What Is SMAS Worksafe? (And SMAS vs CHAS)

By TradeComply Editorial Team • Last updated: 5 June 2026

SMAS (Safety Management Advisory Services) Worksafe is an SSIP-approved health & safety scheme, with SSIP certificates starting from around £345. It does the same core job as CHAS or SafeContractor — proving your health & safety to a main contractor — and it's often positioned as a lower-cost option for smaller firms.

TL;DR: SMAS Worksafe is an SSIP member scheme that assesses contractors' health & safety, with certificates starting from around £345 and valid for 12 months. It offers full Deem to Satisfy recognition, meaning a valid SMAS certificate is accepted by other SSIP schemes and vice versa — so it does the same job as CHAS or SafeContractor, often at a lower cost for small firms. SMAS also offers the Common Assessment Standard through its Worksafe Pro package, the broader pre-qualification standard required for much public-sector work. For a basic SSIP requirement, SMAS and CHAS are interchangeable; choose based on which scheme your client names and which quote is cheaper.

What is SMAS Worksafe?

SMAS Worksafe is a member of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) and is accredited by UKAS to ISO 17020, the highest level of assurance. Certificates are valid for 12 months, and because it's SSIP-approved it offers Deem to Satisfy — so a valid SMAS certificate is recognised by other SSIP schemes, and vice versa.

How does SMAS compare to CHAS?

	SMAS WorksafeSMAS Ltd★ Often cheapest	CHASVeriforce CHAS
SSIP approved	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Entry cost / yr	from ~£345	from £429
Deem to Satisfy	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Common Assessment Standard	Worksafe Pro	Elite tier
Validity	12 months	12 months

Both assess against the same SSIP Core Criteria, so for satisfying an SSIP requirement they're equivalent — see the full CHAS vs SafeContractor vs Constructionline comparison, and CHAS cost for the CHAS figures. Choose on price for your size and which badge your clients name — or start from the scheme comparison hub.

Which scheme should I choose for SSIP compliance?

For a basic SSIP requirement they're interchangeable, as both are SSIP-approved. SMAS often comes in cheaper for small contractors; CHAS is more widely named by some clients. Check what your client accepts, then pick the cheaper qualifying scheme.

Does SMAS offer the Common Assessment Standard?

SMAS offers the Common Assessment Standard through its Worksafe Pro package — the broader pre-qualification standard that covers far more than health & safety. As a recognised assessment body, SMAS provides the Common Assessment Standard at the desktop level (the document-based assessment, rather than a site visit). It's mandated for much public-sector work under procurement policy note PPN 03/24.

Frequently asked questions

Is SMAS SSIP approved?

Yes. SMAS Worksafe is an SSIP member scheme, accredited by UKAS to ISO 17020, and it offers Deem to Satisfy recognition with other SSIP schemes.

How much does SMAS Worksafe cost?

SMAS publishes SSIP certificates "from around £345", with sole-trader and higher-tier pricing quoted via its online quote tool. The page doesn't state VAT, so confirm your own quote. It's frequently the lower-cost option for small firms.

SMAS or CHAS — which should I get?

For a basic SSIP requirement they're interchangeable, as both are SSIP-approved. SMAS often comes in cheaper for small contractors; CHAS is more widely named by some clients. Check what your client accepts, then pick the cheaper qualifying scheme.

Does SMAS offer the Common Assessment Standard?

Yes — through its Worksafe Pro package, at the desktop assessment level. You only need it if a client specifically asks for the Common Assessment Standard.