Managing Contractors in Industry – for Managers

Hiring contractors offers flexibility and specialised expertise; however, it doesn’t come without risks. Poor management of contractors can allow accidents or injuries to happen, which can lead to additional costs, delays and legal repercussions.

This Managing Contractors in Industry course is designed for managers who coordinate hired contractors and oversee health and safety in industrial workplaces. The course gives industry managers a comprehensive understanding of their duties when hiring, managing and supervising contractors to ensure they can complete their work without incident. It also clarifies managers’ and contractors’ health and safety responsibilities and covers essential steps for maintaining safety when engaging contractors.

Many organisations rely on contractors to complete specialist or high-risk tasks due to their particular knowledge and skills. These specialist roles are often short-term, making it difficult for contractors to familiarise themselves with specific workplaces, procedures or practices.

This lack of knowledge makes accidents involving contractors all too common. They’re often unaware of the risks and hazards that are present in their temporary workplaces as well as the rules and safety procedures that are followed to prevent accidents.

Contractors also often work in some of the most hazardous industries, such as construction, which is considered the most dangerous in Britain. According to the Health and Safety Executive, of the 135 workers killed in work-related accidents last year, the majority worked in construction.

Employers are obligated to ensure the health and safety of all people at work, including contractors. This requirement means employers must be sure contractors are competent and hold the relevant qualifications. They must also collaborate with contractors on risk assessments, compare relevant findings and provide contractors with the necessary supervision and instruction to do their jobs safely.

This Managing Contractors in Industry training course provides managers with the knowledge and skills to select suitable contractors, supervise their activities and work with them to assess and control risks to ensure their health and safety while under contract.

As an employer, you have a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure the health and safety of people at work on your site, including contractors.

It’s essential to be aware of the following responsibilities as an employer:

• Hiring Suitable Contractors: It is your duty to select contractors who are qualified and competent for the tasks at hand.
• Conducting Risk Assessment: You must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with contractor work.
• Suitably Controlling Risks: After identifying hazards, it’s essential to implement measures that adequately control and minimise these risks.
• Communicating Health and Safety Information: Ensure contractors have clear and comprehensive health and safety information relevant to their work.
• Cooperation and Coordination: To maintain a safe working environment, foster cooperation and coordination between your organisation and contractors.
• Providing Necessary Supervision: Provide the appropriate level of supervision to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Other significant legislation, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, also apply in specific cases.

It is necessary to acknowledge and fulfil these legal obligations to safeguard the health and safety of all contractors working on your premises. Keeping contractors safe and complying with legislation will also protect your organisation from the potential legal consequences, costs, delays and reputational harm that can come from workplace accidents.