Contractor Compliance - Managing On-Site Risks

Managing contractor compliance involves more than just ticking off insurance certificates—it requires ensuring every contractor is aware of the risks they face and the safety obligations they must meet. Failure to address these key elements can lead to serious consequences, as highlighted by recent legal cases involving owners corporations.

At Onsite, we’ve designed our contractor check-in feature to help owners corporations stay on top of compliance, ensuring contractors are fully prepared and protected when working on your property.

The Importance of Tracking Contractor Insurances

Insurance is the first line of defence in contractor compliance. Without up-to-date coverage, owners corporations risk being held liable for accidents or damages. Key types of insurance to verify include:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protects contractors and their workers in the event of an injury on-site.
• Public Liability Insurance: Covers third-party damages or injuries caused by the contractor’s work.

Using a tool like Onsite, you can:

1. Track Expiry Dates: Automated reminders ensure that expiring insurance documents are updated promptly.
2. Centralise Documentation: Store all contractor compliance records in one secure location for easy access during audits or emergencies.
3. Prevent Risky Engagements: Contractors with expired or missing insurances cannot check in, reducing liability.

Preparing Contractors for On-Site Risks

Beyond insurance, ensuring contractors are informed of potential risks on your site is just as critical. A lack of awareness can lead to unsafe practices, putting workers, residents, and your owners corporation at risk.

Common Risks Contractors May Face

• Damaged or faulty infrastructure (e.g., gates, lifts, or electrical systems).
• Hazards in shared spaces such as slippery surfaces or restricted access areas.
• Environmental risks like extreme weather or poor lighting conditions.

How Onsite Ensures Risk Awareness

With Onsite’s contractor check-in feature, you can:

1. Share Risk Assessments: Contractors are required to acknowledge site-specific risks before they can begin work.
2. Provide Safe Work Instructions: Upload Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) tailored to the site and task.
3. Track Attendance: Log contractor check-ins and check-outs, creating an auditable trail for compliance.

Benefits of Onsite’s Contractor Check-In Feature

1. ✅ Simple for Contractors: Quick 30-second check-in process via mobile app or QR code scan.
2. ✅ Complete Records: Every visit, risk acknowledgement, and insurance check automatically logged for the owners corporation.
3. ✅ Actually Gets Used: Contractors prefer it because it’s fast and straightforward, while managers get the compliance records they need.

Why Owners Corporations Must Act Now

Recent cases of owners corporations being held liable for safety failures highlight the need for a proactive approach to contractor compliance. Tracking insurance and ensuring risk awareness are non-negotiable components of this responsibility.

With Onsite’s contractor check-in system, you gain peace of mind knowing your contractors are properly insured, informed, and prepared to work safely.

Take control of contractor compliance today. Request a demo to see how Onsite can help streamline your operations and enhance safety.