- Assess subcontractor safety policies and training records before appointment.
- Check insurance validity and adequacy for the scope of work.
- Review incident history and enforcement actions for the past three years.
- Confirm SSIP or equivalent accreditation as a minimum baseline.
- Request and check references from previous principal contractors.
- Verify operative competence cards and qualifications match the work.
- Apply enhanced vetting for high-risk specialisms like demolition.
- Review pre-qualification annually and before each new project.
- Include safety performance requirements in the subcontract terms.
- Record all pre-qualification assessments for audit purposes.
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- DON'T appoint subcontractors without completing pre-qualification.
- DON'T accept SSIP alone as proof of competence for high-risk work.
- DON'T skip pre-qualification for small packages — the same risks apply.
- DON'T ignore poor incident history in the assessment.
- DON'T assume a subcontractor is competent because they are known to you.
- DON'T allow subcontractors on site before pre-qualification is approved.
- DON'T rely on self-assessment without verification.
- DON'T treat pre-qualification as a one-off — review for every project.
- DON'T overlook training gaps or expired competence cards.
- DON'T believe that subcontracting transfers your safety responsibilities.
See also: Subcontractor Safety Management | Subcontractor Induction Requirements
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