What is contractor prequalification?
Before awarding work, a client or principal contractor may want information about a contractor's general capability and how work health and safety risks will be managed. WorkSafe describes prequalification as one possible way to gather that information. It does not replace the need for businesses working together to consult, cooperate and coordinate during the work.
Different clients and schemes can ask for different information. That is why the goal should not be to collect random forms. A better starting point is to keep current, usable evidence that reflects the work your business actually performs.
What H&S evidence should an NZ contractor have ready?
Risks and controls
Current risk or hazard information and evidence showing how significant work risks are controlled.
Training and competency
Qualifications, licences, training, competency or experience records relevant to the work.
Worker engagement
Toolbox records, meeting notes, consultation or other evidence that workers can participate in H&S.
Incidents and learning
Incident and near-miss records, investigations where appropriate, and evidence that actions are followed through.
Inspections and reviews
Completed workplace or equipment checks and records showing issues are reviewed and corrected.
Contractor coordination
Where relevant, evidence for selecting, briefing, coordinating and monitoring subcontractors and other businesses.
Why blank templates are not enough
A policy or blank form can describe what should happen. Completed records help demonstrate what did happen. WorkSafe's contractor guidance specifically notes that supporting documentation may be needed as evidence that good health and safety procedures are in place and being carried out.
This distinction also appears in established assessment systems. SiteWise, for example, requires contractors completing its assessment to upload evidence supporting their answers, and its current Contractor NZ guidance says submitted assessment evidence generally needs to be recent. NZ Quality & Compliance Hub is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by SiteWise or Site Safe.
A practical way to prepare
Start by creating one evidence index. List each evidence area, where the record is stored, who owns it and when it was last reviewed. Then check whether the record is current and whether it demonstrates actual implementation. This is often more useful than creating another folder of generic documents.
Could you produce your evidence today?
Use our free 12-point Contractor Prequalification Readiness Checklist. There is no signup and it does not give a compliance score or certification. It simply helps you identify which evidence areas are organised and which may need attention.
Run the free readiness check →What if a client uses SiteWise or another scheme?
Use the exact requirements of that client or scheme. Do not assume a generic checklist guarantees acceptance. For example, SiteWise publishes its own assessment guidance and evidence requirements. Our readiness tool is designed to help organise the underlying records, not replace an assessment provider or predict a score.
Official guidance
For authoritative information, read WorkSafe New Zealand's guidance on the health and safety information needed before hiring contractors and its guidance on PCBUs working together when contracting. Always consider the actual work, risks and contractual requirements that apply to your situation.
General information only. NZQC does not provide certification, accreditation, legal advice or a guarantee of tender or prequalification approval.