The degree of supervision and other controls for contractors should largely be dictated by the level of risk that their work is likely to generate. That said, even in a relatively low risk environment and task, incidents can still occur if the work is not properly managed. I think it is good practice to have a policy for engaging contractors which would also include the information about the premises and any particular hazards associated with it and whether they will be supervised whilst on the premises. Contractor documentation should at least cover method statements, RAs, PLI and an assurance they are competent for the task, which could be a simple reference or perhaps a member of a recognised trade association. For higher risk activities a more in depth review and documentation may be needed, for instance, hot works permit and so on. Assessing the risks is the key but with a generic contractor policy you are almost there.

I fully accept what your saying, my difficulty is convincing management that the smaller companies (5 or less employees)that are involved in low risk activities should be put through the same rigourous approval process as the larger, more hazardous activities. Is there any scope, for making allowances for these people?

Guru, I have a high risk factory and lower risk offices and consideration is given to your smaller contractors (5 or less employees) who are still taken through the approval process with a bit more coaching than you would for the larger company. As stated previously, you still need to see these guys insurances (we are American owned and I've never heard of some of the insurance policies we request and get) and other proof of competency etc. I have an internal method statement/risk assessment pack for them to use and there is a section for them to sign in the approval pack if they are 5 or less; this is basically a H&S policy statement for them and gets their commitment to H&S. For the low risk work/contractors I also have in place a permit exemption system that works around the generic method statement and ID that they are on site and where by linking into the permit boards. It can be done effectively, with a little effort to get it up and running and low maintenance once off the ground. Solo!