Introduction

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to HSE in allowing the use of source material.
Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.

Introduction to Subject

As a property owner, you are likely to seek the services of various tradesmen from time to time. Apart from finding the right person from quality and price perspectives, there are also responsibilities to consider, particularly concerning health and safety.

The term 'Contractor' may refer to an organisation or individual that contracts with another organisation or individual for a particular piece of work. Anyone brought in to work at the premises, who is not a direct employee of yours, will be a contractor.

A 'Subcontractor' is an individual or business that signs a contract to perform part or all of the obligations of another's contract.

A Contractor could also be used to describe a Consultant, or professional who provides expert advice in a particular domain or area of expertise.