Teesside-based WOODSmith Construction Group, which forms part of The SDDE Smith Group, has been awarded the highest Elite level of CHAS accreditation.

CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is one of the highest regarded safety schemes in the industry and Elite accreditation is the highest and most comprehensive level of the scheme.

To achieve accreditation, the firm had to report its practices in all elements of the business, from policies and finance to the likes of mental health, before these were signed off by CHAS.

Managing director of WOODSmith Gary Wood said: “CHAS is a highly thought of accreditation, so we were delighted to be awarded the Elite level after just a year in business. It demonstrates that we are key players in the industry with the right policies and procedures in place from the beginning.

“It was a long and thorough process, but I’m a big believer in doing things right and so I was determined to achieve it. All the team pulled together to make it happen in just six weeks, and I’m really proud of our efforts.”

WOODSmith Construction Group was launched in 2021 and has won contracts with major-name firms such as British Steel within its first year of operating.

Wood added: “Not many young companies would be able to achieve Elite level this early on, which I believe is a testament to our drive to improve the business and offer the best services.

“Having this accreditation makes us an attractive option for clients, and will help us to win more work in the future.”

The firm is now working to achieve other industry accreditations to strengthen its offering, including RISQS and ISO.