Posted By Ruth Clark We have recently sent out a questionnaire to all our contractors requesting relevant H&S info in order to assess them for placement on our approved contractors list. However, I have just received a response from a small florists that tends our plants (some of which require a ladder to reach). They have 5 employees, but have answered "Not Applicable" where we have asked for a copy of a statement of intent & organisation sections of their H&S policy. They have also answered "Not Applicable" where we have asked them to provide details of any relevant risk assessments. I am just being pedantic or should I ask them for further details? I mentioned they use a ladder to reach some plants - it has small stablisers on the sides at the bottom, but the ladder has to be placed on the spiral staircase that is the main access from the two floors of the building. The ladder is approximately 2m in length.

Posted By peter gotch Ruth, I agree with Nick that you should point your florist in the right direction, but think that perhaps your main concern should be consideration of how this ladder operation can be done safely both as regards the contractor's site personnel, but also others in the building especially those using the staircase. Peter

Posted By Nick Higginson Whilst I agree with Robert about eliminating the risk at source, I think the wider issue is about accepting and assessing contractors who are in many cases, a one man band (or five man band in this case). Regards, Nick

Posted By Dave Partington Ruth, if you like this contractor then help them out. It is not surprising that a small company does not know their responsibilities. Regardless of what the law says. As clients we may be held accountable for our contractors therefore make sure they are safe, strange to us but many small companies haver no idea of what a risk assessment is... Therefore if you like the work that they do then help them out. Regards David.