Managing Subcontractor Safety

For small projects, five key factors under the general contractor’s control were found to significantly influence subcontractor safety: (RS13-1, p. 4)

• Effective project management (well planned, good communications, on schedule)
• Effective job coordination (between different entities on the job site, clear roles and responsibilities)
• Managerial emphasis on job safety (communication: relative matters communicated to affected parties from top deck on down, clearly and consistently)
• Strong interpersonal skills amongst supervisors
• Safe work environment (enforce safety standard, good housekeeping/maintenance)

For large projects, two key factors under the general contractor’s control were found to significantly influence subcontractor safety: (RS13-1, p. 7)

• Managerial emphasis on job safety (e.g., through communication, staffing, monitoring, safety meetings, enforcement of standards and regulations, incident investigation, and linkage to compensation bonuses)
• Effective job coordination (i.e., between different entities on the job site)

RS13-1, Guidelines for Managing Subcontractor Safety on Construction Projects

Contains generic safety program guidelines that Contractors can use both to shape their own activities in respect of subcontractor safety, and to include in subcontracts to shape safety program requirements for their subcontractors. Some of the topics covered include: (RS13-1, Appendix A)

• For Contractors – selection of subcontractors; scope of work safety requirements; safety orientations; and safety performance recordkeeping and exchange
• For Subcontractors – fundamental elements of a basic safety program that may need to be in place and provided as part of a bid response
• Safety Program Guidelines for Contractors and Subcontractors – contains basic and generic informational recommendations and requirements of an effective safety program for either Contractors or Subcontractors. Some of the topics covered include: (RS13-1, Appendix B)
  • New employee orientation
  • Toolbox / safety meetings
  • Work Permits
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Project Emergency Plan
  • Inspections