On any construction site, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. Yet, keeping paperwork aligned with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and the expectations of HSENI can often slip down the priority list when deadlines are looming. At Donnelly Safety Services, we recently turned a potentially risky situation into a success story by getting a client’s CDM paperwork fully up to date — and in line with HSENI requirements.

The Challenge Our client was mid-project, but their CDM documentation was incomplete and inconsistent. Key records such as the Construction Phase Plan, Risk Assessments, and Method Statements had gaps. HSENI inspections were due, and without compliance, the project risked enforcement action, costly delays, and reputational damage.

Our Approach
We applied a structured, step-by-step process to bring order back to the site’s compliance documentation:

1. Audit & Gap Analysis
   We carried out a full review of the existing paperwork, identifying what was missing, outdated, or non-compliant with HSENI standards.
2. Collaboration with Duty Holders
   We worked closely with the Principal Contractor, Designers, and Subcontractors to ensure responsibilities were clearly documented, as required under CDM.
3. Documentation Updates
   • Construction Phase Plan refreshed and aligned with current site risks.
   • RAMS reviewed, rewritten, and communicated to all workers.
   • Welfare, training, and induction records consolidated and logged.
4. Communication & Training
   We held toolbox talks and briefings to make sure every worker understood the updated procedures and their role in maintaining compliance.
5. Compliance Check
   Before sign-off, we benchmarked all documents against HSENI requirements to ensure full compliance and readiness for inspection.

The Outcome
The site went from “chaos to compliance” in a matter of weeks. HSENI inspectors praised the clarity and completeness of the documentation, and the client avoided delays and penalties. More importantly, the workforce gained confidence that health and safety was being properly managed.

Why It Matters
Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating safer workplaces, avoiding unnecessary risks, and keeping projects on track. At Donnelly Safety Services, we provide the expertise and structure to make sure that even the most complex construction projects stay compliant, safe, and productive.

You can gain access to a retained H&S Consultant by visiting our website
​https://www.donnellysafety.co.uk/health-and-safety-consultants.html

From Four to Five: How Donnelly Safety Helped a Client Raise Their Food Hygiene RatingAt Donnelly Safety, we are committed to helping our clients reach the very highest standards in food safety — and we’re delighted to share a recent success story.
One of our hospitality clients received a Food Hygiene Rating of 4 last year and were understandably upset with the result. Zeroing in on what needed to change, they engaged our food safety expert, who worked intensively with the Head Chef and kitchen staff to implement meaningful improvements.

Here’s a look at what we did:

• Utilised the Donnelly Safety systems to introduce and monitor essential hygiene checks and ensure accurate, timely record-keeping.
• Delivered tailored food hygiene awareness training to all relevant staff, reinforcing basic principles and responsibilities.
• Ran scenario-based training in the actual kitchen environment to apply learning in real situations, making good practice second nature.
• Carried out unannounced food safety audits to test readiness and identify gaps ahead of formal inspections.

As a result, when the Environmental Health Officer returned, the client achieved a Food Hygiene Rating of 5 – the highest possible. They were also classified as low risk, meaning they will not require another inspection for four years.
Our client is overjoyed with how far they’ve come, and we couldn’t be more proud of the hard work shown by the team.

👏 Well done to everyone involved — this is a superb achievement!

👉 If your business in Northern Ireland is aiming to reach a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating, our experienced team at Donnelly Safety can support you every step of the way.

​Visit our Food Safety Consultants page to learn more and get started today.

“It might feel like you’re saving half an hour by skipping a risk assessment… but the reality is, it could cost your business tens of thousands down the line.”

Risk assessments aren’t just a compliance exercise—they’re the foundation of a safe and productive workplace. Yet many organisations put them off, rushing through them or failing to review them regularly. The short-term time saved is nothing compared to the hidden costs of neglect.

The Real Price of Ignoring Risk Assessments

🔹 Regulatory Fines & Legal Costs
Non-compliance comes at a steep price. Businesses that neglect proper risk assessments often find themselves facing avoidable fines, legal action, and costly settlements.

🔹 Disruption to Productivity
One incident is all it takes to bring operations to a standstill. Lost working hours, project delays, and downtime can ripple through the business, affecting customers and revenue.

🔹 Reputation Damage
Your reputation takes years to build and only moments to lose. Safety failings can erode trust with clients, contractors, and the wider public—impacting future opportunities.

