Place Contractors in a Predetermined Risk Category

According to the white paper, 9 out of 14 research participants evaluate the risk of the work to be performed by contractors. This is achieved typically through a risk matrix. Contractors are placed in a predetermined risk category, and each risk category may require contractors to take additional steps regarding their safety procedures and programs. Here are some examples of the different methods used by research participants to rate the risk of the work to be performed by contractors:

• An initial risk assessment based on the broad scope of work is performed, followed by a second assessment based on the contractor’s detailed work procedure. Point values are assigned for severity, frequency and probability to calculate the risk associated with a given project. Contractors involved in projects with higher risk ratings must provide additional written safety programs, or they must describe work plans to mitigate risks.
• Contractors are categorized as “Higher Liability” or “Lower Liability”, based on the type of work involved (e.g. work at eight feet or higher, and use of scaffolding, power tools, cutting equipment and other heavy machinery).
• Risk is assessed in terms of insurance liability and the type of work involved.
• In-depth risk assessment is performed for larger capital projects, and based on the assessment contractors may be required to conduct hazardous job meetings and job walkthroughs. In some cases, different methods for completing the job may be explored.
• Projects are assigned a “prequalification action level” based on the risk level of the work. Projects deemed to have a high prequalification action level require prequalification through a third party.

By assessing the risk of the work to be performed by a contractor before the actual start of a project, organisations can determine if additional safety measures and precautions should be taken.