Understanding Contractor Safety at Work

Benefits

Contractors working in a high-risk industry like construction understand the importance of safety in their day-to-day work, as it directly impacts their well-being and the success of their projects.

The numbers speak for themselves: in 2022, the construction industry in the US saw over 1,000 cases of fatal work injuries, making it the most dangerous sector. And in the EU, 22.5% of all fatal workplace accidents happened in construction.

This information shows that investing in contractor safety is a must for construction operations. There are many benefits to prioritizing contractor safety because it:

• Reduces accidents and injuries – Proper safety protocols for contractors significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. It not only protects the workers but also has a positive impact on the project timeline and budget.
• Maintains a positive reputation – Prioritizing contractor safety shows that an organization cares about the well-being of all workers, including those who are not permanent employees. It can improve the organization’s reputation among contractors, potential clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensures compliance with regulations – Many industries have specific rules for contractor safety. By prioritizing them, organizations can ensure they meet these requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties.
• Increases productivity – When contractors feel safe and supported, they are more likely to be productive and efficient. This leads to better project outcomes and helps them meet deadlines.
• Encourages a positive safety culture – Prioritizing contractor safety can set a precedent for all workers on-site, including regular employees. It promotes a positive safety culture where everyone is responsible for their well-being and that of others.
• Cost-effective – While implementing proper safety measures may require some initial investment, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Organizations can save money on medical expenses, legal fees, and potential project delays by preventing accidents and injuries.

Standards and Regulations Related to Contractor Safety

Creating a safe work environment for contractors involves following industry standards and government regulations. The following list encompasses a wide range of guidelines and legal requirements designed to protect the well-being of contractors across the world:

United States

• Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHA) – A comprehensive set of rules and regulations to protect worker safety and health, including fall protection, scaffolding, electrical safety, hazard communication, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• ANSI/ASSE standards – Voluntary safety standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) cover fall protection, machine guarding, PPE, and more.
• NFPA standards – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards addressing fire prevention, electrical safety, and safe use of flammable materials on construction sites.
• State-specific safety regulations – Each state has additional regulations beyond federal OSHA standards to address unique risks.

European Union

• EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC – This directive establishes minimum requirements for occupational health and safety across the EU, including for construction.
• Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive 92/57/EEC – This outlines the specific requirements for safety and health at temporary or mobile construction sites.
• PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – This establishes health and safety requirements for PPE.

Australia

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 – This national law sets out health and safety duties, including construction work.
• AS/NZS 4801 – This is the Australian/New Zealand Standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
• SafeWork Australia Codes of Practice – This provides practical guidance on managing risks in construction.

United Kingdom

• Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 – This law establishes general health, safety, and welfare duties, including construction duties.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 – It requires health and safety coordination in construction projects.
• Work at Height Regulations 2005 – This regulation outlines specific requirements for managing risks from work at height.
• BS OHSAS 18001 – This is the British Standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

Best Practices on Contractor Safety

Managing contractor safety requires a proactive approach and ongoing efforts. Here are some best practices to ensure the safety of contractors:

Determine Required Qualifications

Before hiring contractors, organizations should assess the type of work and level of risk involved to determine the necessary qualifications. It can include:

• Licenses, certifications, and training related to safety protocols
• A history of violations related to safety and environmental regulations
• History of injuries and losses
• Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
• Procedures and outcomes of job and task hazard analysis

Develop Safety Policies and Procedures

Organizations should have clear safety policies and procedures for contractors to follow. Some of these guidelines may include:

• Company and contractor safety responsibilities and emergency contact details
• A detailed overview of hazardous areas, equipment, materials, and tasks at the worksite
• Safety programs that outline safe work practices for contracted jobs are essential for ensuring a secure working environment
• Guidelines on using PPE and other safety equipment
• Procedures for reporting potential hazards, incidents, injuries, and near misses
• The equipment, tools, and supplies the contractor or employer needs to provide for the job
• Implementation of Lockout/Tagout procedures for on-site equipment

Establish Performance Agreements

Performance agreements outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties regarding safety. It includes providing necessary safety equipment, appropriate training, and adhering to safety protocols.

Provide Adequate Training

Train all contractors on the proper use of safety equipment and processes. Some of the topics to include in construction safety training are:

• Hazard recognition and control measures
• Fall prevention and protection strategies
• Scaffolding safety
• Electrical safety
• Confined space entry procedures
• Fire prevention and emergency response protocols
• Behaviors that expose workers to risks

Perform Routine Inspections

Check the work site regularly to ensure safety protocols are followed and no hazards are present. These inspections remind the on-site team to comply with company regulations and help management identify potential dangers that need attention. Review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for necessary protocols like proper safety signage, machine guarding, slip and fall prevention, and more.

Develop a Reporting System

Establish a system for employees to report any unsafe conditions or behaviors they see. Ensure they have a clear communication channel to share their safety concerns with supervisors quickly and safely. Then, create a process to address these reports and implement changes to improve safety in the workplace.

Monitor Performance and Provide Feedback

Employers should regularly check their contractors’ performance and ensure safety requirements are met. It’s important to communicate openly with contractors to keep them engaged and offer feedback to help them improve. If contractors aren’t meeting these standards, your company can provide extra safety training.

Manage All of Your Tasks with Proper Online Tools

Using contractor safety software can help organizations streamline all aspects of contractor safety. With this software, you can:

• Create and store digital records of contractors’ training and certifications.
• Send automated safety reminders to contractors.
• Conduct online training and track employees’ progress.
• Schedule safety inspections, audits, and meetings.
• Store important documents such as permits, licenses, and certificates in one centralized location for easy access by both parties.