Topic area 8: Managing the health and safety contractors
Estimated Duration: 1 Hour
Objectives:
- To define what is meant by a contractor and to outline the types and role of contractors in the quarrying industry;
- To outline the duties, roles and responsibilities of companies and contractors
- To outline the principals of managing the health and safety of contractors prior to, and during their work on site
- To introduce the Contractor Passport scheme currently being initiated by the quarrying industry.
Lecture Plan
1. Types of Contractor
Major contracts - large expenditure and long period on site
- Medium/Minor Contracts - substantial expenditure
- Casual Contracts - low expenditure over short periods
- Labour hire contracts - specialist labour
- Restricted site access - deliveries etc.
2. The Quarry/Contractor Relationship
3. Duty of care - in the past it was assumed that using contractors relieved employers from their duty of care obligations.
4. Selecting Contractors
- Preparation of the scope of the contract work and the health and safety standards which must be maintained.
- Evaluation and assessment of the contractors tender - good record of health and safety performance, undertaking risk assessments, formal health and safety management system, established rules and procedures.
5. Post Award Phase
- Contractor Induction and the 'Passport' scheme.
- Ensuring the contractors are aware of specific safety requirements, hazards and risks on site
- Implementing procedures for regular auditing of the health and safety systems and performance of the contractor
- Monitoring the health and safety performance.
Suggested Reading & Other Resources
HSE - Managing Contractors: A Guide for Employers, HSE Books, 1997.