Contractors Management in Occupational Safety & Health Perspective 🔗

Introduction

More companies are outsourcing their works to third party, i.e. contractors due to their focus on core production activities. Project and maintenance works, especially those which require specialist skills such as confined space entry, heavy lifting and scaffolding are normally contracted out. These works are normally contracted out to specialist contractors who have the required skills, knowledge and equipment to perform the job. If the contract established between the client and contractor does not contain clear OSH requirements, it may expose contractors’ workers to the hazards and risks associated with the work. Whenever there is an accident, it is normal that those involved will blame each other if their roles and expectations were not specified in the contract. Some of the issues that may arise are who is responsible for specific OSH requirements such as Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC), gas testing, site supervision, etc. Under Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994), employers or client who issue a contract has a duty or responsibility to provide as far as practicable, a safe and healthy workplace, including welfare for his staff and contractors involved in the works. It is important for all employers or clients to take all practicable steps to manage hazards and risks as early as possible before the issuance of the contract. The contract should specify all OSH requirements, roles and responsibilities of client and contractor, interfaces and manner in which all OSH hazards and risks should be managed at every stage of the contract. It is a known fact that good OSH management in contracts will reduce the overall costs, increase quality and productivity of works as well as protecting the safety and health of workers.