Qualifications and Programs

Contractor programs are administered in one of two ways hands on or hands off. Both methods incorporate varying degrees of the following recommendations. Whichever approach is chosen, consistent application and thorough documentation are necessary. Each of these approaches requires an equal amount of initial paperwork. The first things that must be reviewed are the contract and the safety qualifications of the prospective contractor, otherwise known as contractor qualifications. Three sources of information provide ways for an employer to evaluate the probable safety performance of a prospective contractor. Review 

The second suggested analysis should take the contractors OSHA incident rates into consideration. OSHA requires employers to report and record accident information on occupational injuries and illnesses on the annual OSHA 300 Log. The employer must 

The third performance measurement is very important in determining a company s safety record and attitude. Companies that hold their project management accountable for accidents along with productivity, schedules, and quality, etc., are usually the ones that carry the best safety records. As with any safety program, a few of the things to be considered are 

Once the prospective contractor qualifies, an agreement, a written contract, must be prepared. This contract, at a minimum, should state the host company s safety beliefs and expectations and a statement extending these to the contractor. Thus, the contract would include statements similar to the following  

Contractor safety orientation is another critical step in ensuring that contractor employees understand hazards related to the job, know site safety practices and rules, and are familiar with local emergency practices related to the site. Contractor safety orientation methods involving classroom sessions or video presentations can be very effective in preventing needless losses. The duty of a contractor in a host employer s workplace should be, at a minimum, to maintain the same level of safety and compliance that the host employer practices. These requests and requirements should be outlined in the scope of work and contract documentation. The host employer should also remember that the contractor s responsibility (liability) only applies to the extent to which the contractor has control of or can reasonably be expected to have control of the site. Those actions by the host employer that may create or expose employees to hazards remain the responsibility of that employer. 

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