Employers Under Pressure as Regulators Highlight Weak Contractor Safety Management

UK regulators and industry bodies are raising concerns about how effectively businesses manage health and safety risks associated with contractors, following a growing number of audit findings and enforcement actions linked to outsourced and temporary work. The issue is emerging across construction, facilities management, utilities, manufacturing and logistics, where complex supply chains and short-term contracts are now the norm.

According to inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive, many organisations are failing to clearly define responsibilities when work is carried out by third parties. Recent reviews have identified gaps in contractor induction, inconsistent supervision, and limited assurance that subcontractors are competent to carry out high-risk activities such as work at height, electrical tasks and confined-space entry.

An HSE spokesperson said the regulator continues to see cases where “core safety controls exist on paper, but are not applied consistently once work is outsourced.” They added that legal duties cannot be transferred simply by appointing a contractor, and that businesses remain responsible for ensuring risks are effectively managed throughout the duration of the work.

Industry advisers say the problem has been exacerbated by labour shortages and commercial pressure to maintain operational continuity. As companies rely more heavily on agency staff and specialist subcontractors, safety processes that were designed for permanent workforces are being stretched. “Many systems assume a stable workforce,” said Mark Ellison, an independent health and safety consultant. “When you introduce multiple contractors, often working short shifts across different sites, those assumptions no longer hold.”

Auditors have also reported that contractor performance monitoring is frequently reactive rather than planned. In several cases, organisations were unable to demonstrate how they verify safe working practices beyond initial onboarding. Toolbox talks, permit-to-work systems and method statements were found to exist, but with limited evidence of ongoing checks or intervention when standards slipped.

Trade associations warn that poor contractor control exposes businesses to both safety and commercial risk. “When incidents occur, clients are often surprised to discover they retain legal responsibility,” said a representative from a national facilities management body. “Beyond enforcement action, there can be serious reputational damage if a contractor is injured while working on your behalf.”

Some larger organisations have begun tightening their approach by introducing centralised contractor management systems, standardised induction processes and clearer escalation routes for safety concerns. Others are integrating contractor performance into regular management reviews rather than treating it as a procurement issue.

Health and safety professionals say the renewed focus reflects a broader shift in regulatory expectations. Contractor safety is increasingly being viewed as a core element of organisational risk management, rather than a peripheral operational matter. As outsourcing continues to expand, regulators are expected to pay closer attention to how businesses plan, communicate and monitor health and safety responsibilities beyond their direct workforce.

Ellison added: “The message from regulators is consistent. If the work is being done for your business, the safety outcome is your responsibility. Effective contractor control is no longer optional - it’s fundamental.”

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