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

As an Authorising Person in healthcare, you bear a significant responsibility for ensuring the compliance of your facility. One critical aspect of this role is thoroughly vetting for contractor competence. You must check the credentials of contractors before allowing them to work on your premises. If you fail to do so, you increase risks to patients, staff, and visitors and expose your organisation to legal and financial penalties.

 

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.

(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. This potentially exposed 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. Additionally, it did not 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 demonstrate how inadequate contractor vetting can lead to serious harm and substantial financial penalties. Conducting thorough competence checks is crucial for authorising persons to meet their legal duties.

 

The Authorising Person’s Contractor Competence Checklist

To mitigate these risks and fulfil your legal obligations, it is crucial to implement a robust vetting process for contractor competence. 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 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. These documents should outlining the 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.

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