Use of external contractors.

Many organisations, including a number of NHS Trusts, have over the last decade reduced both support and operational staff as a means of cost cutting. Along with these changes the use of external contractors to perform tasks that were once established 'in-house' procedures has increased. In this changing environment it is essential to maintain an effective safety culture and appropriate liaison with the external contractor in order to ensure that those persons coming on to a site not only understand what is required of them, but also know how to perform the required tasks in a safe and efficient manner which takes account of any special local precautions that may be necessary. This article looks at the selection and use of external contractors and the need for adequate safety management systems in order to maintain an accident free environment.