Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Use of Contractors

The use of external contractors is a common practice in many industries, providing specialized skills and services that may not be available in-house. However, it is crucial to manage the associated risks to ensure safety and compliance with legal standards. In the UK, employers have a responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure that contractors are competent and that their work does not pose a risk to employees or others. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, verifying the contractor’s qualifications and safety record, and ensuring clear communication of safety policies and procedures. Employers should provide contractors with all necessary information about potential hazards and site-specific safety requirements, and supervise their work to ensure compliance. Regular monitoring and review of contractor performance can help identify and address any safety issues promptly. By effectively managing the use of external contractors, employers can maintain high safety standards, protect all workers, and ensure successful project outcomes.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. Activities and undertakings involving the use of external contractors are properly planned, coordinated, managed and monitored to minimise the risks presented to employees and others on site.
  2. All contractors successfully complete an appraisal process before being contracted by the company, the extent of the appraisal will be dependent on the scale and duration of works to be carried out.
  3. All contractors meet the standards set out by our nominated Health and Safety advisors.
  4. All contractors have provided sufficient evidence of their ability to carry out the prescribed work.
  5. A list of approved contractors is kept and updated at regular intervals according to contractor’s performance.
  6. Site safety rules are issued to all contractors and adhered to.
  7. Procedures are put in place to ensure that all necessary and relevant information is passed between contractors on site in an efficient and timely manner.
  8. A competent, named person is appointed to coordinate and monitor the work of each contractor.
  9. Each contractor is aware that primary responsibility for supervision of their work and workforce rests with the contractor themselves.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • INDG 368 – Use of Contractors – A joint responsibility
  • HSE L144 – Managing health and safety in construction

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Written By Ian