Contractors play a crucial role in many industries, but they can face challenges like financial constraints and tight deadlines. These pressures may lead to shortcuts or unsafe practices, posing risks to everyone involved. Working with third party companies can also expose employers to contractors who lack proper training and qualifications, further risking the safety of your employees.

Navigating contractor management can present various challenges. Strategies a contractor safety management program should generally involve three stages: establishing safety standards and pre-job qualifications, delivering consistent training for contractors, and monitoring and assessing contractor performance.

1. Establish Safety Standards and Pre-Job Qualifications for Contractors

Employers should define safety regulations and criteria, communicating these expectations to all employees. These rules can be displayed across work sites, offices, or employee documents. Clearly defining roles and responsibilities between employers and contractors is equally important. Once the safety regulations and criteria are set, a robust vetting process for contractors is essential. Utilizing tools like PSS Advantage can assist in streamlining the pre-job safety qualification process. Verifying contractor certifications and reviewing past records enhances the ability to maintain secure workplaces.

2. Deliver Consistent Training for Contractors

Before projects begin, companies must ensure safety training for all contractors and employees. Proof of training and understanding should be continuous throughout the timeline of contractor projects to ensure a robust safety culture.

3. Monitor and Assess Performance

Once procedures are established and training is in place, repeated safety evaluations are essential to confirm contractor compliance to the established safety guidelines and their effectiveness. Routine inspections and site walkthroughs serve as hands on method to carry out these assessments.

By following these steps, you can strengthen your contractor safety management program, ensuring the safety of all employees and contractors involved and creating a robust safety culture.