Subcontractors - Equipment Hire

The use of contractors and subcontractors, including those who provide equipment is increasingly common in Australia. In some industries, such as the housing construction industry, contracting and sub-contracting has long been the established way of engaging skilled tradespersons and providers of services other than that core to the business.

The trend toward using contractors/subcontractors and hire equipment is often driven by a desire to cut costs and manage risk. Employers cannot contract out their duty of care and still own this duty to contractors [and contractor’s staff] on site. 

Key Success Factors

When using contractors, ensure the following is well managed:

• OH&S contract requirements shall be clearly and unambiguously stated in any specification for work, contract or agreement.
• Contractor evaluation or pre-qualification assessment shall be undertaken prior to appointment.
• Adequate and complete safety induction to the worksite, appropriate to the planned activities and site hazards.
• Adequate and ongoing supervision must be provided.
• Monitoring, inspection and audit of contractor safety performance.
• Post-contract performance review to confirm acceptability of contractor to be contracted for future works.

Equipment Hire

Contractors who are providing hire equipment should be assessed and managed in the same manner. 

Hire, lease or rental equipment used on site must be subject to exactly the same maintenance, inspection and other requirements as if it was your equipment.  Refer to the Safety@Work sections addressing Plant - Mobile / Motor Vehicles and Tools / Handheld Equipment for more information.