COMPANY NAME: MENTOR
GUIDANCE NOTE:CONTRACTORS
This Guidance Note should be read in conjunction with the Contractors Operational Control
Procedure.
INTRODUCTION
Once engaged, contractors have obligations to plan, monitor and control their work to minimise
risks to all persons who may be affected by their activities. The employer and the contractor must
work together to ensure that the workplace remains safe and without risk to health and safety at
all times.
Work undertaken for a client by a contractor is usually covered by a civil contract. It is good
practice for health and safety requirements to be written into such a contract. However, health
and safety responsibilities are defined by criminal law and cannot be passed from one party to
another by a contract. In any client and contractor relationship, both parties will have duties under
health and safety law. Similarly, if the contractor employs sub-contractors to carry out some or all
of the work, all parties will have some health and safety responsibilities. The extent of each party's
responsibilities will depend on the circumstances.
PROCEDURAL STEPS
Carry out a review to establish the work undertaken by contractors
Identify all tasks carried out by contractors.
Ensure that an approved contractor list of those successfully meeting your criteria is
documented and only use contractors on this list.
Ensure that contractors provide detailed risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
Before any work commences, both parties must agree to the contents of the RAMS. It is best
practice for the contractor to assess the risks involved in the required work. However, if this
is impractical, you can make the assessment in conjunction with the contractor.
Ensure that Permits to Work are used for designated activities
Certain high risk activities, such as entry into confined spaces and hot works etc., can require
a permit to work.
Undertake site health and safety induction for all contractors not familiar with your
premises.
Prior to starting work, agree with contractors how work will be undertaken, what equipment will
be used and what facilities including welfare will be made available.
Undertake regular briefings and meetings with contractors.
All parties need to consider what information should be passed between them and to agree
appropriate ways for making sure that this is done.
Issue: 2 2021-07-13 Page 1 of 2 Last Reviewed: 2021-07-13
We regularly review and if necessary update this document. To ensure
you have the latest version download it from MentorDigital
