REFERENCE MATERIAL › CONTRACTOR RISK INFORMATION

What you need to do
Contractor Control

• Organisations and employers who engage contractors should be aware that responsibility for the safety of those on the site/ location will remain with them in the majority of circumstances.
• The use of temporary and contract employees can increase the risk of injury in many industry sectors.
• In terms of Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, labour hire organisations have a duty of care for the health and safety of their employees and contractors

Typical Contractor Issues

• Confusion regarding roles and responsibilities
• Inadequate supervision of contractors.
• Use of employee equipment by untrained contractors.
• Poorly trained/ unskilled contractors performing required tasks

Ensuring the following points are addressed will assist an organisation maintain a safer working environment when contractors are employed -

• Contractors have a written health and safety policy.
• The scope of work required and the associated risks have been communicated to the contractor.
• The contractor has submitted a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement covering the required tasks and associated risks.
• All contractors are taken through a recorded induction program.
• All contractors are trained and competent for the task/ role.
• The contractor's equipment is fit for purpose and operators are trained in the use.
• Contractors are aware of the required standard of OHS performance and reporting methods for accidents/ incidents.
• The contractor's performance is continually monitored and reviewed upon completion with safety issues highlighted and recorded.

Further Information
For further information contact Xchanging
Ph. 1800 803 905
or email us at: risk.management.nsw@au.xchanging.com

Additional information:
Consult OHS Regulation 2001, in particular Clauses 213, 226, 227, 228

• Work Cover NSW 13 10 50
• National Occupational Health and Safety Commission 6279 1000
• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 6273 2311
• The National Safety Council Australia (03) 9832 1555
• Standards Australia 1300 654 646
• Australasian Legal Information Institute

Disclaimer: The information contained here is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. It contains only a summarized general overview of particular topics, and further professional advice or directives may still be required.