A good way to begin the selection process is to obtain and evaluate information regarding a contractor’s safety performance and programs.

To determine past safety performance, consider the contractor’s:

• Employee injury records such as the workers’ compensation Experience Modification Rate (EMR or MOD) for the past three years and the contractor’s past safety record in performing jobs of a similar nature. For contractors whose safety performance on the job is not known, obtain information on injury and illness rates and experience and obtain contractor references.
• OSHA logs, which include the injury and illness rates (number of lost-time accident cases, number of recordable cases, number of restricted workday cases, number of fatalities) for the past three years; and incidence rates for lost-time accidents and recordables for the past three years.
• Written safety program and training system.
• Prior history performing contract work with your organization.

Evaluate contractor work methods and experience. Ensure that for the job in question, the contractor and its employees have the appropriate:

• Job skills.
• Equipment.
• Knowledge, experience, and expertise.
• Permits, licenses, certifications, or skilled tradespeople necessary for performing the work in question.

You should also obtain the contractor’s current certificate of insurance for workers’ compensation and general liability coverage. Furthermore, you will want to determine the contractor’s capability to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal safety requirements, as well as with any safety rules and regulations set forth by your company. Ways to determine past compliance with such safety regulations include:

• Requesting copies of any citations for violations occurring within the last three years to determine the frequency and type of safety laws violated.
• Having all bidders detail in writing any safety programs in place, infractions, accidents, and workers’ compensation claims within the last three years.

This information will provide your company with a solid background on that contractor’s safety performance and adherence to safety rules and regulations.

Some companies, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, utilize 3rd party entities to evaluate or “pre-qualify” contractors with regard to safety and health. To bid for a project, the contractor must have met the criteria.