Assessing H&S performance requirements - tendering

Tendering – is H&S important?
Yes! Tenderers should outline their approach to H&S in relation to the proposed works and provide a preliminary overview of how project/contract-related hazards will be addressed.

Consideration of the Tenderer’s skills and knowledge relevant to the H&S performance criteria for a specified project is an important factor.

In reviewing potential H&S performance, the following issues may warrant assessment:

• Past OH&S performance & safety history (i.e. incident statistics, prosecutions or non-compliance issues raised by relevant authorities etc.);
• Whether the organisation has adopted a systematic approach to OH&S management (i.e. the existence of OH&S policies and procedures)
• The training, qualifications and resources to implement these policies and procedures;
• Process for the management of Subcontractors;
• Methods for identifying hazards;
• Site inspection and auditing;
• Seek advice where necessary from Designers/Advisers regarding the review of potential Contractors/organisations tendering for work; or
• Contact references listed in the tender submissions to discuss performance of Contractors/organisations tendering for work.

Where the performance of Tenderers are equal in all other areas of the Tender submission, the Contract should be awarded to the Tenderer demonstrating the capacity for the better H&S performance.

The level, detail, size and format of project H&S information will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the project, types of known hazards or risks, as well as Vodafone requirements.