The short answer
Gaffr doesn't run, inspect or control sites, and doesn't direct how work is done. Site rules and inductions come from the client or whoever runs the site, not Gaffr. Every booking answers one question about known hazards, special PPE or qualifications. Gaffr passes the answer to crew with the Opportunity. HSE explains who the law makes responsible for what.
What does Gaffr ask the client?
Every booking answers this question: "Any known hazards, special PPE or qualifications required?"
Nothing is chosen in advance. The client picks "No additional known risks" or "Yes, add details".
With "Yes, add details", the client can list:
- a specialist qualification, such as IPAF
- specific PPE
- a known site hazard, or another hazard in their own words
If the booking needs PPE, the app asks "Who provides the PPE?"
The answers are "The crew member brings it" and "We provide it".
What does the crew member see?
The client's answer is on the Opportunity, before anyone accepts. It reads like one of these:
- "No additional known risks advised by the client. Standard site induction and rules apply."
- "Needs IPAF (MEWPs)."
- "PPE: hard hat, bring your own." or "PPE: hard hat, provided on site."
- "Site hazards: working at height."
A booking made before Gaffr asked this question says: "The client hasn't given any health and safety details. Standard site induction and rules apply".
It's the client's answer, passed on as written. Gaffr doesn't use it to decide who's offered the booking.
What does Gaffr do, and not do?
Gaffr introduces clients to crew and handles the money. It checks documents before crew go live, including a public liability insurance certificate. It doesn't visit sites, give inductions, or decide how work is done. It doesn't choose PPE or who provides it.
What does the law say?
HSE sets out roles at events. It says an event organiser "will have prime responsibility for the health and safety of" their workers and the public. It says whoever controls a work premises has "a duty to make sure it is safe for those working there".
HSE says: "You may be self-employed for tax purposes, but this may not be the case for health and safety". HSE's page for the self-employed explains when the law applies to them. One case is where "your work activity poses a potential risk to the health and safety of others".
HSE says construction rules (CDM 2015) can apply to building an event or production.
Gaffr can't say which duties apply to a particular person, booking or site. HSE's pages are the place to check.