Hi Lorna,

Usually if it's a contractor I'm getting quotes from I ask for their insurance documents as part of that process, as they should be used to supplying these! When I do project work where the contractor has already been chosen by a client, if they're not in the information pack I receive I just ask for it as part of the introductions before they start work along with any contact details and risk assessments etc.

I'd expect to see proof of:
Sometimes they come bundled with a bunch of other insurance/safety documents. I make sure that the policies seem to cover the work that they're going to do, and are all up to date and that's it. I'm not an insurance expert, so unless I've been told to ask for xxxx I don't - so for the working at heights or gas safety register work the insurance company documents should say that. Even if the contractor doesn't supply them, and they don't have insurance they're still liable of course but it's easier to get damages refunded if there is an insurance company involved.

You should ask to see their risk assessments to ensure that you have met all requirements they're presuming you have. Remembering that you have a duty of care to them and should have your own risk assessments for their activities and building access.

Yours in peace,

Wendrie Heywood
she/her
MindfulBusinessServices.com



On Tue, 7 May 2024 at 19:58, Westminster Wardens <westminsterwardens@gmail.com> wrote:
May I ask, please, what you all do about checking that contractors are properly insured, have done H&S risk assessments, are properly trained on their equipment, etc?  

A recent H&S survey we've had done has asked us to do some of these checks when we have contractors in, but we are wondering what will suffice, and how deep we have to go.  Any information on how you all manage this would be appreciated!

In friendship,
Lorna.

Lorna Richardson
Premises Coordinator

Westminster Quaker Meeting House (Religious Society of Friends)
8 Hop Gardens, off St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4EH
If requiring assistance in an emergency, call 07895 978 092

Please note I am part-time, and work flexible working hours; I don't expect anyone to respond outside their own normal working hours.
_______________________________________________
wardenship mailing list -- wardenship@lists.quaker.eu.org
To unsubscribe send an email to wardenship-leave@lists.quaker.eu.org