Contractors spend significant time and money on learning their craft and establishing their business. Protect that investment by following safety best practices to minimize your liability exposures on the job.
Before you sign a contract for a job, keep the following best practices in mind:
1. Create Safety Policies
This is important not only for you but also your crew. Put your safety policies for job sites in writing, distribute them to your team and require each person to sign off after they have reviewed the documents. This ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding safety guidelines while they are working.
2. Provide Proper Equipment/Safety Training
As part of your role at the job site, you may need to ensure your crew knows how to properly use the equipment that is provided. Make sure your team is trained in how to use the equipment and how to keep themselves and others safe while at work.
3. Use Safety Logs
Create a log for your team to sign off on when safety checks have been completed at the premises before, during and after the job is completed. You can never be too careful, and a routine safety check of the premises can save you time and money in the long run.
4. Identify Who Is in Charge
Be aware of who is in charge on the job site and the roles of all the contractors. Be sure that you and your crew are doing everything you’ve been charged to do to ensure the job site is safe for all.
5. Review Your Contract
Don’t just focus on the financials in the contract, focus on protecting your business. Ensure that you are following all the contract details, including adding additional insureds when required. Not doing so may be a breach of contract. Seek advice from a local attorney as necessary to assist you in the process.
Following these best practices can help you protect your team and your business on the job site. For further information on this topic, visit the Construction and Contractors Industry Guide.
