Gap analysis: Your proactive tool for consistent compliance

What is health and safety gap analysis?

A health and safety gap analysis is a structured review of your current health and safety management system that identifies the gaps between where you are now and where you need to be in order to comply with legal requirements and best practice standards.

Unlike a traditional health and safety audit, which tends to focus on specific areas of your safety management system, a gap analysis provides a holistic view of your overall compliance position. It is a proactive tool that allows you to identify and address weaknesses before they lead to an accident, injury, or enforcement action.

What does a gap analysis involve?

A gap analysis typically involves a review of your documentation, policies, and procedures against the relevant legal requirements and best practice standards. It may also include site visits, interviews with management and employees, and an assessment of your safety culture.

The output is a gap analysis report that identifies areas of non-compliance, areas of partial compliance, and areas of good practice. It also includes a prioritised action plan to address the gaps identified.

When should you carry out a gap analysis?

A gap analysis is particularly useful:

• When you are unsure of your current compliance position
• Following a significant change in your business, such as a new site, a change in activities, or a significant increase in headcount
• Following a change in legislation or guidance
• After an accident, near miss, or enforcement action
• As part of your annual health and safety review

Next steps

If you would like to find out more about how a gap analysis could benefit your business, or to discuss your current compliance position, please get in touch with our team. We are here to help.