Health and safety (H&S) teams in construction and logistics face a constant challenge: endless...
The Building Safety Act 2022 reshaped the way construction and property firms manage compliance. At its heart is the “Golden Thread” of information, a requirement for accurate, accessible, and up-to-date records across the lifecycle of higher-risk buildings. For health & safety (H&S) leaders, the challenge is clear: how do you maintain compliance in a world still dominated by paper, spreadsheets, and fragmented systems? This blog examines the practical implications of the Golden Thread, the risks associated with getting it wrong, and how digital tools enable firms to stay compliant.
What Is the Golden Thread and Why Does It Matter?
The “Golden Thread” is more than a buzzword. It’s a regulatory mandate that requires a single, reliable source of truth for building safety information. For higher-risk buildings (HRBs), this means that every piece of safety data, from fire door certifications to method statements, must be traceable, up-to-date, and accessible to the right people at the right time.
- Legal requirement → The Building Safety Act 2022 makes Golden Thread compliance mandatory for HRBs.
- Transparency→ Safety data must be accurate, clear, and easy to share with regulators, contractors, and residents.
- Accountability → Dutyholders are legally responsible for ensuring data is recorded, maintained, and auditable.
The Compliance Challenge
For many organisations, meeting this standard is easier said than done. Safety information is often scattered across sites, subcontractors, and outdated systems. In practice, this creates blind spots and risks that threaten compliance.
- Fragmented records → Data lives in emails, spreadsheets, and paper files, making it hard to retrieve.
- Reactive culture → Many firms only update safety records when an audit or inspection is looming.
- High stakes → Non-compliance can lead to fines, project delays, reputational damage, and even criminal liability.
How Digital Tools Create the Golden Thread
Digital safety platforms bring order to the chaos, helping firms embed compliance into daily workflows rather than treating it as an afterthought.
- Centralised Documentation
All safety data – inductions, RAMS, certificates, inspections – stored in one system, creating a single source of truth. - Automated Verification
AI tools can analyse subcontractor documents for completeness, flag missing details, and check product certifications (e.g. fire door safety, FSC timber). - Proactive Audit Trails
Digital systems generate clear, timestamped audit logs for every document, making firms always audit-ready. - Real-Time Visibility
Dashboards track compliance status across multiple projects, highlighting gaps before they become risks. - Golden Thread Alignment
Platforms like LogiDocs directly support the Building Safety Act by ensuring records are accurate, accessible, and preserved throughout the building lifecycle.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
While compliance is the driver, the benefits of a digital Golden Thread go further:
- Efficiency → Less time chasing paperwork, more time focusing on safety culture.
- Risk reduction → Fewer blind spots, faster corrective action, reduced chance of penalties.
- Collaboration → Shared access for contractors, clients, and regulators creates transparency and trust.
- Future-proofing → Builds a digital record that stays with the building, even as staff or contractors change.
The Golden Thread is more than a legal obligation; it’s a chance to build safer, more transparent, and more resilient operations. For health & safety leaders, going digital is no longer optional. By centralising documentation, automating compliance, and maintaining real-time visibility, firms can not only meet regulatory standards but also improve efficiency and reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is the Golden Thread of information?
It’s a requirement under the Building Safety Act 2022 to maintain a clear, accurate, and accessible record of safety-critical information for higher-risk buildings.
Q: What are the risks of not complying with the Golden Thread?
Fines, reputational damage, delayed projects, and even criminal liability for dutyholders.
Q: Can SMEs comply with the Golden Thread requirements?
Yes. Digital platforms make it easier for smaller contractors to maintain compliance without a large compliance team.
Q: How do digital platforms help with Golden Thread compliance?
They centralise documentation, automate verification, create audit trails, and ensure data is always accessible and up-to-date.
Ready to build your Golden Thread? Platforms like LogiDocs make compliance simple, scalable, and audit-ready.
