2.7 Site security - Leaving contractors alone in production areas?
In general GMO is correct. It is unreasonable and unpractical to operate a regime whereby contractors are escorted full time while on site. It is also unnecessary. You need to develop your internal control systems for contractors based on assessment of their activity, risks and specific legal and compliance demands.
This area extends beyond the scope of food safety and will also cover Occupational Health and Safety OHS). You will need to establish procedures covering Permits to Work, safe working COP's and records.
For example under some OHS systems it may be a requirement that contractors are supervised full time e.g. Confined Space Work. Some retailers require the pest control inspector to be escorted during inspection of monitoring points and traps. So there can be a lot to consider in this area. It is really beyond the scope of the post to address fully. Maybe some members would be happy to post some examples of their internal procedures which would help you.
I am with you on this response.. we have what we called pre-qualified Visitors/ contractors and these come to out facilities more than 6 x per year and those do not need escorts..... all the rest are escorted or are assigned in certain areas and have someone in that area watching them...We have a general contractor policy ... and then specific policies relating to our PCO and our linen provider that allows them unescorted access to the areas of the facility that they need, provided we have a current copy of their ID, insurance information, etc. on file. For other contractors, after they provide identification and have their truck and tools inspected, the maintenance supervisor can assign them access to specific areas that they are allowed, and continue to monitor them on a regular basis.