Contractor & Visitor Safety policy template
Sets safety expectations and requirements for contractors, subcontractors and visitors entering your workplace. Covers inductions, supervision and compliance with site rules.
Contractor safety policy
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Why you need a contractor safety policy
Under Australian WHS law, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to ensure the health and safety of contractors and visitors at their workplace. You remain responsible even when work is performed by third parties.
A documented contractor safety policy demonstrates that you have systems in place to manage third-party risks. It sets clear expectations for contractor selection, induction, supervision and compliance verification.
Without clear contractor safety requirements, you expose your business to legal liability, insurance issues and potential prosecution. Regulators expect to see documented processes for managing contractor safety.
Key elements of a contractor safety policy
What your contractor and visitor safety policy should include
Contractor requirements
Clear safety and compliance expectations for all contractors and subcontractors.
Site induction
Mandatory induction process covering site-specific hazards and safety rules.
Supervision
Framework for monitoring and supervising contractor activities on-site.
Compliance verification
System for verifying contractor credentials, licences and insurance.
Visitor protocols
Safety requirements for visitors including sign-in and escorting procedures.
Emergency procedures
How contractors and visitors respond to site emergencies.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of contractor management requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Contractor selection
Criteria for selecting and engaging contractors with proven safety records.
Pre-work requirements
Documentation, insurance, licences and SWMS required before work begins.
Site induction
Mandatory safety induction covering site hazards, rules and emergency procedures.
Supervision requirements
How contractor work is monitored and who is responsible for oversight.
Compliance verification
Process for checking contractor credentials and ongoing compliance.
Visitor protocols
Sign-in requirements, escorting rules and PPE for visitors.
Emergency procedures
Expectations for contractor and visitor behaviour during emergencies.
Non-compliance
Consequences for contractors who breach safety requirements.
Review & improvement
How the policy is maintained and improved over time.
Who should use this template?
Essential for workplaces that engage contractors or host visitors
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, industry and specific workplace hazards. For high-risk industries, seek independent WHS professional advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to manage contractor safety?
Download our comprehensive contractor and visitor safety policy template and establish clear third-party safety requirements. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
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Contractor safety policy FAQ
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace hazards, industry requirements, and applicable WHS legislation. Consult with your workers and health and safety representatives during the customisation process.
- Distribute the policy during safety induction for new employees and via toolbox talks or safety meetings for existing staff. Ensure the policy is accessible on noticeboards or your intranet. Using HR software with policy management can track acknowledgements.
- Yes. Under WHS legislation, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) owe duties to all workers, including contractors. You must ensure contractors can work safely and that their work does not create risks for your employees.
- Request copies of their safety policies, relevant licences and qualifications, insurance certificates (public liability and workers compensation), Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk work, and evidence of safety induction and training.
- Yes. Your policy should state that contractors who breach safety requirements may be stopped from working and removed from site. Serious or repeated breaches may result in contract termination. Document all incidents and actions taken.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.