Contractor controlling on behalf of a large company has been performed for many years using their in house developed system

Contractors form part of workforce across large companies. The use of contractors is a necessary part of work. Contractors might be engaged due to their expertise, their qualifications, or to supplement and support inhouse employees.

The introduction of contractors can also introduce risk. Contractors may not be aware of, or used to working to the high safety standards set by large companies. It is important that the assessment, selection, use, monitoring and review of contractors is managed consistently and to a recognised and accepted standard.

Large companies Sourcing and Procurement may provide many of the policies, procedures and guidance documents to assist in the management of contractors.

A Code of Practice for contractor controlling (CoP CC) would concentrate on the health and safety aspects.

The contractor controlling system used will be as per the companies Code of Practice for contractor controlling (CoP CC).

The application of the CoP CC would depend on the activities the contractor would be engaged for, but with reference to the critical elements of the CoP CC.

Critical elements of the CoP CC could be:

1. Before a contractors’ work commences, inductions and required training including emergency procedures must have been completed.

2. Confirm work method statements (WMS) and/or Job Safety Analyses (JSA) are developed for the work.

3. There must be a Companies assigned Task Supervisor in control of contract work groups. i.e. Contractor Controller

4. Confirm Work Permit requirements are in place and available on the job for the designated work with the following elements addressed:

• critical hazards identified and control measures put in place
• documentation of controls available at work site
• work permit authorised by Task Supervisor, Authorised Person, Contractor’s Supervisor and Plant Owner
• contractors and employees understand the hazards and controls and have signed the permit
• handover and hand-back process is completed.

5. Contractor to stop work if any tasks, hazards or risks change or controls are not effective and report to the Companies assigned Task Supervisor.

This list outlines the requirements to be fulfilled in relation to the management of contractors.

1. Code Requirements and Guidelines

• Safe Systems of Work
• Scope of Work
• Assessment and Selection
• Approved Contractors
• Pre-work OHS Considerations
• OHS Considerations During Work
• Changes to Contractor Work
• Post Work OHS Considerations
• Incidents

2. Audit and Review

3. Training and Competence

• Contractor Controllers
• Task Supervisor
• Contractors

4. Responsibility, Authority & Accountability

• Contractor Controller
• Task Supervisor
• Business/Site Manager