Posted By Allan St.John Holt You might take a look at the revised guidance in the CDM ACoP, where there is better advice than previously on this. It's worth checking by interview and visits if you can that people are doing what they say are, as well as just sending out questionnaires. At Bovis Lend Lease there is a big movement away from questionnaires because of the 'fib factor'. Allan

Posted By peter gotch Michael, the answer is yes, but for reasons set out in my message today on the "Warning about sub-contractors vetting schemes...." thread, it is not something that we would wish to publicise. Whatever caveats were attached to release, we know that a questionnaire would be picked up an run with often in circumstances where it would be an inappropriate tool. The key issues are 1. Does the contractor have effective H&S management systems? - see HS(G)65 2. Are these implemented? - ie seek evidence 3. Are adequate training arrangements in place - this needs a carefully structured approach, and not questions like "Do you provide your staff with H&S training?" - how many contractors will answer NO!!! nor "What H&S training do you give your staff" - this question assumes that I give my Chief Executive the same training as our front line engineering staff - of course I don't - they have different training needs. 4. Do they have effective systems for selection and control of sub-contractors, and for liaison and cooperation with others at the same workplace? 5. Do they have access to sufficient H&S Advice (at the right level of competence and experience) whether in-house and/or through consultants? This one needs careful review of the answer. Sometimes you need to look at not only your projects, but the other work done by the contractor whether on construction or in their other activities which may include high risk activities such as open cast mining, stonemasonry and other factory operations etc. The attention which the contractor will need from their advisers re these other activities may well serve to undermine the resource available for inputting into work at your sites. Good luck, seasons greetings, Peter.

Posted By Dave Pike Hi, Have you considered using the HSE's open learning booklet 'Managing Contractors - A Guide for Employers' ISBN 0-7176-1196-5 which was priced at £8-50 as a starting point in the selection of contractors? I deal with the safety management of contractors on a daily basis and I am willing to assist you if I can. If you email me I will return my contact numbers. Dave Pike