Construction Health & Safety Files
Construction Health & Safety Files
Fully Compliant, Professionally Prepared Safety Files for Contractors, Principal Contractors & Developers
A Construction Health & Safety File is a legal requirement under the OHS Act and Construction Regulations (2014) for all contractors and subcontractors working on a construction project.
The file ensures that the contractor has the necessary documentation, training records, appointments, risk assessments, and safety procedures in place to perform work safely and legally.
At SRM, we develop fully compliant, ready-to-audit Safety Files for construction contractors across South Africa. Our files meet the requirements of the client, Construction Health & Safety Agent, Principal Contractor, and the Department of Employment and Labour.
Whether you are a small subcontractor or a large construction company, SRM provides high-quality Safety Files that pass audits the first time.
What is a Construction Health & Safety File?
A Safety File is a structured collection of documents demonstrating that a contractor:
Understands the risks associated with their work
Has the legal competencies and appointments in place
Has trained and medically fit workers
Has valid certifications for equipment and tools
Has safe work procedures, risk assessments and method statements
Is compliant with the OHS Act and Construction Regulations
Can safely execute the work assigned
The file must be available on site at all times and updated throughout the project.
Our Construction Safety File Services
SRM provides comprehensive support for contractors, including file creation, audit, updating and compliance management.
1. Full Safety File Creation (Turnkey Solution)
We prepare a complete, project-specific H&S File that includes:
Company documentation (COID, SARS, BBBEE, etc.)
Letter of Good Standing
37(2) Agreement
Client Safety Specifications review
Baseline Risk Assessment integration
Contractor Appointments (CR 8, Section 16(2), etc.)
H&S Plan development
Fall Protection Plan (if applicable)
Site-specific Risk Assessments (HIRA)
Method Statements
Emergency procedures & evacuation plans
Toolbox talk schedule & topics
Training certificates & competence records
Medical fitness certificates
PPE issue records
Plant, tools & equipment registers with certificates
SDS for hazardous chemicals
Fire equipment certificates
Incident management documentation
Daily checklists & inspection forms
Each file is structured, printed (if required), indexed and ready for submission to the Principal Contractor or CHSA.
2. Subcontractor Safety Files
We create tailored files for:
Electricians
Plumbers
Civil contractors
Welders & fabricators
HVAC & aircon installers
Landscapers
Painters
Waterproofing contractors
Roofers
Earthworks & plant hire
General building contractors
Solar installation teams
Shopfitters
Each file meets the specific risk profile of the trade.
3. Principal Contractor Safety Files
Includes:
Project-specific H&S Plan
Legal appointments
Baseline risk integration
Fall protection planning
Visitor & contractor control
Emergency management
Daily, weekly & monthly inspections
Site rules
Signing-in procedures
Subcontractor file review and approval system
This is essential for large construction companies, estates, developers and civil projects.
4. Safety File Review & Audit
Already have a file? We conduct a comprehensive audit against legal and project requirements:
Identify gaps
Correct deficiencies
Ensure documentation accuracy
Provide corrective actions
Prepare you for CHSA or Client approval
Many contractors use SRM for independent verification before submitting files to the site.
5. Updating & Maintaining Safety Files
We can manage your file throughout the duration of the project:
Add new employees
Update training records
Renew expired certificates
Add new method statements
Update risk assessments
Maintain inspection records
Track legal appointments
Support audits and inspections
This ensures continuous legal compliance.
6. Digital Safety File Options
For contractors working across multiple sites, we offer digital H&S file solutions:
Cloud-based storage
Mobile access
Real-time updates
Version control
Digital forms & checklists
Can be integrated with Mango or EcoOnline (where applicable).
What Must a Compliant Construction Safety File Contain?
A compliant file typically includes the following sections:
A. Company Compliance
Letter of Good Standing
Company Profile
37(2) Agreement
Mandatory agreements & appointments
B. Legal Appointments
Section 16(2)
Construction Regulation 8 appointments
Supervisor & competent persons
H&S Representative appointment
First Aider, Fire Warden, etc.
C. Health & Safety Plan
Risk management structure
Controls and procedures
Project-specific H&S requirements
D. Risk Assessments
Baseline
Issue-based
Task-specific
Fall protection risk assessments
Method statements
E. Emergency Preparedness
Emergency plan
Fire & evacuation procedures
Site layout plan
Contact lists
F. Employee Documentation
Training records
Induction forms
Medicals
PPE issue records
G. Tools, Plant & Equipment
Registers
Competency records
Certifications
H. Inspections & Checklists
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Toolbox talks
I. Incident Management
Incident forms
Investigation procedures
ICAM/5-Whys templates
SRM ensures everything is compliant, traceable and site-ready.
Why Choose SRM for Your Safety Files?
Fully legal and audit-ready
Aligned with OHS Act, Construction Regulations, and project-specific requirements.
SACPCMP-registered CHSA oversight
Ensuring accuracy and professional quality.
Fast turnaround times
Ideal for contractors needing urgent site mobilisation.
Industry-specific content
Files tailored to your exact scope of work.
Professional layout and structure
Indexed, organised, and easy for clients and inspectors to navigate.
Ongoing support
We’re available for updates, resubmissions and project-long compliance.
Industries We Serve
Construction & civil engineering
Commercial & retail developments
Residential estates & home builders
Plant hire & earthworks
HVAC & mechanical contractors
Electrical & plumbing contractors
Steel fabrication & welding
Painting, roofing & waterproofing
Solar installation teams
Landscaping & grounds maintenance
Need a compliant, professional, construction-ready Safety File?
Whether you are a subcontractor, principal contractor or developer, SRM provides complete safety file solutions that meet legal and project requirements.