Subcontractor management policy

If you carry out work through subcontractors, use our policy to demonstrate how you maintain control over their health and safety standards.

Why do you need it?

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), those who use subcontractors have certain responsibilities to oversee and control their health and safety standards. It’s worth bearing in mind that CDM, which includes the more detailed requirements in this regard, covers all “construction” work, even minor repairs, maintenance of fixed installations, industrial cleaning and decorating.

Having a policy on the subject will show your own staff exactly what is expected of them when managing subcontractors. It can also be used to demonstrate to clients, principal contractors or even enforcing authorities that you have the right procedures in place.

What’s covered?

The policy includes a general statement, legal position, responsibilities and contractual provisions. However, the main content is in the form of “risk controls”, i.e. specific actions which are to be taken by managers. These cover action to be taken in preparation for the work, when work begins, on an ongoing basis and on completion.