Ensuring Contractor Competence: A guide for Authorising Persons in Healthcare Facilities

As an Authorising Person in the healthcare sector, you bear a significant responsibility for ensuring the safety and compliance of your facility. One critical aspect of this role is thoroughly vetting the competence and credentials of contractors before allowing them to work on your premises. Failure to do so can have severe consequences, both in terms of potential risks to patients, staff, and visitors, as well as legal and financial repercussions.

Recent Cases and Consequences

The importance of diligently checking contractor competence cannot be overstated. Several high-profile cases have highlighted the severe consequences of neglecting this duty:

1. 1. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (2017)

The Trust was fined £300,000 after a contractor’s employee fell from height while working on a roof. The investigation found that the Trust failed to properly check the contractor’s risk assessments, method statements, and competence before allowing the work to proceed.

(Source: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/salford-royal-nhs-foundation-trust-fined-300000-contractor-fell-height/)

2. 2. Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (2015)

The Trust was fined £300,000 after contractors removed asbestos materials incorrectly, potentially exposing staff and patients to asbestos fibers. The Trust admitted to failing to ensure the contractor was properly trained and competent for the asbestos removal work.

(Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2015/royal-united-hospital-bath-trust-asbestos.htm)

3. 3. King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (2014)

The Trust was fined £200,000 after a contractor’s employee suffered severe burns while working on a high voltage cable. The investigation found that the Trust failed to verify the contractor’s competence, risk assessments, and safe system of work.

(Source: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/kings-college-hospital-nhs-trust-fined-200000-burns-case/)

4. 4. Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (2013)

The Trust was fined £14,000 after a contractor’s employee fell through a ceiling while carrying out work. The HSE found that the Trust did not adequately assess the contractor’s competence or demand suitable risk assessments and method statements before the work commenced.

(Source: https://www.shponline.co.uk/in-court/tameside-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust-fined-over-contractor-fall/)

These examples highlight the severe financial penalties and potential for harm that can result from failing to properly vet contractors working in healthcare environments. Conducting thorough competence checks is crucial for authorising persons to meet their legal duties.

 

The Authorising Person’s Checklist

To mitigate these risks and fulfil your legal obligations, it is crucial to implement a robust vetting process for contractors. Here is a checklist of essential items to consider:

• • Qualifications and Training: Verify that contractors possess the required certifications, licenses, and training specific to the work they will be performing. Request copies of relevant documents for your records.

• • Experience and References: Thoroughly evaluate a contractor’s experience in the healthcare sector and seek references from previous clients to gauge their competence and professionalism.

• • Risk Assessments and Method Statements: Require contractors to provide detailed risk assessments and method statements outlining their planned approach to the work, including safety measures and contingency plans.

• • Insurance Coverage: Ensure that contractors have adequate public liability and employer’s liability insurance to protect your facility in case of accidents or damages.

• • Health and Safety Policies: Review the contractor’s health and safety policies and procedures to ensure alignment with your facility’s standards and legal requirements.

• • Site-Specific Induction: Provide contractors with a comprehensive site induction, covering emergency procedures, restricted areas, and any specific risks or hazards within your facility.