As a H&S professional you do the training, you put processes in place, you spread the message and you bang heads where necessary to keep your colleagues safe. But accidents happen so it's best to be prepared for the worst because even the best run companies can find themselves under investigation.
A large part of the investigating authority's job is to determine how a company is run by reviewing the paper trail and evidence available. For investigations, good record-keeping and active management systems put companies and directors on solid ground. Do this by showing that the company's policies and procedures are appropriate for your sector, and implemented rigorously. Ensure all documentation is complete and up-to-date, from general policy reviews to task-specific risk assessments.
Whilst a robust paper trail can help a company under investigation, a well-documented safety procedure that is never actively used or observed holds no water. SG World's pre-use safety inspections are designed to be easily integrated into daily routines - practical, "living" documentation that drives safe working behaviours and is completely transparent to end users and management. The unique design manages in-situ equipment safety and generates a central, dated record demonstrating a proactive routine of safety checks. When it comes to health and safety, expect the best but plan for the worst.