Contractors and Subcontractors

Use and Control of Contractors

Policy

From time to time it will be necessary for us to employ contractors to carry out work on our premises. We will ensure that only those contractors who are deemed competent to undertake such work will be engaged to do so. All contractors will be assessed to ensure that they are able to allocate sufficient resources to ensure that all works are completed safely and will be provided with and agree to comply with our company code of practice. Contractors will only be able to subcontract any part of the works to a third party with the express permission of the company and will ensure that all such sub-contractors are suitably competent. Risk assessments and method statements will be prepared where necessary and the control measures identified will be monitored to ensure that they are being complied with. Certain high risk tasks will be controlled by the use of a permit to work system administered by the company. All contractor employees will be provided with induction training on first arrival at our site and will be adequately supervised throughout the duration of the contract. First aid and accident investigation arrangements will be made with the contractor. Non-compliance with agreed standards will result in suspension of the work and may result in removal from the approved contractor list. Continuous improvement in the management of contractors on our site will be achieved by reviewing the performance of each contractor at the end of the job and ensuring that poor practice is eliminated and good practice repeated.

Arrangements for the Use and Control of Contractors

The Contractor’s Co-ordinator will ensure that:

1.1 All contractors and sub contractors are competent to carry out the work they have been appointed to do.

1.2 All contractors and sub contractors are provided with an up to date copy of the company code of practice and have completed and returned the contractor certificate contained in the rear of the code of practice prior to work commencing on site.

1.3 No contractor appoints a sub contractor without express authorisation.

1.4 Assessments of the risks both created by the work carried out by the contractor and by our activities on site are carried out and agreed prior to work commencing.

1.5 Where required method statements based on the control measures identified by the risk assessment are in place prior to work commencing.

1.6 The Permit to Work (Contractors) has been completed.

1.7 A Permit to Work system is in place to control the risks from high risk activities such as roof work, live electrical work, confined space entry, hot work and work at height etc.

1.8 Arrangements are in place to ensure that all contractors and sub contractors have received adequate health and safety induction training and are properly supervised when on site.

1.9 The activities of all contractors when on site are effectively monitored to ensure they are complying with the risk assessments and method statements provided.

1.10 Procedures are in place to suspend the activities of contractors if unsafe working practices are observed.

1.11 Arrangements are in place for the provision of first aid for all contractors when on site.

1.12 Arrangements are in place for the recording, investigation and, where necessary, reporting of accidents to contractors on site.

1.13 Contractor review meetings are held at the end of the work to ensure that good performance is repeated and poor performance is improved.

Guidance and Records

General Information

When contractors or their sub-contractors are employed to carry out work for the company it is necessary to ensure that they are made aware of hazards likely to be encountered and notified of any areas where there may be specific dangers or which must not be entered unaccompanied.

Contractors also have a responsibility to set out details of any hazards under their control that may affect the company or its employees and specify the precautions necessary.

Arrangements must be made to ensure compliance with relevant statutory provisions, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, Work at Height Regulations, etc.

This document sets out for the guidance of company personnel the procedure for initiating discussions on health and safety matters which must take place prior to commencement of any work involving persons not employed by the company.

Before going out to tender for work involving new buildings, plant or equipment, or extension, alteration or modification to existing buildings, plant or equipment, the implications for fire precautions, health, safety or welfare must be fully considered.
The designer responsible for the work will establish whether the work will come within the scope of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and advise the company accordingly.
Before work starts on a contract, line managers must discuss with the contractor/sub-contractor all known hazards likely to be encountered and reasonably practicable measures agreed to reduce or eliminate the risks. The responsibilities, including geographical limits, of all relevant parties must be clearly established.
Contractors must be made aware of emergency procedures including the method of raising the alarm, sound of the alarm, assembly points, first-aid, etc.
Contractors shall not be allowed to use any of the company’s facilities, plant or equipment unless they are authorised by the company, are competent to use it, and it is in good condition, properly maintained and, where appropriate, within the current statutory inspection period.
A system for monitoring the safety aspects of the contract shall be agreed and include action to be taken against those failing to comply with the necessary precautions.
Contractors must keep the company informed of any accidents and provide copies of any notifications to the enforcement authorities.
Details of all hazards identified, preventive measures agreed, areas of responsibility, monitoring systems, etc. shall be documented.