Contractors Management in Occupational Safety _ Health Perspective

What this infographic shows

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.