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    What Are a Contractor's Health & Safety Responsibilities?

    28 August 2026 6 min read

    Plan, manage and monitor

    Every contractor has a duty to plan, manage and monitor their own work so that it is carried out safely. This includes making sure workers have the right information, training, tools and supervision.

    Cooperate and coordinate

    On projects with more than one contractor, everyone must cooperate and coordinate with each other. Principal contractors have additional duties to manage the construction phase, while all contractors must comply with reasonable site rules.

    Provide competent advice

    Employers must appoint one or more competent persons to help them meet their health and safety duties. For many contractors, this means working with an external H&S consultant who understands construction.

    Thames Gateway Health & Safety provides construction health and safety consultancy and competent-person support to contractors across Essex and London.

    Need practical H&S support?

    Discuss Your Requirements with our construction health and safety consultants.

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