Contractor Safety Management Guide: Managing Contractor Risk
This contractor safety management guide explains how to address occupational safety from work planning and contractor selection through mobilization, coordination, monitoring and closeout.
Why Contractor Safety Management Matters
Contract work can introduce unfamiliar activities, people and equipment into an existing workplace. The host organization and contractor may also create risks for one another through interacting operations.
Define Safety Expectations Before Selection
Clarify the work scope, hazards, competence requirements and relevant safety expectations before evaluating contractors. Selection criteria should reflect the actual risk of the contracted work.
Evaluate Relevant Contractor Capability
Consider experience, competence, resources and systems relevant to the work. Avoid relying solely on generic documentation that does not demonstrate capability for the specific scope.
Coordinate Hazards Before Work Begins
Exchange information about site hazards, contractor-created hazards, simultaneous operations and required controls. Define communication and escalation arrangements.
Control and Monitor Contractor Work
Use appropriate permits, supervision, inspections and coordination according to the risk. Monitoring should verify actual conditions rather than focus only on submitted paperwork.
Review Contractor Performance
Use relevant performance evidence to identify lessons for current and future work. Serious or recurring issues should inform corrective action and future contractor-management decisions.
