Contractor Management Procedure

Procedure overview

• 1 Purpose
• 2 Scope
• 3 Procedure Overview
• 4 Procedures
  • 4.1 Risk Management
  • 4.2 Categories
    • 4.2.1 Category 1 - Light deliveries
    • 4.2.2 Category 2 - Heavy deliveries
    • 4.2.3 Category 3 - Consultants and contract workers
    • 4.2.4 Category 4 - minor works
    • 4.2.5 Category 5 - Major works (where the Principal Contractor is other than the University)
    • 4.2.6 Further requirements for Category 4 and Category 5 contractors
  • 4.3 Considerations when requesting tenders for major projects
• 5 References
• 6 Schedules
• 7 Procedure Information

1 Purpose

To ensure that all contractors meet the requirements of contractor management at the University.

2 Scope

This Procedure applies to all Employees and contractors.

3 Procedure Overview

Work Health and Safety Legislation in Queensland requires employers to provide for the health and safety of their Employees.

This responsibility is extended not only to an employer's own workers, but to other persons who may be required to work on the employer's premises or to persons who carry out work under the direction of a Principal Contractor.

These people are often engaged in activities which expose them to high levels of risk. The University of Southern Queensland places a high priority on ensuring that these risks are minimised when contractors and subcontractors are engaged, by setting and maintaining high health and safety standards and placing a requirement on the contractor to abide by these standards.

This document establishes workplace health and safety guidelines which managers and Supervisors must follow when engaging contractors and subcontractors.

4 Procedures

4.1 Risk Management

Risk Management is integral to all activities at the University and must be completed prior to any work commencing. There are various tools available including the Project Zero Contractor Quick Risk Assessment. This sheet is only to be used for minor works or for vendors or stall operators and must be escalated to a full Risk Management Plan if the resultant risks are moderate or higher.

4.2 Categories

There are numerous circumstances in which contractors and subcontractors are engaged in the University's operations due to the diversity of University activities.

Five basic categories cover most contracting situations at the University and the category type determines the manner of induction, identification and registration required.

Quick Reference Guide to Contractor Categories
	Category 1	Category 2	Category 3	Category 4	Category 5
Description	Light Deliveries	Heavy Deliveries	Consultants and Contract Workers	Minor Works	Major Works
Common applications	Mail, couriers, small suppliers	Usually involves handling equipment such as forklifts, cranes or multi person lifts	Labour-hire, long term (annual or period) contracts for cleaning and maintenance, security personnel, auditors, volunteers, gardeners, visiting lecturers, work experience personnel, vendors and stall operators	Building maintenance, cleaning, repairs, various trade or technical work and minor modifications	Construction Works over $80,000 and Principal Contractor appointed. New buildings, major grounds works, major modifications.
Induction	Nil	Nil	Staff Online Safety Induction or equivalent. Vendors and stall operators are to use the Contractor Safety Induction or equivalent	UniSQ Contractor Safety Induction delivered online, self-briefed using the UniSQ Contractor Handbook or presented by an appropriate UniSQ staff member. Regardless of the method used a record of the induction must be kept by the Contract Liaison Officer	As required by the Principal Contractor but must also complete the UniSQ Contractor Safety Induction if access to the work site is through other University public areas
Identification	Uniform and/or company ID	Uniform and/or company ID	Nil or annual or period pass if issued	Must wear either UniSQ authorised contractor registration certificate (issued daily) or a UniSQ contractor identification pass issued annually by Facilities Management	Must wear company ID or be readily identifiable when outside the construction area
Registration	Nil (unless entering hazardous or controlled area)	Nil (unless entering hazardous or controlled area)	Nil (unless required by work area)	All minor works contractors (other than those with annual/period passes/IDs) must register on a daily basis at the Campus Safety and Security Office.	As required by the Principal Contractor

4.2.1 Category 1 - Light deliveries

Light deliveries are typified by couriers, mail and small amounts of supplies that are generally able to be handled by one person without using power equipment or trolley jacks etc.

Typically, the risks are generally 'quite low' for light delivery activities and given the variable frequency and timing of arrival, it is not cost effective or workable in many cases to insist on full safety inductions for these people.

Requirements:

• Induction - Nil
• Identification - Uniform and/or company ID
• Registration - Nil (unless entering hazardous or controlled areas).

Key controls:

• clear signage e.g. 'All deliveries and couriers must report to reception...'
• limited entry points, to extent possible
• clear travel route to approved delivery point e.g. colour coded path or map
• if there is a need to proceed past reception unattended, issue short relevant instructions e.g. site safety rules card or specific route to take and key 'do's and don'ts' for delivery activities
• schedule periodic monitoring of delivery activities.

