Before you start work: a practical contractor checklist

A practical pre-start checklist for small UK construction contractors: task, site rules, access, people, equipment, RAMS and briefings.

Be clear on the job

Confirm the activity, work area, sequence, drawings or specification, programme and who is doing what. If the job has changed since it was priced or planned, do not rely on an old description.

Check site arrangements

Confirm access, sign-in, welfare, parking, deliveries, work-area restrictions, local rules, emergency arrangements and client or principal-contractor requirements that apply.

Check people and equipment

Make sure those carrying out the work are competent for it, know their responsibilities, and have the right access equipment, tools, materials, PPE and supervision before work begins.

Review risks and method

Consider the hazards, people at risk and practical controls for the actual task. Make sure the proposed method, sequence and controls reflect the real site, not a previous job.

Tailor and brief the RAMS

Add the project, location, workforce, equipment, interfaces and site controls. Make the final document clear enough to brief to the people doing the work, and revise it if conditions change.

Stop if a key answer is missing

This is a practical prompt, not a substitute for competent planning. Resolve unclear controls, permissions, isolations, access arrangements or site details before work starts.

Further reading: HSE guidance on planning, risk assessment and method statements.

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