Working with contractors: Selection, safeguarding, and management

Start by hiring a competent contractor

Whether you're working with electricians, scaffolders, or cleaners, "safety is a two-way street." You must employ a competent contractor with relevant experience, qualifications, and appropriate memberships. Your contractor has a duty to work safely on your site.

Always vet potential hires. Depending on project risk level, evaluate:

• Health and safety policy, including training and subcontractor management
• Health and safety track record, including accident and near-miss rates
• Safety method statement
• Subcontractor selection process
• Public liability insurance
• Permit to work for high-risk jobs involving live electricals, asbestos, or external work at height
• References from past employers

Set safety standards from the outset

Open communication and collaboration are critical when partnering with external specialists. Before work begins, establish clear ground rules by sharing safety expectations, information, and processes. Exchange and agree on:

• Health and safety arrangements, rules, and emergency procedures
• Scope of work, responsibilities, and risk control measures
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety protocol training
• On-site risks, including any known asbestos locations
• Site layout information, including one-way systems, designated loading zones, and smoking areas
• Sign in/out arrangements
• Key contacts for reporting safety incidents, accidents, and problems
• Risks, safety rules, and emergency protocols related to contractor work
• Regular safety meetings and briefings schedule

Conduct a thorough risk assessment

Before the project begins, you or a competent person must carry out a detailed risk assessment. The assessment should identify potential hazards associated with contractor work, including who might be harmed: staff, subcontractors, and site visitors.

Once risks are identified, implement control measures. These might include engineering controls like guardrails, administrative measures like safe working practices, or personal protective equipment.

Manage and monitor the works

Businesses must maintain control over contractors to ensure they follow the agreed safety plan. The supervision level depends on the project's impact on your team and customers.

Before establishing your management framework, consider:

• When and for how long will the contractor be on site? What hours will they work?
• Will the contractor receive a security pass? How will you safeguard your site and people?
• What equipment, materials, and substances will they use and how will they store them?
• Where on site will the contractor work? Do areas need segregation?
• Will the project affect access to utilities like water and electricity?
• How will you monitor contractor activities and conduct ongoing checks?
• How will you track who's on site?
• Does the contractor need further operational details to work safely and effectively?

Partner with a health and safety specialist

Opus helps you maximize contractor expertise without compromising safety and security. Contact them about risk assessments, contractor management, and ongoing health and safety consultancy.