How JELD-WEN’s new contractor management process raises the bar for site safety

JELD-WEN introduces contractor management room to improve site safety

JELD-WEN has opened a new contractor management room at its Sheffield site as part of wider improvements to its safety processes.

The manufacturer said the new facility was introduced to strengthen oversight of contractor activities and ensure on-site safety applies equally to external contractors and internal staff.

The new area includes an on-site mapping system that provides real-time visibility of where contractors are working across the facility.

JELD-WEN explained that while the company already had strong health and safety procedures, the new measures were developed to create clearer processes for contractors attending the site.

Oversight, induction and auditing improvements

The contractor management room provides a space for a ‘Responsible Person’ to carry out safety inductions, verify documentation and confirm contractor competency.

The company said the process ensures that risk assessments and method statements accurately reflect the work being undertaken.

The system also uses JELD-WEN’s existing auditing framework to verify compliance with safety procedures and conduct periodic checks throughout the working day.

Following a trial period, during which feedback from contractors and site teams was collected, the new contractor management room is now fully operational.

Reinforcing commitment to health and safety

Paul Bailey, Environment, Health and Safety Manager at JELD-WEN Sheffield, said: “Safety is a number one priority for JELD-WEN, and we have robust procedures in place across the site to safeguard employees, contractors and visitors. However, it was felt that we could enhance our procedures further to ensure optimal safety.

“Thanks to this new initiative and improved visual management, the contractor management room shows exactly how many contractors we have on site at any one time, and where each set of works is taking place.

“The introduction of the contractor management room reaffirms JELD-WEN’s commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone, at all times, on our sites.”

Implications for health and safety management in manufacturing

The development at JELD-WEN’s Sheffield site highlights how industrial facilities are refining contractor management to improve visibility and compliance.

For environment, health and safety managers, the use of a dedicated mapping and induction space offers a practical approach to maintaining oversight of external contractors during high-risk or concurrent operations.

Facility and site managers within manufacturing, processing and construction settings may also view JELD-WEN’s approach as an example of how to integrate contractor safety into wider site management systems.

By combining existing auditing frameworks with new real-time monitoring, the system ensures traceability and accountability in contractor activities across complex operational environments.