Most service stations rely on third party contractors to keep the site running smoothly. From fuel technicians and refrigeration repairers to cleaners and landscapers, contractors are a regular presence on site. However, many operators underestimate the risks that come with unmanaged contractor access.

Unlike employees, contractors are often unfamiliar with your site layout, traffic flow, emergency procedures and specific hazards. This creates a safety risk not only for the contractor but also for staff and customers. As the site operator, you still hold a duty of care to ensure work is carried out safely.

The first step is contractor induction. Every contractor, regardless of how often they attend the site, should receive a brief induction covering site hazards, emergency exits, spill response expectations and restricted areas. This does not need to be time consuming, but it must be consistent. A simple sign in process with a short safety checklist can make a significant difference.

Where work impacts customer movement or trading operations, temporary controls such as cones, signage or barriers should be used.

Documentation matters as well. Site operators should keep records of contractor licences, insurances and any permits required for specific tasks. This protects your business if an incident occurs and demonstrates due diligence if reviewed by a regulator or insurer.

Finally, review contractor performance regularly. Unsafe behaviour, poor communication or repeated near misses should never be ignored simply because the worker is external.

Effective contractor management reduces risk, improves compliance and ensures everyone on site goes home safely at the end of the day.

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