The inclusion of contractors in any business or project brings forth various safety-related risks and exposures. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an effective strategy that not only manages these risks but also seamlessly integrates contractor activities into the overall business or project framework.
Here are some essential strategies to manage the safety of contractors and subcontractors, including effective pre-qualification and ongoing assessments of safety performance:
Pre-Qualification: Implement a rigorous pre-qualification process that includes comprehensive safety audits for contractors and subcontractors. This involves assessing their policies, procedures, training programs, incident history, safety records, leading indicators, and compliance with applicable regulations. Only contractors who meet predefined safety standards should be considered for engagement.
Leading Safety Performance Metrics: Establish key leading safety performance metrics for contractors and subcontractors. Develop a standardised system to measure safety performance, specifically what the contractor does to prevent incidents, rather than react to them. Regularly track and evaluate these metrics to identify high-performing and low-performing contractors.
Training and Education: Mandate safety training and education programs for all contractors and subcontractors working on your projects. Provide access to relevant safety resources, training materials, and certifications to enhance their safety knowledge and skills. Encourage continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry best practices.
Safety Incentives: Introduce safety incentives to encourage contractors and subcontractors to prioritise safety. Offer rewards, recognition, or bonuses based on safety performance metrics, such as achieving zero incidents or maintaining a low incident rate. Incentives can motivate contractors to prioritise safety and create a culture of safety within their organisations.
Technology-enabled Safety Monitoring: Leverage technological advancements such as wearables, sensors, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices to monitor safety in real time. Equip contractors and subcontractors with wearable devices that track vital signs, detect hazardous conditions, or provide immediate safety alerts. This data can be analysed to identify potential safety risks and take proactive measures.
Continuous Safety Reviews: Conduct regular safety audits and inspections throughout the project lifecycle. These audits should be performed both internally and by third-party safety experts. Identify potential hazards, evaluate safety procedures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Provide timely feedback to contractors and subcontractors, emphasising areas for improvement and sharing best practices.
Meaningful Collaboration: Foster a collaborative approach to planning with contractors and subcontractors. Involve them in safety meetings, hazard identification sessions, and safety discussions. Encourage open communication and feedback to promote a shared commitment to safety. Regularly review safety plans and update them based on changing project requirements or emerging risks. Facilitate genuine participation with your contractors, rather than simply a compliance model.
Total Transparency: Establish a transparent communication system. Contractors and subcontractors should promptly report any safety incidents or potential hazards. Implement a culture of accountability by investigating incidents, analysing root causes, and taking corrective actions. Encourage open and honest reporting without fear of repercussions.
Continuous Improvement: Utilise data analytics to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in safety performance. Analyse incident data, near-miss reports, and leading activities. Use this information to implement targeted training programs, modify safety procedures, or make informed decisions about contractor selection.
Regular Performance Reviews: Conduct periodic safety performance reviews with contractors and subcontractors. Provide meaningful feedback on their safety performance, focus on areas of strength, and collaborate on areas needing improvement. These reviews can also serve as an opportunity to set goals, align expectations, and ensure ongoing commitment to safety.
Using the right strategies, that involve contractors and allow them to participate, will always bring beneficial outcomes. These strategies should be customised to align with your organisations specific needs, industry regulations, and the nature of your projects. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies and adapt them as necessary to continuously improve contractor and subcontractor safety.
