Owners Responsible for Contractors Safety?

Business Owners Responsible for Contractors Safety?

Employers may be under the impression that they are only responsible for the safety of the employees on their payroll when it comes to safety compliance with OSHA’s safety regulations.  But what about contractors who are working at their facility? Are they responsible for their safety as well?

The misconception that contractors are exempt from having to follow such safety guidelines is common.  Employers are responsible for maintaining the safety of not only their own employees, but also all workers who perform work at their facility.  When it comes to contractors, business owners should be ensuring that those contractors are following the safe work practices of their trades.  Although it is impractical to know every regulation that these specialists must follow, it is important to be aware of the general safety requirements for their fields. For example, if a roofer is hired, he should be following the safety regulations pertaining to fall protection; maintenance workers should follow proper ladder safety, guarding and electrical safety requirements. 

Can a business owner be cited if a contractor does not follow such safe work practices?- YES. 

Recently in Hartford, CT, The Hartford Financial Services group Inc. was cited for failing to ensure the contracted electricians were using lockout/tagout- failure to control hazardous energy.  ”What employers must understand is that they or their contractors must first de-energize electrical equipment and circuits before employees work on them,” said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA’s area director in Hartford. “Working on live electrical equipment needlessly exposes workers to potential death or disabling injury from arc flash, arc blast or electric shock. Proper and effective safeguards must be in place and in use at all times.”

The Hartford’s proposed fine was $7,000; the contractors proposed fines was $34,000.  

What can hiring companies do about contractor safety? A solid, comprehensive safety program for the company is key in maintaining compliance with safety regulations such as control of hazardous energy, hazard communications (requiring MSDS), and many more.  By having a complete safety plan, employers will be familiar with many of the safety regulations pertaining to the hazards in their workplace.  A vital component of the safety program is a contractor notification and agreement policy; contractors should not be allowed to begin their work until they acknowledge that they are aware of and agree to follow all of the applicable safety regulations. However, it should be noted that employers/owners should still follow up with contractors while they are onsite to ensure work safe practices are encouraged and adhered to.

HazCommpliance, LLC, offers professional assessment and development of comprehensive safety programs and chemical management.  For more safety information, visit www.hazcommpliance.com or www.osha.gov.