4.2.2 Category 2 - Heavy deliveries

Heavy deliveries are different from light deliveries as they often involve cranes, forklifts or other equipment to load or unload trucks.

Drivers normally spend less than one hour on site and the process can involve different personnel on any particular visit, making it difficult to conduct personal safety inductions for each visit.

Requirements:

• Induction - Nil
• Identification - Uniform and/or company ID
• Registration - Nil (unless entering hazardous or controlled areas)

Key controls:

• site safety rules for truck drivers
• issuing rules for truck drivers to trucking companies and request all drivers be briefed on rules
• display rules at each entry point e.g. large sign
• prominently display rules at each truck loading or unloading area
• ensure system for appropriate level of supervision for delivery activities.

4.2.3 Category 3 - Consultants and contract workers

Consultants and contract workers can include labour-hire, security personnel, auditors, volunteers, gardeners, visiting lecturers and work experience personnel. Workers in this category may be short or long term and in white or blue collar areas. This category particularly addresses the requirements of vendors and stall operators for University events such as Open Day, and any other vendors operating on University grounds.

Consultants and contract workers are deemed Employees for safety purposes and are subject to the same safety induction, training and supervision as for full-time Employees.

Requirements:

• Induction - Staff Online Safety Induction or equivalent. Vendors and stall operators are to use the Contractor Safety Induction or equivalent.
• Identification - Nil or as required by work area (e.g. Security)
• Registration - Nil (unless required by work area).

4.2.4 Category 4 - minor works

Minor works may include building maintenance, cleaning, repairs, various trade or technical work and minor modifications.

Many of these activities are conducted in close proximity to Employee work areas and Student or public areas.

Requirements:

• Induction - UniSQ Contractor Safety Induction delivered online, self-briefed using the UniSQ Contractor Handbook or presented by an appropriate University Employee. Regardless of the method used a record of the induction must be kept by the Contract Liaison Officer.
• Identification - Must wear either a UniSQ authorised contractor registration certificate (issued daily) or a UniSQ contractor identification pass issued annually by Facilities Management.
• Note: If the contractor will be involved in 'Construction Work' as defined by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), each individual must produce a Construction Industry Blue Card prior to issue of a UniSQ ID card or registration.
• Registration - All minor works contractors (other than those with annual passes/IDs) must register on a daily basis. On Toowoomba campus this is done using the Visitor Registration System (VRS) in the Security Office or Facilities Management in building O3. All other sites are to use the paper-based UniSQ Contractor Sign-in Register. Sign-in registers are available at:
• Security
• Facilities Management
• Ipswich
• Springfield
• Queensland College of Wine Tourism.

Key controls:

• maintenance of an 'approved contractors' list
• pre-qualification to be on 'approved' list
• allocation of clear responsibilities
• signage e.g. 'All contractors prior to commencement of work'
• safety inductions for every individual worker
• periodic licence and certification checks
• permit to work system, including authority to commence work for hot works, work at heights, confined spaces etc.
• Work Method Statements for high risk work
• supervision, as appropriate for circumstances
• exit briefing.

Other considerations for minor works maintenance contracts:

• Written Contract. A long term contractor's contract must include more than a directive to work safely. It should detail all the requirements of compliance with the University's Workplace Health and Safety program.
• Induction. A long term contractor must be given a full site specific induction training program as for a University Employee.
• Routine Health Surveillance. There are situations where the health of a contractor could have an impact on others, e.g. drivers of goods vehicles or where the contractor could be exposed to potential hazards on campus, such as noise or dust. When this is the case, these people must be included when routine health surveillance is arranged such as hearing tests, chest surveys and driver's medicals.
• Workplace Health and Safety Committee. It is important that contractor's input and involvement with health and safety issues is sought and they should therefore be represented on local Workplace Health and Safety committees.
• Standard Working Procedures. As well as ensuring that long term contractors are conversant with all relevant standard work Procedures, it is important that their input is sought when Procedures that relate to their work have to be developed. Particular emphasis must be given to lockout and tagout Procedures.
• Emergency Procedures. Long term contractors must be fully conversant with the University's emergency Procedures and must be involved in practice drills.
• Personal Protective Equipment. All contractors are required to wear the recommended personal protective equipment where relevant.
• Incidents, Injuries and Property Damage. As well as the necessity to report incidents, injuries and property damage, such incidents involving contractors must be the subject of a full investigation. Causes of the incident or injury should be discussed and remedial action to prevent a recurrence determined. The incident must also be included for discussion in the Workplace Health and Safety committee agenda. Investigations will be conducted by the contractor, the University project manager/Supervisor and the University Safety team.
• University Workplace Health and Safety. The service provided by the University Safety team (and other services) is extended to all aspects of contractor health and safety.

