Union issues safety advice on dealing with contractors

The GMB general union has issued a guide on contractors and health and safety. It is aimed both at workers employed by contractors and at those who have contractors in the workplace.

The guide points out that in recent years the role and scope of contractors has become more widespread and that the use of contractors can lead to major risks because they may be working in jobs and situations which are unfamiliar to them. Often the host companies' employees may not even know that contractors are working nearby.

The union says these types of situations can be avoided if the work is properly assessed, supervised and managed. Unfortunately, this is often not the case and the use of contractors can create confusion with no one taking responsibility for the health and safety of the differing workforces.

The guide says, however, that everyone involved with the employment of contractors has clear legal responsibilities.

Contractors health and safety is available free

from the GMB, tel 020 8947 3131 or visit the union website at www.gmb.org.uk.