Safety in procurement refers to the integration of risk management into the procurement process. Applying risk management principles to the procurement process is known to be a very effective way to eliminate or significantly reduce the risks to health and safety.

Placing safety at the centre of your procurement involves ensuring that the persons engaged to perform work that requires specific skills, qualifications, knowledge, licenses etc. have the training, skills and competencies to perform that work safely.

The people you engage should also be able to demonstrate how they have managed their OHS obligations in the past. This may be through formal training, portfolios of work, testimonials, SWMSs or other safety documentation and holding the appropriate insurances.

Finally, safety in procurement involves allocating appropriate time and budgets to your project. When schedules are too tight, corners may be cut to meet the job demands, which increases the likelihood of incidents. Similarly, if adequate budget is not assigned to the project, safety can suffer as a result.

Applying risk management principles when making procurement decisions demonstrate that you're committed to developing a safe workplace for your contractors. The clearer you are in communicating these principles, the more likely it is that the trades on your site will understand and adhere to them.

Undertaking checks and recording information to see whether trades have incorporated OHS as part of the way they do business is one way of formalising your company's commitment to safety.

As an employer, you are responsible for providing and maintaining, so far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of your employees and contractors.

As the person responsible for making decisions about who you contract work to, it is important you undertake certain checks on prospective contractors. This may include referring to a checklist to ensure the contractor meets your requirements. What you look for specifically will depend upon what you are wishing to engage the contractor for. Public Liability Insurance, WorkCover Insurance and Safe Work Method Statements are important to review and verify ahead of time.

Finally, remember that the people who come to work for you are an integral part of the culture you are striving to build. Good workplace cultures are more inclusive, productive, safer and happier - producing better quality workmanship and products.