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Contractor Management Last modified: September 22, 2025

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Contractor Management

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What does Contractor Management mean in Health & Safety?

In the UK, employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to protect not only their own staff but also contractors working on their premises.

Contractor management is likely to include:

  • Pre-qualification checks – verifying competence: skills, knowledge, experience, training, and accreditations.
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) – ensuring safe systems of work.
  • CDM Regulations compliance – where construction projects are involved.
  • Induction and supervision – providing site-specific safety information.
  • Monitoring and review – checking performance, safety standards, and outcomes.

  • Why does Contractor Management matter for your business?

    Poor contractor management can lead to:

    • Health and safety breaches resulting in accidents and near misses
    • Legal and financial consequences, including HSE enforcement, fines, or civil claims.
    • Reputational damage impacting clients, investors and stakeholders.

    Effective contractor management helps businesses ensure safety, legal compliance, and high-quality outcomes. It also protects employees, contractors, and the public from unnecessary risk.

  • Contractor Management – best practices

    • Create a contractor management policy outlining roles and responsibilities.
    • Vet contractors carefully using pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) and references.
    • Ensure RAMS are in place before work starts.
    • Provide site inductions and safety briefings.
    • Assign a competent person to oversee contractors’ activities.
    • Keep thorough records and audits of contractor performance.

    impact HR supports businesses with practical guidance and advice, support with RAMS and SSIP accreditations to manage third-party risks effectively.

Your Questions Answered

FAQs on Contractor Management

  • Are contractors covered under COSHH?Reveal

    Yes. If contractors are working with hazardous substances on your site, you must ensure they follow COSHH guidance.

  • What policies should cover contractor management?Reveal

    A health and safety policy, contractor management policy, and project-specific RAMS.

  • How can businesses check if contractors are competent?Reveal

    By reviewing qualifications, training records, memberships of safety schemes, and references from previous clients.

  • Do CDM Regulations apply to contractors?Reveal

    Yes – under CDM 2015, contractors have defined responsibilities on construction projects.

  • Who is responsible for contractors’ health and safety?Reveal

    Both the contracting organisation and the contractor share responsibility. Employers must ensure safe conditions, while contractors must work safely and follow agreed procedures.

Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources in relation to Contractor Management from impact HR and beyond

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