You uploaded your safety programs to ISNetworld and waited. Then the rejection came back — "deficiencies found" or "does not meet requirements." Now you're trying to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it before you lose the job.
This guide explains what RAVS reviewers actually check, the 12 deficiencies that trip up small contractors most often, and how to pass without paying a consultant thousands of dollars.
What Is RAVS and What Does It Actually Review?
RAVS stands for Review and Verification Services. It's the document review service inside ISNetworld. When you upload your written safety programs to ISNetworld, RAVS reviewers (actual people) read through them and check whether they meet specific criteria set by the hiring client (the company that required you to join ISNetworld in the first place).
Each hiring client sets their own RAVS requirements — which programs are required and what each program must contain. That's why your RAVS list may look different from another contractor's. When RAVS reviewers evaluate your documents, they're checking your program against a predefined rubric of required elements.
Key insight: RAVS isn't checking whether you're "safe" — it's checking whether your written programs contain specific required elements. A well-written document that addresses all the right topics will pass. A real-world safe company with a poorly written program will fail.
The 12 Most Common RAVS Deficiencies
These are the issues that cause the most RAVS rejections for small contractors. Fix these and you dramatically improve your chances of passing on the first submission.
No company name on the document
Generic templates that say "ABC Company" or "[Insert Company Name]" fail immediately. Your company name must appear on the cover and throughout the document.
Missing OSHA regulatory citations
Reviewers look for references to the specific OSHA standards (like 29 CFR 1926.59 for Hazard Communication). Programs without regulatory citations often fail because reviewers can't verify the program meets a specific standard.
Hazard Communication program doesn't address SDSs
HazCom programs must specifically address Safety Data Sheets — where they're kept, how workers access them, and the labeling system used. Vague language about "chemicals" without addressing SDSs is a common failure.
Fall Protection program is too generic
A program that just says "workers will use fall protection" doesn't pass. It needs to address specific fall hazards, the types of systems used (guardrails, harnesses, covers), inspection procedures, and rescue plans.
No Emergency Action Plan or it's missing key elements
Required elements include: evacuation procedures, assembly points, emergency contacts, roles and responsibilities, and procedures for employees who stay behind to operate critical systems.
PPE program lacks a written hazard assessment
OSHA requires a written certification that you performed a PPE hazard assessment. Programs that describe PPE requirements but don't include a documented hazard assessment process regularly get flagged.
Training program doesn't address frequency
Reviewers check whether your safety training program specifies when training happens — new hire orientation, annual refreshers, after incidents, when procedures change. Programs that don't address training frequency often fail.
Document is undated or outdated
Programs without a date, or with a date that's more than 3–5 years old, often trigger a deficiency. Reviewers want to see that the program is current. Always include an effective date and revision date.
No management signature or commitment statement
Many RAVS requirements include a check for management commitment — typically a signed statement from company leadership committing to the safety program. A program without any management signature or commitment policy often fails this element.
Trade-specific programs are missing entirely
Your RAVS list may require programs specific to your trade — Silica for concrete work, Excavation for underground, LOTO for electrical. If the required program isn't uploaded, it's a guaranteed deficiency.
Incident reporting procedures are incomplete
Programs need to describe what constitutes a reportable incident, who gets notified, how the report is documented, and how incidents are investigated. A vague sentence about "reporting accidents to your supervisor" won't pass.
Programs were written for the wrong industry
If a roofing contractor submits a manufacturing safety program, or a plumber submits a program written for office workers, reviewers will spot it. Programs must be relevant to construction work and your specific trade.
How Small Contractors Can Pass Without a Consultant
Safety consultants who specialize in ISNetworld RAVS submissions charge $2,000–$10,000 and take weeks. That might make sense for a company with 100 employees. For a small contractor under 50 people, it's often overkill.
Here's the approach that works for small contractors:
- Log into ISNetworld and pull your exact RAVS requirements list. Don't guess which programs you need — ISNetworld shows you the list. Check which ones are checked off and which ones have deficiencies.
- Read the deficiency notes carefully. RAVS reviewers leave specific notes explaining what was missing. These notes are your roadmap.
- Get programs that are written for construction, not office work. The program must match the hazards of your actual trade.
- Make sure every program has your company name, a date, OSHA citations, and covers all required elements. These are the four things reviewers check on every program.
- Resubmit promptly. Most clients allow multiple resubmissions. The faster you resubmit, the faster you get qualified.
If you need a safety program fast, CrewCompliance generates one customized for your trade and state in about 2 minutes — with your company name throughout, correct OSHA citations, and all the elements RAVS reviewers look for. Use code FIRST100 to get it for $99.
Get RAVS-ready safety programs today.
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Get My Safety Program — $149What Reviewers Actually Look For (Per Program)
Here's a quick breakdown of the key elements reviewers check for the most common programs:
Hazard Communication
- GHS labeling system described
- SDS availability and location addressed
- Employee training on HazCom covered
- List of hazardous chemicals (or reference to a maintained list)
Fall Protection
- Specific fall hazards identified (leading edges, floor holes, scaffolds, roofs)
- Types of fall protection systems described
- Equipment inspection and maintenance procedures
- Rescue procedures if a worker falls and is suspended in a harness
Personal Protective Equipment
- Written hazard assessment procedure
- PPE selection criteria
- Training requirements
- Cleaning, maintenance, and replacement procedures
Emergency Action Plan
- Specific emergency scenarios covered (fire, medical, severe weather)
- Evacuation routes and assembly points
- Emergency contact numbers
- Employee roles and responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does RAVS review take?
Initial RAVS reviews typically take 3–10 business days after submission, depending on ISNetworld's current volume and the hiring client's settings. Resubmissions after fixing deficiencies often move faster.
Do I need a separate program for each RAVS item?
Not necessarily. Some safety programs can address multiple RAVS requirements. For example, a comprehensive safety manual might satisfy several checklist items. But each required topic must be addressed thoroughly — you can't skip topics just because you have a long document.
Can I submit one big safety manual instead of separate programs?
Yes — many contractors submit a single comprehensive safety manual that covers all required topics. RAVS reviewers will check each section against the requirements. Just make sure the manual is organized clearly so reviewers can find each required element quickly.
Will a RAVS deficiency prevent me from working?
That depends on the hiring client's settings. Some clients allow you to work while deficiencies are pending resolution. Others require full RAVS approval before you can mobilize. Check with the project manager or your ISNetworld account to understand the client's specific requirement.
How many times can I resubmit after a deficiency?
ISNetworld allows multiple resubmissions. There's no hard limit, but each round of review takes time. Fix all the deficiencies in one shot rather than submitting incremental fixes — that gets you qualified faster.
Does CrewCompliance produce programs that pass RAVS?
CrewCompliance generates programs that include the key elements RAVS reviewers check: your company name, OSHA citations, required program elements for your trade, management commitment statements, and current effective dates. The programs are designed specifically for construction contractors and the most common RAVS requirements.