4.2.5 Category 5 - Major works (where the Principal Contractor is other than the University)

Major works are usually typified by new building constructions which are fenced off and access controlled by a Principal Contractor but can also include refurbishments, installation of major items of plant and facility extensions.

Requirements:

• Induction - As required by the Principal Contractor but must also complete the UniSQ Contractor Safety Induction if access to the work site is through other University public areas. The UniSQ Contractor Safety Induction can be delivered online, self-briefed using the UniSQ Contractor Handbook or presented by an appropriate University staff member. Regardless of the method used a record of the induction must be kept by the Contract Liaison Officer.
• Identification - Must wear company ID or be readily identifiable when outside the construction area.
• Registration - As required by the Principal Contractor.

Key controls:

• contract specifications include OHS standards
• OHS evaluated as part of tender process
• selection based on capacity and willingness to comply with OHS requirements
• planning and consultation Procedures
• Safety Plan for the project
• project KPIs and monitoring and reporting processes
• documented roles and responsibilities, including shared areas
• communication processes e.g. Incidents or faults
• risk assessment of all phases of project, including pre-project
• periodic audit system to ensure compliance.

4.2.6 Further requirements for Category 4 and Category 5 contractors

Regardless of the situation, the following Procedures must be followed when engaging a Category 4 or 5 contractor or subcontractor:

• Contractor Safety Record - Contractors must provide details of their safety record as well as their technical and commercial ability, for consideration when their suitability for the work is assessed.
• Documented Safety Requirements - The written contract, even if this is only a letter of engagement to carry out the specific task, must include a reference to the University's requirements for adherence to specific safety standards.
• Insurances, Licences, Registrations and Certificates - The University project manager or Supervisor must ensure that contractor's or subcontractor's Employees possess the insurances, licences, registrations and certificates required by Federal, State or local legislation.
• Pre-Work Campus Safety Induction - Before work is commenced on any University property, all persons who will be working at the University must complete the induction training program. The easiest way to do this is for the individuals to complete the UniSQ Online Contractor Induction presentation.
• Standard Induction - A standard induction is available for those contractors who are unable to complete the Online Contractor Induction. The Contract Liaison Officer should present this induction or organise assistance from the University Safety team. The Contract Liaison Officer should also inform the contractor that this induction will take approximately one hour.
• Site Induction Handbook - A Site Induction Handbook with a record of induction training is available from Facilities Management, the University Safety team and online. This handbook should be used in conjunction with a verbal brief and the record of training kept by the Contract Liaison Officer (CLO).
• Standard Work Procedures - Where applicable, copies of the University's written standard work Procedures must be given to the contractors. Particular attention must be paid to lockout or tagout Procedures. Where relevant, copies of the contractor's written standard work Procedures must be provided, particularly if the work to be carried out is unusual for that site, e.g. roof repairs.
• Supervision - The University project manager must arrange for the work of the contractor or subcontractor to be monitored and supervised to ensure their compliance with standard work Procedures, maintenance of tools or equipment and observance of good housekeeping. The person hiring a contractor will usually be held accountable for all actions of the contractor including accidents.
• Feedback - If the contractor or subcontractor is not working to expected health and safety standards, the manager or Supervisor must discuss the deficiencies with the persons concerned and work with the contractor to resolve the problems.
• Reporting Incidents, Injuries and Property Damage - Contractors, subcontractors, or tradespersons must be advised that all incidents, injuries or damage to property must be reported to the relevant person on site, e.g. manager or Supervisor and the University Safety team.
• Emergency Procedures - Campus specific emergency Procedures must be explained and contractors or subcontractors will be required to take part in practice drills should they occur when the contractor or subcontractor is on campus. This can be undertaken during the safety induction training given by the University Safety team.
• Environmental Protection - the University's environmental requirements must be clearly outlined and the contractor or subcontractor must understand that strict adherence to these standards is required. This applies to noise, dust, gas or fume emissions, spillages and preservation of the local ecology.
• Property Security - Contractors, subcontractors or tradespersons must be made aware that they will be responsible for the security of their own property while on campus.

4.3 Considerations when requesting tenders for major projects

When tenders are called for major projects such as new plant construction or equipment installation, it is essential that health and safety management forms an integral part of the contract. The following areas should be considered in addition to the above requirements:

• The Tender. The call for tender must include a request for a copy of the prospective contractor's health and safety management plan covering both their own Employees and all subcontractors and a history of their injury experience for the past five years.
• Choice of Contractor. The final choice of contractor should be based not only on their technical and commercial competence, but wherever possible on such issues as:
• a good record of health and safety performance
• active program for the management of subcontractors which the contractor may employ
• demonstration of a Work Health and Safety management plan
• well controlled worker's compensation costs
• compliance with legislation
• demonstration of the contractor's senior management commitment to the health and safety program.
  
