Contractors control issue

Successful project control includes understanding and anticipating organizational issues that may occur with contractors and subcontractors. Once the contractor relationship is formalized, it is then communicated to all affected personnel on the site. 

Contractors, contract manufacturers, transporters, warehouses, and end users of reactive chemicals should be informed not only of chemical reactivity hazards, but provided information or training on how to control them. This should be done as part of product life-cycle management and Responsible Care/Product Stewardship. Specific issues needing to be addressed may include but probably are not limited to those that are highlighted during the hazard/risk analyses (Section 4.5), including ... 

These activities are likely to involve significant parent company investment in time, people and costs, if the outsourcing is to be successful. Some of these issues associated with using and controlling contractors are discussed further by Burton (1997). 

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) initially addressed the employer-employee relationship shortly after the OSH Act was enacted in the case titled Gilles v. Cotting, Inc. In this case, two employees of the primary contractor were killed in an accident created by and resulting from the actions of a subcontractor. OSHA issued one citation to the primary contractor and one citation to the subcontractor. OSHA subsequently vacated the citation to the primary contractor, finding the citation was improper and would impose liability outside the employment relationship. Over the years, the OSHRC, as well as the various federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, has addressed this issue primarily in the construction area, with focus on creation of the hazard and control of the hazard. In recent decisions and with the inception of the multiemployer woiksite rule, the scope of the duty to safeguard employees at the worksite has been substantially expanded."... 

With miles of tarred roads around the smelter shared by metal transport vehicles, contractors vehicles, and bicycles, a major road safety campaign was implemented. Two security personnel were selected and sent to the local municipality for training and were appointed as traffic controllers. They patrolled the roads and issued friendly warnings to traffic rule offenders. The objective was to educate rather than punish, but there was a three strikes and you re out policy, especially for contractors. A mobile, solar-powered radar road speed indicator was placed at different positions within the plant to remind drivers of the speed limit. A strict vehicle seat belt policy was introduced, and no one was allowed onto the premises unless all vehicle occupants were buckled up. 

OHS issues will certainty arise from time to time in ary workplace, and can be hartdled through the consultative process which Robens-style OHS law sets up - employers talking with health and safety representatives, or in health and safety committees, hr srrtall workplaces, or those without representatives, the employer can discuss matters one-on-one with employees. Issues onty become disputes if there is a difference between an employee s request, demand or point of view and that of the employer. The dispnte may be for a mtmber of reasons - one, of coitrse, is inabihty to pay for risk control measures. Another may be that the employer is dependent on others to implement solutions. For example, a contractor at a mine site may operate machinery belonging to the principal which needs new capital investment for safe operation rather than just maintenance. An accident make employees aware of a risk they weren t aware of before. 

If demolition or refurbishment is to be undertaken, then hazards associated with structural collapse, fire, working at height, lifting and carrying and electricity must be considered together with health hazards from lead, asbestos, vermin and insects. As mentioned in Chapter 10, a structural survey before work commenced should reduce the risk of unintentional structural collapse. The issue of hot work permits, provision of fire-fighting equipment and suitable storage facilities for flammable substances should control the fire risk. Health risks can be controlled, for example, by the use of licensed contractors for the removal of asbestos, specialist contractors to eradicate vermin and the provision of suitable personal protective equipment. 

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