WorkSafe NZ’s New Guide for Engaging with Contractors

WorkSafe NZ has recently introduced a new guideline for Persons Conducting a Business of Undertaking (PCBUs) engaging with contractors.

The new document titled PCBUs Working Togetheroffers a more condensed guide for PCBUs who have overlapping duties under the HSWA 2015. It clearly outlines what is expected of PCBUs in regards to health and safety management when working with contractors at all levels.

More specifically, it offers guidance on the application of section 34 of the HSWA – PCBUs have a duty to consult, cooperate and coordinate activity with other PCBUs they share overlapping duties with, so far as is reasonably practicable. This will help avoid unnecessary duplication of PCBUs’ efforts and prevent any gaps when managing health and safety risks.

WorkSafe sets out the following steps that PCBUs should take when building health and safety into contract management:

  • Scoping the work
  • Pre-qualifying the contractor
  • Choosing a contractor
  • Awarding the contractor
  • Monitoring the contractor
  • Post-contract review.

The main emphasis in this new and improved guide is around monitoring the contract, as WorkSafe outlines the actions it expects PCBUs to take as part of monitoring activities. Moreover, the guide includes examples of resources that PCBUs can use when engaging contractors.This includes a pre-qualification questionnaire, an information for tenderer form and a job registration form.

To access the guide, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the implications of this new guide, or need further assistance with understanding your overlapping duties as a PCBU, contact Working Wise now by filling out our online contact form.


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