Why The Ongoing Maintenance of The Building Safety Case Matters

For building owners, property managers and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs), the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 has reshaped the way safety is managed in higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs). While much attention has been given to preparing an initial Building Safety Case Report (BSCR), it is the ongoing maintenance of the Safety Case itself that ensures real safety and compliance over time. 

So why is it not enough to simply create a Safety Case Report once? Why does it need to be maintained, reviewed, and updated regularly? Here is what every PAP needs to know. 

To Ensure Resident Safety and Confidence 

Occupants have a right to know their building is safe. A clearly maintained Building Safety Case Report provides reassurance, shows transparency, and reflects a strong safety culture. 

Failing to maintain the report not only puts lives at risk but can also result in resident complaints, reputational harm, or legal action. 

It is a Legal Requirement  

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, there is a statutory duty for the PAP, often the building owner or manager, to prepare and maintain a Building Safety Case. This is not a one-off task. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), operating through the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), expects the BSC and its associated report to reflect the current state of the building. This means any changes to building systems, safety risks, or mitigation strategies must be clearly documented and updated. Neglecting this responsibility could lead to enforcement actions, fines, or operational restrictions on the building. 

Risks Change Over Time 

Buildings are not static environments. Risks evolve due to wear and tear, changes in occupancy, tenant behaviours, modifications to the structure, or updated regulatory standards. 

By continuously updating the BSC you ensure that these shifting risks are identified and managed before they escalate into incidents. An outdated Safety Case undermines the purpose it was created for, which is to keep residents safe. 

To Remain Compliant with Fire and Structural Safety Standards 

New safety standards continue to emerge, and existing ones are regularly revised. Regulations such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and standards like BS 9997 require ongoing assessment and risk management. 

The BSCR must evolve to stay in line with these requirements. Without regular updates, a building could fall out of compliance. In the event of a fire or structural failure, the absence of current documentation may be viewed as negligence. 

For Insurance and Legal Protection 

Insurance providers are increasingly requesting up-to-date BSCRs when assessing coverage. These reports demonstrate that proactive steps are being taken to manage and mitigate safety risks. 

If a major incident does occur, a current and well-maintained BSCR can help prove that you have met your obligations. An outdated report could weaken your legal position and jeopardise insurance claims. 

Expert Support to Ensure Your Building Remains Compliant  

Understanding the need for ongoing Safety Case maintenance is one thing. Executing it thoroughly and consistently is another. That is where Innovus comes in. 

Our Building Safety Case Management Service is designed to support you in meeting your ongoing obligations, regardless of who prepared the original BSCR. 

Our service includes: 

• Bi-annual on-site audits per building to inspect compliance documentation, signage, fire safety actions, and more. 

• Qualified reviews after any material change in the building, ensuring your report remains accurate and relevant. 

• Consultation with your team to capture recent incidents, remediation work, and building updates. 

• Thorough document reviews, including Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Strategy, Fire Door Surveys, EWS1 forms, structural assessments, and more. 

• Clear Bi-Annual Summary Reports with document statuses, actionable recommendations, and quotations for any necessary updates. 

With Innovus, your Building Safety Case remains robust, compliant, and focused on what matters most: resident safety. 

If you are unsure about the current state of your BSC or how to manage it effectively, speak to our team. Innovus provides the clarity, competence, and continuity you need to meet your responsibilities with confidence.