  Appendix B is a list of items which must be addressed in assessing contractors' safety programs. Safety must be considered to be an aspect of quality management and have similar weighting with scheduling and costs. For significant contracts, managers should visit the contractor's facilities to observe how the business is being operated and to question senior management on their role and attitude to safety among other topics.
• The Contract. The written contract must contain details of the safety requirements applicable to the job in question. These details must have been agreed by all parties before the contract was awarded and must include an outline of how the safety plan will be administered. This will ensure that adherence to good safety practice is managed in the same way as time and quality.
  
  The objectives of the safety clauses in the contract are to:
• clarify responsibilities
• ensure compliance with regulations
• minimise incidents and injuries to Employees and subcontractors and damage to property
• ensure proper induction of Employees and subcontractors
• ensure incidents and hazards are properly investigated
• ensure plant and equipment is maintained in good condition.
  
  Appendix C is a sample of a checklist developed for assessing a prospective contractor's Workplace Health and Safety program.
• Ongoing Management of Safety Performance. There must be an agreed Procedure for ongoing management of the workplace health and safety aspects of the project which should include some or all of the following points:
• University management must assign responsibility for co-ordination of this activity to one of its key people involved in the project.
• Regular liaison must take place between nominated project co-ordinators to review health and safety issues.
• A site Workplace Health and Safety committee may be established, where relevant, with representatives from the University and the contractors.
• All incidents, injuries and property damage must be investigated jointly and remedial actions developed.
• Regular safety inspections must take place with involvement of representatives from relevant parties.
• As well as Employee induction training, the need for ongoing Work Health and Safety training should be reviewed on a regular basis and implemented when required.

5 References

Nil.

6 Schedules

This procedure must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.

7 Procedure Information

Accountable Officer	Chief People Officer
Responsible Officer	Executive Director (Facilities Management)
Policy Type	University Procedure
Policy Suite	Work Health and Safety Policy
Subordinate Schedules
Approved Date	31/1/2024
Effective Date	31/1/2024
Review Date	3/4/2024
Relevant Legislation	Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
Policy Exceptions	Policy Exceptions Register
Related Policies
Related Procedures	Incident and Hazard Reporting and Investigation Procedure Smoke-Free Procedure
Related forms, publications and websites
Definitions	Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary
	Employee A person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University....moreA person employed by the University and whose conditions of employment are covered by the Enterprise Agreement and includes persons employed on a continuing, fixed term or casual basis. Employees also include senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University. University The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland.
	Definitions that relate to this procedure only
	Contract Liaison Officer (CLO) The CLO is an Employee of the University who has been delegated the role of supervising the contractor or consultant. The CLO must ensure the contractor complies with all aspects of the University WHS Procedures. Contractor Sign-in Register The Contractor Sign-in Register is a book of carbon copy tear out sheets to be issued as ID tags for contractors as described in Category 3 below. The registers are located in Facilities Management, Security, University Safety team, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences and ICT Services. Registrations are for one day only and the tags must be returned to the place of issue at the end of the shift. Tags will not be issued without evidence of completion of an approved Safety Induction Training Activity. Construction Work For a full definition see the Workplace Health and Safety Fact Sheet or contact the University Safety team. Construction Work includes repair but not maintenance. Construction Work is: work to erect, construct, extend, alter, convert, fit-out, commission, renovate, repair, refurbish, disassemble or decommission a structure, or part of a structure; or work connected with site preparation, excavation and landscaping for work mentioned in paragraph(1); or the assembly or installation of prefabricated components to form a structure, or part of a structure, for work mentioned in paragraph (1); or the disassembly of prefabricated components for work mentioned in paragraph (1) that, immediately before the disassembly, formed a structure or part or a structure; or a prescribed activity that is asbestos removal work or demolition work. General Safety Induction Card (Construction Industry Blue Card). This card is generally referred to as "Blue Card" and is issued following successful completion of a course of instruction in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry). Possession of this qualification and card is compulsory for access to a worksite where Construction Work is being performed. Principal Contractor The Principal Contractor is the person who is in control of Construction Works where the final price of the construction has an estimated value of more than $80,000. Principal Contractors have specific obligations in the WHS Act. Supervisor Any person responsible for leading the activities of others. In the context of this Procedure, a Supervisor includes Employees at any classification level or title who have responsibilities for leading, managing or supervising work teams and/or individual Employees.
Keywords	Contractor management, risk management, contractor safety assessment
Record No	13/287PL