When it comes to outsourcing work, many organisations focus on contracts, costs and logistics but they can sometimes overlook the safety of external contractors. The HSE reminds us that engaging contractors comes with legal responsibilities for training and ongoing supervision.
IOSH warns that failing to manage contractor safety can lead to serious incidents and even fatalities. In fact, data shows contractors are two to three times more likely to have accidents than permanent staff, underlining the urgent need for structured safety training.
In this article we’ll explore why safety training for external contractors is essential and how businesses can deliver it effectively to maximise operational performance.
5 reasons why safety training for external contractors matters
1. Legal & moral responsibility
Even when work is done by an external contractor, organisations remain legally accountable if harm occurs. The HSE emphasises that employers must take “all reasonably practicable steps” to ensure safety when engaging contractors.
2. Risk mitigation and reduced incidents
Research from HSE and IOSH stresses that training significantly reduces workplace accidents and associated costs, absences and reputation damage and targeted contractor training can lower health and safety incident rates dramatically.
3. Consistency across the workforce
Contractors often rotate between sites and can encounter differing safety cultures. A structured safety programme mitigates this by standardising expectations.
4. Strengthened safety culture
IOSH guidance highlights that involving all workers including contractors in safety training fosters stronger leadership and shared ownership across a supply chain.
5. Operational efficiency
Effective training reduces incidents, preventing delays, disputes, and operational costs due to accidents or stoppages. Well-structured induction and ongoing training are central to strategic contractor safety programmes.
5 steps to effectively delivering safety training to contractors
1. Prioritise pre-qualification & pre-induction
Make sure to screen contractors on competence and safety history before engagement. Use induction sessions tailored to site-specific hazards, emergency response, PPE, and legal obligations.
Example case study:
School Trust and Contractor Penalised for Health and Safety Failures After Tree Branch Injures Pedestrian
Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust and contractor Nicolas Thépot were fined after a 68-year-old woman was seriously injured by a falling tree branch while walking her dog in Newcastle.
An investigation revealed that Thépot lacked proper training and used unsafe methods during tree felling, and the trust failed to verify his qualifications, leading to significant breaches of health and safety regulations.
2. Blended training methods
Combining online modules for general awareness and in person sessions for site-specific practical drills.
For example: A construction worker may take an online course on identifying hazards before attending an in-person workshop on using safety equipment.
Core benefits of blending learning:
- Increased accessibility and flexibility
- Improved knowledge retention
- Cost-effective and scalable
- Compliance and tracking is made easy
- Increased engagement through interactive learning
Read more about the key benefits of eLearning in our other blog – https://riskex.com/8-benefits-of-health-and-safety-elearning
3. Targeted, Site-Specific Modules
Supplement general training focusing on local hazards and equipment-specific risks.
4. Continuous monitoring & refreshers
Regular evaluations and refresher training are vital. IOSH recommends refresher training every three years. Track training effectiveness by observing behavioural changes and incident stats.
5. Record keeping & compliance tracking
Maintain documentation of who was trained, on which modules, and when; essential for demonstrating due diligence.
Digital systems like AssessNET’s Training Management Module can streamline this process.
AssessNET Training Management module
Your Riskex Training Management System adds real value here, giving organisations full visibility and control over staff and contractor training whether online or in-person.
- Comprehensive tracking
Monitor when external contractors complete onboarding and site-specific courses, automatically logging results and expiry dates. - Alerts & compliance flags
Automated notifications prompt renewals before certifications expire.
Our strategic partnership with iHasco means that we can now offer you a suite of eLearning courses available through the AssessNET Training Management module too.
Integrating Contractor Management
When paired with AssessNET’s Contractor Management module, you get a full lifecycle solution:
- Pre-qualification checks
Contractors are vetted and flagged if training records do not meet required standards. - Contract linkage
Assign training prerequisites at contract creation, ensuring only compliant contractors are engaged. - Audit trail & evidence
Generate reports showing contractors’ complete training history tied to project assignment specifically useful for audits.
Enhancing safety with Permit to Work
Another critical layer of contractor safety is ensuring high-risk tasks are properly controlled using a Permit to Work system. Our Permit to Work Module simplifies this process by:
- Defining clear responsibilities and approvals before work begins, ensuring contractors understand the exact scope of their tasks.
- Controlling hazardous work, including confined spaces, hot works, electrical maintenance, or working at height, by requiring specific checks and authorisations.
- Real-time visibility of permits issued, active, and closed, reducing the risk of overlapping work and dangerous conditions.
- Integrated risk assessment links so contractors must review relevant hazards and controls before receiving authorisation.
Interested in AssessNET’s Training Management or Contractor Management modules? Book a zero-obligation demonstration today and discover how AssessNET can support your health and safety goals
