What happens during an assessment?

The assessment starts with an opening meeting where the safety assessor explains what will be covered and confirms that everyone understands the scope. 

The safety assessor will then look at whether your organisation’s safety case and safety system are being complied with throughout the business. The focus is on four risk groups – governance and leadership, operational management, safety risk management and safety assurance.

Example: To demonstrate how you identify risks and hazards, you can show the assessor your risk assessment procedures and how you control your risks. You can also show them your risk register and how it’s reviewed, updated and carried through into practice. 

Depending on the size of your organisation, the assessment may use a sampling approach, checking a representative sample of your activities. Field-based activities will also be carried out - rail personnel interviews, observations and confirmation of evidence provided. 

The assessment ends with a closing meeting where the  safety assessor will present you with a summary of their key findings before preparing the draft assessment report.