is directly related to your workers’ compensation claims. As sole proprietors are not required to carry workers’ compensation, your EMR will likely be a 1.0. Cascade QMS agents will appropriately relay and document this within the system on your behalf.
HSE Questionnaire
By using formal contractor vetting platforms such as ISNetworld®, Avetta, Veriforce, etc., hiring clients must ensure that all possibilities are considered. This is the reasoning behind the 2100 questions (average count) in the HSE Questionnaire, as well. In addition to the needed time to complete this lengthy questionnaire, there is also the consideration of what’s being asked. As a sole proprietor, you’re likely to have few of the procedures and documents in place that are being questioned. Cascade QMS is an ideal solution for safety culture-boosting solutions.
Our team has collaborated and built an arsenal of trusted safety resources throughout time that can be easily customized and tailored to fit your compliance needs. We’ll review your questionnaire, find gaps in your processes, and provide solid solutions to amplify your ISNetworld® grade.
ISNetworld® Grade
There are many names for the results of ISNetworld®’s review process: ISNetworld® Score, ISNetworld® Grade, ISNetworld® Certification, ISN® Approved, etc. All in all, it takes ISNetworld® about 2-3 business days to review all submitted documents. Once the review is complete, your company will then receive a grade. Each hiring client in ISNetwork will grade you differently based on your industry type, project, and location. Their requirements for scores will also be different.
Get ISN® Certified Fast
With Cascade QMS as your consultant, you’re guaranteed a quick solution to ISNetworld® Certification. We’re a thorough team with life-changing safety solutions to enhance your company and mitigate risks. Regardless of your company size or need for ISNetworld®, we’ll adapt and act as a part of your team. We help companies of all sizes in all industries and all locations! Reach out today to speak with your dedicated consultant. Your ISNetworld® certification awaits
