The summer season is upon us, and no doubt you will be looking forward to a well-deserved holiday. But the factory shutdown period also entails contractor management, a traditional nightmare area for health and safety managers. You do not want to go away with that niggling feeling that things are not quite in place so read Make Business’ introduction to contractor compliance
Most manufacturers rely heavily on contractors during their factory shutdown for maintenance. But it is exactly the areas of maintenance and contractors that pose the most significant risk to UK manufacturing. Therefore it is vital for health and safety managers to have the right procedures, safety monitoring and processes in place to allow contractors to work safely and productively.
Prosecution under section 3 of HASAWA – specifically aimed at the management of contractors – is increasingly common. Moreover, with CDM15 guidelines well and truly in place, prosecution is more likely and more costly than ever before. Fines for health and safety offences have more than tripled since CDM15 was implemented. In 2017/18 the largest fine was £3 million in comparison to 2014/15, when it was £750,000.
Apart from prosecution and fines, in the worst-case scenario contractor mismanagement can lead to tragic accidents and lost lives. In 2010 two workers at the Sonae industrial plant in Knowsley were killed whilst carrying out maintenance work. An investigation by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) found, amongst other findings, that Sanoe did not have a process in place for managing contractors.
It is important to be aware that these days CDM15 does not only apply to traditional construction work, but also to decorating, repairs, and even cleaning with a high-pressure hose and the installation of phones and computers. You will need to adhere to the CDM15 requirements to safely manage non-employees carrying out work for you.
But do not fret, the requirements are relatively straightforward:
- If you are employing more than one contracting firm to undertake ‘construction’ work for you, then you must put one of them in charge of the job or take it on yourself (the person in charge is known as the Principal Contractor).
- If your project lasts more than 30 days with 20 or more workers employed on any one day, you must notify the HSE.
So, is a Risk Assessment and SSOW (Safe Systems Of Work) enough to manage a contractor painting your factory wall outside from a scaffold? You will be glad to know that the answer is yes, as long as the assessment is suitable and the paperwork is sufficient.
With CDM15 in mind, it is advisable to revisit the HS (G) 159 document on managing contractors, which still provides a good framework for companies to work to. Are you compliant in each step of the process: planning; choosing the contractor; contractors working on site; keeping a check and reviewing the work? If other people in your company are tasked with managing contractors, it is vital for them to understand the risks and liabilities they are taking on. They might very well benefit from a training course on the subject.
Ultimately, with the right processes, procedures and safety measures in place, accidents and prosecution can be avoided. Remember to keep it simple, carry out all the steps and always check that your contractor is doing what they say they are.
Want to know more to make sure you are fully compliant? Make Business subscription services offer unlimited telephone advice, online resources and expert face-to-face support by its team of Health, Safety and Sustainability consultants. Make Business is part of Make UK, the UK manufacturing body.
