safe systems of work

Contractors and JCA management alike are expected to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and method statements for the tasks being carried out. JCA encourage contractors to use their own format and our health and safety manager will provide guidance and advice where necessary, to improve the format without completely changing the original style.

Risk assessments are expected to contain the following items:

Significant hazards identified

Quantitative or qualitative risk ratings (both can be used as long as the RA shows how this is
implemented)

Document author

Document reviewer (where appropriate)

Date RA was carried out

Review date (no greater than 6 months)

Site specific information

Method Statements are expected to contain:

Brief overview of the task to be carried out (scope of works)

Names of operatives (and role/position in company)

Name of supervisor

Emergency contact details

Description of how the work will be carried out (usually bullet points), i.e. safe working method

PPE requirements

Isolations/permits required

Author

Date MS was written (normally matches RA date)

Review date (normally matches RA review date)

JCA’s approved subcontractors, specialist service providers etc are required to present copies on visiting site, to show the information has been communicated by their employer and operatives are required to sign both risk assessment and method statement to show they have read and understood the control measures and safe systems of work put in place by their company.

Cooperation and coordination between all parties is monitored and discussed, where necessary, at meetings onsite. Health and safety issues are discussed at all meetings. This also ensures that the relevant information is passed on to the team and coordination is maintained at a high level along with health and safety awareness.