Too often work inductions are generic and don't address specific health and safety issues
Recent studies indicate that contractors are at greater risk of being harmed at work than regular employees.
The limited time a contractor spends onsite may mean they do not have enough information about the risks posed to them at the workplace. They may also not be included in safety updates, or encouraged to raise issues.
Most inductions are generic and focused on how contractors do their work safely instead of informing them of the workplace risks that can impact them.
The type of contractor can also increase this risk and human resource managers need to be clear on the type of contractors used in their organisation. For example, labour hire contractors may also have lower standing in the workplace and may not raise safety issues due to a fear of not being rehired.
Labour hire workers should be fully included in risk management and most importantly not be punished for raising issues by being excluded from being rehired.
Workplaces who hire contractors are responsible for making sure those contractors are safe from the risks at the workplace.
To ensure your contractors are safe, and you meet your legal obligations:
- Make sure your induction material gives contractors a full understanding of your workplace, the risks and how they are controlled
- How to report issues
- Make sure when issues are raised contractors are not directly or indirectly ‘punished’ for raising issues
- Contractors are included in consultation and safety updates
