Subcontractor Onboarding
Most workers on a construction site are employed by subcontractors, and most serious incidents involve them. A short, consistent onboarding process makes sure every crew knows the site rules, the hazards and who to call before the first day of work.
- General Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Superintendents
Before they arrive
- Prequalify subs on safety record, experience modification rate, injury rates, training and written programs
- Collect insurance certificates, licenses and required registrations
- Share the site safety plan, emergency plan and contract safety requirements. See Multi-Employer Worksites
- Ask for the sub's activity hazard analysis for high-risk tasks, plus equipment inspection records and operator certifications
- Name the sub's competent persons for scaffolds, excavations, cranes and fall protection
On the first day
- Hold a site orientation for every new worker: hazards, rules, restricted areas, PPE, emergency exits, assembly points, first aid, reporting and stop-work authority. See Site Orientation.
- Check worker training cards and certificates (OSHA 10 or 30, fall protection, lift operator, flagger) are valid and match the person. See OSHA 10 & 30 Cards.
- Explain hazard communication for chemicals on site and where SDSs are kept.
- Provide the information in a language workers understand. See Multilingual Crews.
- Give out site badges or stickers and keep a daily sign-in list.
- Introduce the safety lead and explain how to report hazards and near misses. See Near-Miss Reporting.
During the job
- Coordinate schedules so trades do not create hazards for each other, for example work under crane lifts or overhead work.
- Hold regular coordination meetings, pre-task plans and toolbox talks. See Pre-Task Planning.
- Inspect work areas, equipment and housekeeping, and correct problems promptly.
- Apply the same rules to every contractor and enforce them fairly.
- Review performance at the end and share feedback.
Standards & references
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