🔹 Lower Staff Confidence

Employees need to feel safe at work. Poor risk management creates anxiety, lowers morale, and can drive up staff turnover—adding recruitment and training costs to the mix.
A Smarter InvestmentCarrying out regular, thorough risk assessments is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your people, your reputation, and your bottom line. In safety, prevention is always more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of an accident.

👉 When was the last time you properly reviewed your risk assessments?
If it’s been a while, now’s the perfect time to take action. Find out how Donnelly Safety can help keep your workplace safe and compliant at Donnelly Safety.
​
✅ Schedule your risk assessment review today →

The 5 Biggest Health & Safety Myths Holding Northern Ireland Businesses BackWhen it comes to Health & Safety, there’s no shortage of opinions — and unfortunately, a lot of them are based on myths rather than facts. For many businesses across Belfast and Northern Ireland, these misconceptions can lead to unnecessary risks, unexpected costs, and even legal trouble.
Let’s tackle the five most common myths we hear from business owners and managers — and uncover the reality behind them.

Myth 1: “It’s just common sense.”On the surface, this sounds reasonable. But what feels “obvious” to one person may not be clear to another. Add in stress, fatigue, or workplace pressure, and common sense can go out the window.
The reality: Clear training, written procedures, and regular reminders ensure consistency. Relying on assumptions is a gamble — and in Health & Safety, the stakes are high.

Myth 2: “Our staff don’t need training.”Some employers assume that because their team is experienced, formal training isn’t necessary. The truth is that regulations evolve, risks change, and refresher training keeps knowledge sharp.
The reality: Training isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about equipping your staff with the tools to keep themselves and their colleagues safe. An investment in training today can prevent costly mistakes tomorrow.

Myth 3: “Only big companies need to worry about compliance.”Small businesses often think they’ll fly under the radar. But regulators don’t just inspect large corporations. In fact, smaller businesses can face greater challenges if something goes wrong, because they lack the resources to absorb fines, downtime, or reputational damage.
The reality: Every employer, no matter the size, has a legal duty to protect their staff. Compliance isn’t about scale — it’s about responsibility.

Myth 4: “Risk assessments are just paperwork.”Some see risk assessments as endless forms that add no value. But a well-done risk assessment is the foundation of workplace safety. It identifies hazards before they cause harm and puts measures in place to reduce risk.
The reality: Far from being “just paperwork,” risk assessments can save lives, money, and stress. They also demonstrate due diligence if an incident ever occurs.

Myth 5: “We’ll deal with it if something happens.”This reactive approach is one of the most dangerous myths of all. Waiting for an accident to happen before acting exposes staff to unnecessary risk and can leave businesses facing heavy fines or legal claims.
The reality: Prevention is always cheaper — and safer — than cure. Proactive safety measures protect your people, your reputation, and your bottom line.

Why Busting These Myths MattersBelieving these myths can cost businesses in Northern Ireland thousands in fines, lost productivity, and reputational damage. More importantly, they put people at risk.
At Donnelly Safety Services Belfast, we work with businesses of all sizes to cut through the noise, focus on practical compliance, and build safer workplaces.

✅ Want to make sure your business isn’t falling into these traps?
👉 Get in touch with our team today to arrange a no-obligation Health & Safety consultation.

April is Stress Awareness Month

5 Simple Steps to Support Mental Health in the Workplace Throughout April, take action to prevent workplace stress and promote mental well-being by following the five steps of HSE's Working Minds campaign:

1. Start the conversation – Encourage open discussions about stress.
2. Identify the signs – Recognise the causes and symptoms of stress.
3. Take action – Address any risks by setting clear action points.
4. Review progress – Assess whether the changes have made a difference.
5. Make it a habit – Regularly check in to maintain a healthy work environment.

​Strengthen Your Business by Tackling Stress Managing work-related stress, anxiety, and depression isn’t just a legal requirement—it benefits your business and your employees. Proactive management can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve staff retention.

​For comprehensive guidance, including tools and templates, register for full online learning to implement these strategies effectively.

Work-Related Stress and Legal Responsibilities Regardless of business size, all employers have a legal duty to address work-related stress and support employees' mental health. Under sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, businesses must take steps to prevent stress-related issues in the workplace.