How can you ensure safety protocols are followed with third-party providers?

2 Communicate the expectations

Once you have assessed the risks, you need to communicate your safety expectations and requirements to the third-party provider. This includes sharing your safety policies, procedures, standards, and goals, and explaining how they align with the field service project objectives and specifications. You also need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the reporting and feedback mechanisms that will be used to monitor and measure safety performance. You can use tools such as contracts, agreements, manuals, and training sessions to communicate the expectations and ensure mutual understanding and compliance.

3 Collaborate on solutions

Communication is not a one-way street. You also need to listen to the third-party provider's input, feedback, and suggestions on how to improve safety and address any issues or concerns. You need to collaborate with them on finding solutions that are feasible, effective, and acceptable for both parties. You can use tools such as meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions to foster a collaborative and constructive dialogue and create a safety culture that values teamwork and innovation.

4 Monitor and review

Communication and collaboration are not enough. You also need to monitor and review the safety performance of the third-party provider and the field service project as a whole. You need to collect and analyze data on safety indicators, such as incidents, injuries, near misses, audits, inspections, and surveys. You also need to provide feedback and recognition to the third-party provider, and identify any gaps or areas for improvement. You can use tools such as dashboards, reports, and reviews to track and evaluate safety performance and implement corrective and preventive actions.