Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: carloso on May 06, 2005, 01:23:32 pm

Title: your opinion wanted
Post by: carloso on May 06, 2005, 01:23:32 pm

 hi all
 
 
 i am looking into the safe contractor scheme and whether  it is worthwhile.
i will be very grateful, as i am sure lots of members of the forum will be, for opinions/answers to the following questions
  Can anyone say they have gained any business by being a member?
 
 Are there any benefits of membership that you get that are not available through your membership ofother organisations?
 
Is it a lot of hassle?
 
Is it just another badge, as it were, or does it open doors/make a difference?
 
is it a cut above the likes of" the guild of master craftsmen" etc ?
 
any and all comments good and bad will be much appreciated
 
thanks in advance 
 
carl 
   

Title: Re: your opinion wanted
Post by: Musicman on May 06, 2005, 06:31:33 pm

Hi Carl, I've never heard of the safe contractor scheme so I cannot say whether it would be worthwhile or not.

I would say however that if it helps educate in terms of safe working practises, even if it is just one new thing that you learn, then it has to be a good thing.

I'm not a great believer in memberships of trade orgainsations (BICSc, CSSA etc) but if this is safety based, and you undergo training, are regularly assessed, sit exams etc then it sounds good to me.

Musicman

Title: Re: your opinion wanted
Post by: Jonathan Adams on May 06, 2005, 08:30:07 pm

Hi Carl

We are members of several H & S accreditation companys, on the request of company's we work for. Safecontractor, CHAS, Supplier Web, etc. Have never had a job directly through one of these companies. It's a desktop based Health and Safety audit basically they ask for your H & S policy, risk assessments, insurance etc, and if you meet the required standard you are accredited. There is a fee to pay as well unless the company you work for pay (all our's were paid by the customer).

Regards
Jonathan

Title: Re: your opinion wanted
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 06, 2005, 09:59:42 pm

I was contracted by a 'safe contractor', or at least they had that at the foot of each letter I received from them.

They did initially ask for a copy of my public insurance liability; but I never got round to sending them it for months; until I renewed it and something triggered my memory!

I was never asked for method statements or risk assessments.

The company pretended to pay me; and I pretended to work for them.  Until I picked up better work and didn't have to sub-contract for anyone.

Obviously there will be a fee to qualify as a 'safe contractor', and I bet the standard you have to reach to be one will be minimal (they want your fee), but in reality, the best thing about paying for it will be it's tax deductable and may make your formal letter look a bit prettier.

Title: Re: your opinion wanted
Post by: keith b on May 08, 2005, 10:59:17 am

Carlos,

It might be worth your while contacting the British Institute of Facilities Management (www.bifm.org.uk), they may have a members directory you could access, you could then perhaps contact some of these companies and see if they use cleaning contractors under the scheme your interested in joining?

regards

keith

Title: Re: your opinion wanted
Post by: carloso on May 08, 2005, 11:50:38 am

hi keith

uesful info, will , as you suggest check it out

thanks

carl