External contractors are ignoring safety rules on site. Are you prepared to confront this risky behavior?

It is not confronting that helps. Navigating through the challenge is the key. Instead of focusing on the job and associated risks, if we start schooling, it would be difficult to move beyond confrontation and making safety a way of life.

A subcontractor risky behaviour must be managed right from the selection point by ensuring that their previus safety records are submitted as part of the bidding process,a subcontractor HSE Compliance rules to be adopted after selection along with submission of their risk assesment.All their staff and workers must be be competent in the areas they are being brought in to perform along with competent supervisors.A proper communication link must be put in place to ensure all appropriate training,tool box talk and pep talks are understood by the workers. All the site permit to work system must be fully understood and implemented as necessary while a compensation mechanism for those who are complying with the site rules and regulations.

I would say that for most of the time, contractors, especially the small scale contractors may be ignorant about the magnitude of problem they may be faced with for ignoring health and safety regulations. They may not know how much of a ripple effect ignoring safety concerns can have on their employees and business. Constant reminder through awareness and refresher sessions can help keep them on the edges of their seats into thinking and doing better.

Are you able and willing to accept the worst case scenario? How about lets change the language - it should NEVER be a confrontation! Guiding, leading, mentoring, reinforcing... if those don't work take a good hard look at your award process - what did management miss and why?

While hiring a contractor, it important to check his past safety record to in insure his behaviour towards safety. Contractor workmanship and team to evaluate as per safety standards. Contractor should be familiar with work scope and same its safe facility.

Reinforcing safety policies is crucial when dealing with non-compliant contractors. Ensure that all contractors are given a thorough briefing on site-specific safety rules before they begin work. It's important to have clear, written protocols that are easily accessible and understood by all. Regular safety meetings and reminders can help maintain a high level of awareness. If a contractor is found violating these policies, don't hesitate to intervene immediately. Consistent enforcement of rules demonstrates that safety is a top priority on your site. And if possible, disengaged the contractor after servally broken safety policies, and most importantly, constantly checking his/her employees welfare.

The external contractors feels less appreciated. The buisness Ideas and feeling their company is not fully Equipped to win the contract. The feeling of underations leads to ignorance of SSWs,PTWs and RAs.

Under policy reinforcement, it's imperative to say communication plays a huge role. Well communicated safety procedures to the contractors will be a plus and the other way is true. Engaging workers fully in policy formulation will make it easy when it comes to implementation, as such, there's so much that is needed. Sometimes actually at all times, we are required to ensure we are creating the ambient environments for safety advancement, an environment where workers are free to say no to unsafe working conditions, unfortunately we tend to ignore this as well and thus policy implementation becomes an issue in the long run.

To tackle contractors' flouting safety rules, first is take a look at how your own organization views safety practices: are they viewed as - a non-neogitable way of life, a necessary evil, a dealy catalyst, possible way to cut costs or a mix of everything? Second is to have regular monitoring with evidence to show the contractors - most of the time they (as all humans) under-estimate the mistakes/errors - and if hard data shows violations happen not rarely or occasionally but periodically/regularly, then they will be called into action automatically.

Construction training programs are essential to ensure a safe and healthy workforce for several reasons. Firstly, they educate workers about potential hazards specific to construction sites, such as falls, electrical hazards, and machinery accidents, promoting awareness and prevention. Secondly, training equips workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to use safety equipment correctly, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Thirdly, ongoing training reinforces safety protocols and updates workers on regulatory changes, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. Ultimately, these programs empower workers to contribute to a safer work environment actively, enhancing overall job site safety and reducing incidents.

I have experienced different initiatives related to this area, here are some of them :- 1- SWA (Stop work authority) : the organisation should have a SWA Policy stating that anyone regardless of his position can stop the work when noticing unsafe act or unsafe condition, this policy is signed by top management and included in the safety induction programme, different awareness sessions and safety meetings to insure that everyone is aware of this policy and not afraid to implement it 2- Disciplinary conditions: any contract must include HSE annex or HSE requirements and they should include disciplinary conditions for different possible unsafe acts or unsafe conditions and to strictly applied when HSE procedures are violated.

When working with external contractors, it is crucial to address potential issues by thoroughly evaluating their HSE MS capabilities and analyzing their HSE performance over the past couple of years during the pre-qualification stage before they participate in the tender. After awarding the contract, conduct a comprehensive review of their HSE plan, training programs, risk assessments, method statements, and other relevant procedures. Additionally, evaluate the personnel assigned to supervisory roles and ensure continuous engagement throughout the project. This approach will significantly enhance overall performance.

En mi opinión la base es: 1/Implicar a todas las partes del organigrama de obra (promotor, epecista, DF y contratistas) en esta materia de tal manera que tenga el mismo peso o más que la propia ejecución de obra (políticas claras en PRL) 2/Implementar desde el principio pautas claras de comportamiento, comunicación, reuniones, puntos de control y seguimiento, inspecciones, auditorías y demás chequeos en esta materia. 3/ Implementar una adecuada supervisión de obra así como un organigrama preventivo de obra. 4/Tener todas las garantías de ejecución, medios, protecciones, presupuesto, proyecto, procedimientos...acorde a normativa legal. 5/Disponer de un sistema sancionador o disciplinario en última instancia para los incumplimientos.

Es importante asegurar que los directivos de las firmas contratistas cumplan con su responsabilidad de mantener un sistema de gestión de salud y seguridad en el trabajo… a través de ese aseguramiento se garantiza que los requerimientos se cumplan por medio de la incorporación de las políticas de la empresa contratista..

Totalmente de acuerdo Juan Marcos, pongo énfasis en el último punto que comentas: los incumplimientos en SST deben tener consecuencias para TODAS las partes. Basta ya del buenismo/paternalismo del responsable de PRL, del “anda ponME la barandilla”. No, no y no: ponTE la barandilla, que es por TU seguridad y si no lo haces estás incumpliendo y te crujo como me crujirían a mí si te pasase algo.

One tool I have found helpful is Positive reinforcement. Just as we look out for safety violations, when you find the contractors doing something good, reward and recognize them individually and/or collectively. Positive reinforcement is extremely effective in encouraging good safety practices.