What is ViA and how does it relate to SCL?
Safety in Tendering (ViA) is an agreement within the Governance Code Safety in Construction. Clients request a minimum maturity level of safety culture in tenders.
To meet ViA requirements, tendering parties must demonstrate their safety culture through a recognized means of proof.
The Safety Culture Ladder (SCL) is a recognized tool for this purpose. An SCL certificate or statement (SCL Light) can be used to demonstrate that the required level is being achieved.
Main changes in the ViA 2026 Guideline
1. Mandatory level 3 as of July 1, 2026
As of July 1, 2026 a mandatory ViA requirement at level 3 for contracts from €100,000 applies to:
- Contractors
- Suppliers
- Consultancy firms
Clients also commit to this level.
This means that organizations must timely assess whether their current safety culture and certification meet the new ViA 2026 requirements.
2. Terminology changed: from 'steps' to 'levels'
The term 'steps' is no longer used in the updated guide. From now on it will be referred to as levels.
This change creates room to add other means of proof in the future, for example based on Hudson's safety ladder.
3. Approved Self Assessment lapses
The Approved Self Assessment has been dropped.
It has been replaced by SCL Light as a recognized means of proof for small organizations.
4. Risk Matrix no longer decisive
The risk matrix is no longer used to determine the required means of proof.
Organizations may determine themselves, within the framework of the guideline and the scheme administrator, which recognized means of proof they use to meet the ViA requirement.
CA-MAX and ViA: state of affairs
SSVV has developed a conduct module on top of the existing SCC company certificate: SCC-MAX.
Commissioned by the Governance Code Safety in Construction, the University of Antwerp and TNO are currently conducting research into the equivalence of VCA-MAX to the existing recognized ViA certificates.
Clarity about the possible inclusion of VCA-MAX within the ViA Guide is expected to follow shortly.
What does this mean for your organization?
Organizations active in tenders within the construction industry would do well to assess in time:
- Whether level 3 is applicable as of July 1, 2026.
- Which means of proof is most appropriate
- Whether additional steps are needed within safety management
Timely preparation prevents delays in tendering.
For questions about the implications for your certification or the steps to take, please contact
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