It’s a common question and one we hear often from project leads, estimators, and operations teams:

Are general contractors responsible for their subcontractors’ safety documentation?

In most cases, yes, especially when clients require third-party compliance platforms like ISNetworld®, Avetta®, or Veriforce®. While each project or client may vary slightly, general contractors are usually expected to ensure that all subcontractors on a job site meet the same safety and compliance standards.

Here’s why that responsibility matters and what you can do to stay protected.

Why GCs Are Held Accountable for Subcontractor Documentation

On paper, it might seem like each subcontractor should be responsible for their own compliance. But in practice, clients often see the general contractor as the main point of accountability for the job site.

That means you’re not just managing your own compliance, you’re also expected to:

• Confirm that subcontractors are qualified and safety-compliant 
• Ensure they are active and approved on required platforms (ISNetworld®, Avetta®, etc.) 
• Review or verify their RAVS®/T-RAVS® safety programs 
• Track documentation like insurance, OSHA logs, EMR letters, and training records 
• Resolve any platform rejections or document expirations that could affect job readiness 

If one of your subcontractors is missing documentation or has an incomplete profile, it could slow down your own approval or impact your client relationship.

What Happens When Subs Fall Behind

Many subcontractors, especially smaller firms, don’t have internal resources to manage compliance platforms. Some are new to the process. Others may submit outdated materials, upload the wrong forms, or simply fall behind on renewals.

The issue? Their gaps can affect your standing.

You may only find out about it when:

• A client flags missing documentation 
• Your ISNetworld® or Avetta® grade is impacted 
• Mobilization is delayed due to a rejected profile 
• You're asked to “fix it” on their behalf 

Without a process in place to manage subcontractor compliance, these issues can pile up fast. 

How General Contractors Can Protect Themselves

Here are a few simple but effective ways to take control of subcontractor documentation before it becomes a problem:

1. Ask early. Include platform compliance and documentation questions in your bid or onboarding process. 
2. Set clear expectations. Spell out requirements in your subcontractor agreements, including deadlines. 
3. Use a checklist. Share a project-specific compliance checklist so everyone knows what’s needed. 
4. Offer support when needed. Some subs are willing but unfamiliar with the process; point them to resources or connect them with a compliance consultant. 
5. Monitor proactively. Don’t wait for a rejection; check expiration dates and profile status before submitting. 

These steps can help reduce the risk of delays and ensure your team and your subs are fully ready to work. By having a system in place to help you monitor subcontractor compliance, you can avoid issues where a single oversight could trigger delays across your entire project timeline.

Support for GCs and Their Subcontractors

At Industrial Compliance & Safety, we work with general contractors who need to manage compliance across multiple companies and subcontractors who are trying to meet client expectations but need help getting there.

We can assist with:

• RAVS®/T-RAVS® program development 
• Subcontractor onboarding support 
• Client-specific documentation uploads 
• Document tracking and renewal management 
• Fast response to compliance platform issues 

Whether you're looking to improve your own account standing or help your subs get up to speed, our team can simplify the process and reduce the administrative strain.

Moving Forward with Confidence

If you’re a general contractor, it’s not just your safety documentation that matters; it’s the documentation of every crew on your site.

Taking a proactive approach to subcontractor compliance isn’t just smart, it’s often required. And with the right systems in place, you can meet your clients’ expectations, avoid delays, and keep your projects running smoothly.

Need help getting your team and your subs, compliance-ready?
Industrial Compliance & Safety can help you stay organized, approved, and ahead of your next deadline. Contact us today to start!