Question 1

What should I do if i've just disturbed asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Stop work immediately, keep everyone away from the area, and do not try to clean it up yourself.

Question 2

What should I do if someone's been injured on site?

Accepted Answer

Make the area safe, call 999 if serious, and report the injury under RIDDOR if required.

Question 3

What should I do if hse has just turned up?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm, cooperate fully, and ask the inspector for identification before answering questions.

Question 4

What should I do if my scaffold doesn't look safe?

Accepted Answer

Do not use the scaffold, report the issue to the person in charge, and document what you see.

Question 5

What should I do if i've hit a gas pipe or electrical cable?

Accepted Answer

Move away from the area immediately, call the National Gas Emergency Service (0800 111 999) for gas or your electricity network operator for cables.

Question 6

What should I do if there's been a fire on site?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate the site, call 999, account for everyone, and do not re-enter the building.

Question 7

What should I do if i think there's modern slavery on this site?

Accepted Answer

Do not confront anyone, note what you have seen, and call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

Question 8

What should I do if i haven't been paid?

Accepted Answer

Check your contract, send a formal payment notice, and consider adjudication if the amount is significant.

Question 9

What should I do if my customer is refusing to pay?

Accepted Answer

Document all communication, send a letter before action, and do not return to the property uninvited.

Question 10

What should I do if my contractor has gone bust?

Accepted Answer

Secure any materials you own on site, check if you are owed money under the Construction Act, and register as a creditor.

Question 11

What should I do if i can't pay my tax bill?

Accepted Answer

Contact HMRC immediately to discuss a Time to Pay arrangement — they would rather work with you than chase you.

Question 12

What should I do if i've received a ccj?

Accepted Answer

Check the details are correct, pay within 30 days to have it removed from the register, or apply to set it aside if you were not properly served.

Question 13

What should I do if bailiffs are coming?

Accepted Answer

Know your rights — they cannot force entry on a first visit for most debts. Do not let them in until you have read the guide.

Question 14

What should I do if hmrc are investigating me?

Accepted Answer

Do not ignore it, get professional help immediately, and do not speak to HMRC without preparation.

Question 15

What should I do if my van's been broken into?

Accepted Answer

Report to police (get a crime number), contact your insurer, and check site CCTV immediately.

Question 16

What should I do if my tools have been stolen from site?

Accepted Answer

Report to police, photograph the scene, and check your insurance covers tools left on site.

Question 17

What should I do if my van's been written off?

Accepted Answer

Do not accept the first offer from the insurer — check the market value of your van and negotiate.

Question 18

What should I do if customer left a bad google review?

Accepted Answer

Do not respond emotionally, check if the review violates platform guidelines, and draft a calm professional reply.

Question 19

What should I do if customer won't sign off the job?

Accepted Answer

Get the snag list in writing, agree a timeline for fixes, and do not walk away without documenting the position.

Question 20

What should I do if customer is threatening legal action?

Accepted Answer

Take it seriously, respond within the deadline, and consider whether the dispute can be resolved without court.

Question 21

What should I do if customer has died mid-job?

Accepted Answer

Stop work, express condolences, and deal with the executor or next of kin — not other family members — about the contract.

Question 22

What should I do if customer won't let me back to fix snags?

Accepted Answer

Put your request in writing, explain that refusing access may affect warranty and defects liability, and keep records.

Question 23

What should I do if i think i should be employed, not self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Check the three key tests — control, substitution, and mutuality of obligation — and understand your rights either way.

Question 24

What should I do if my apprenticeship is going wrong?

Accepted Answer

Contact your training provider first, raise a formal grievance if needed, and contact ACAS if it is not resolved.

Question 25

What should I do if i want to go bankrupt?

Accepted Answer

Understand the alternatives first — an IVA or debt relief order may be better. Get free advice from StepChange before deciding.

Question 26

What should I do if i'm becoming a dad and i'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

If you are self-employed you do not get statutory paternity pay, but you may qualify for Maternity Allowance for your partner and should plan your finances now.

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