Controlling Contractors

Jan 1, 2010

Bob Woods, Risk Manager, explains - many businesses are not fully aware of their responsibilities when it comes to the selection, appointment and supervision of tradesmen and maintenance workers.

Legal duties for the health and safety of contractors whilst working on-site are often misunderstood. Poor management of tradesmen can lead to civil claims for compensation and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. It is not sufficient to simply hire a contractor and then step back and let them get on with things.

In one case a property management agent was fined £14,000 after a self-employed maintenance worker fell almost 30 metres to his death whilst clearing roof gutters at a property. The maintenance worker had been walking across a sloping roof on the building with nothing to prevent his fall.

Businesses, property owners and developers should adopt a structured approach to the selection of contractors including retention of an up-to-date list of approved firms. All aspects of the work should be defined before selecting a contractor.

They should also define all aspects of the work before beginning the selection process and, when selecting a tradesman, be sure to ask what experience they have had of the type work required. Doing this will allow you to identify high-risk tasks such as working at heights or hot work, which require a higher degree of management from the client, and competence from the contractor.

The good news is that by following some basic principles and adopting a careful approach, the issue need not be a cause for concern.

Do Ask contractors about their health and safety performance e.g. number of accidents, any reportable incidents.

Enquire as to the qualifications and experience they have, are they a member of a professional body?

Make sure they have adequate employers and public liability insurance (if in doubt ask your brokers for advice).

Request references.

Ask for method statements and risk assessments.

Keep a record of incidents occurring during the work and review with the contractor to help improve performance

Don’t just leave the contractor to get on with the job, establish early communication and liase with them throughout.

If in doubt please contact Bob Woods on 01422 398690 or email robert.woods@wilbyltd.co.uk