As a lift subcontractor your credentials should be checked by the main contractor/lift company before you get the green light on a project. They will review the relevant documentation to check you and your team have the right skills and experience to do the work. They will need to be confident you can not only deliver the work to the required standards but also carry out the job without any risks to health and safety. Failure to do so could lead to repercussions for you and the main contractor.
Here are five things lift subcontractors should be on top of:
- Keep documents up to date
Because of the inherent risks in the lift industry, insurances are a must-have requirement, otherwise you could be vulnerable should a claim be made against you. These insurances will be dependent on the size of your company so make sure they provide the right level of cover and are up to date. - Refresh your knowledge, regularly
Health and safety should be at the forefront of your mind. Undertaking regular training such as Toolbox Talks is an important health and safety measure, and keeps your staff on top of the latest regulations and equipment. Being able to prove your team are completing Toolbox Talks demonstrates your commitment in promoting a positive safety culture. - Inspect your kit
It is important not to become complacent when working with tools, especially those that could pose a risk, however small. If something goes wrong as a result of a fault with your kit, it could not only cause injury or damage, but also leave you open to litigation. Make sure you are regularly inspecting your kit and keeping a record of the inspections. - Don’t rely on the main contractor
It is your responsibility to carry out a job, so don’t rely on the main contractor. They won’t be present on site every day, so you need to ensure the welfare of your employees by planning your work and the equipment you need. - Pay attention to manual chain hoists
Never ride on a lift that is being suspended on a manual chain hoist, as this could cause a risk to personal injury as well as property damage. Always move the lift from the landing to the required position and then secure a secondary safety device prior to getting onto the lift to work.
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