Contractor Safety
When contractors perform services at employer worksites, a detailed contract and contractor safety program protects the health and safety of both employees and contractors. The employer and the contractor share an obligation to communicate planned work activities, the hazards involved, and the contracted tasks, as well as the training, tools, and equipment that all employees will need.
Before agreeing to work with a contractor, review the following data that gives insight to their safety culture and performance:
- History of safety and environmental regulation violations.
- Injury and loss history.
- Total Recordable Incident Rate.
- Experience modification rate (ex-mod).
- Job and task hazard analysis procedures and results.
- Written safety programs and policies.
Ensure that you outline requirements in the work contract and in contractor manuals so there is a clearly communicated expectation of workplace safety. Topics to consider include:
- Company and contractor safety responsibility and emergency contact information.
- A description of hazardous areas, equipment, materials, and tasks at the worksite.
- Safety programs that govern the safe work practices for the contracted job.
- Equipment, tools, and supplies that the contractor or the employer need to provide.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) required at the worksite and for job tasks.
- Training and certifications that contracted employees need prior to conducting work.
- Reporting requirements and procedures for injuries, illnesses, hazards, and safety concerns.
- The expectation for a drug and alcohol free workplace.
It is important that contractors match or exceed the safety culture and standards of the employer. General safe work practices to emphasize include:
- Lockout/Tagout procedures for equipment on-site.
- A list of permit-required and non-permit-required confined spaces on-site.
- Heat illness prevention procedures.
- Trenching and excavation procedures and the location of utilities.
- A list of chemicals used on-site and access to safety data sheets.
- Areas where fall protection is required.
- Vehicle, driving, and traffic safety rules for the worksite.
- Good housekeeping methods.
- Worksite safety inspection processes and frequency of inspections.
- Worksite security procedures.
- Personal conduct requirements.
Training is important to familiarize employees with how to control job hazards and prevent injuries. Suggested initial and ongoing training topics include:
- A worksite safety orientation including a discussion of the hazards associated with the tasks of the job to be performed.
- The contents of contractor safety manuals.
- Pre-job briefings and shift meetings.
- Safety tailgate topics specific to the worksite and job tasks.
- Trainings that are required to control a hazard, condition, or behavior.
Ensure that you train general contractors on the worksite-specific emergency procedures and equipment. Knowledgeable employees and contractors can cooperate and make fast, quality decisions if they are prepared before an emergency occurs. The following topics and procedures at a minimum should be provided to employees and contractors:
- Fire prevention and evacuation plans.
- Emergency spill response and procedures.
- Exit routes and assembly areas for emergency evacuations.
- The location of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and rescue equipment.
- Emergency contacts and communication methods.
- Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them.