Top 5 Reasons Contractors Get Rejected on Avetta—Fix Them Fast

Getting prequalified on Avetta can feel like chasing a moving target. Just when you think you’ve submitted everything, a new request pops up—or worse, you’re hit with a rejection. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We hear from contractors every week who are struggling to get through the process to work with some of the largest companies on the globe, such as Amazon®. The truth is, most Avetta rejections come down to a few key issues. And once you know what they are, they’re usually fixable. Let’s break down the top five reasons contractors get rejected—and what you can do to stay on track.  

1. Missing or Generic Safety Programs

One of the biggest mistakes we see is uploading safety programs that are either missing entirely or far too generic. Avetta isn’t just looking for “something on paper”—they want to see written policies that match your actual work tasks. That means custom content—not a plug-and-play PDF from five years ago. How to Fix It: Build safety programs that reflect your company’s operations. Avetta often requires detailed policies for topics like fall protection, lockout/tagout, and hazard communication—especially during a Manual Audit. These audits are conducted by Avetta reviewers and involve a deep dive into your safety program content. If you’re unsure what’s missing, reach out to someone who’s navigated these audits before. It can save you weeks of back-and-forth.  

2. Out-of-Date or Incomplete Insurance Certificates

Avetta is known for its strict formatting and coverage requirements. It’s not just about having insurance—it’s about showing the exact coverage limits, policy numbers, dates, and endorsements your client asks for. Miss one detail, and it’s a hard “no.” How to Fix It: Coordinate closely with your insurance broker. Make sure they understand the specific client requirements inside your Avetta portal. Also, don’t forget to upload your Annual Insurance Updates. Missing renewals or uploading last year’s COI is one of the most common rejection triggers we see.  

3. Inconsistent or Incomplete HSE Questionnaires

The Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) questionnaire in Avetta can be long and technical—but skipping questions or giving vague answers is a fast track to a poor grade. And if you’re flagged for a Manual Audit, those responses will be scrutinized even more closely. How to Fix It: Take time to go through the HSE questions carefully. Don’t rush through them. If a question doesn’t apply, explain why. If something requires a documented procedure, make sure it’s uploaded. A thorough and honest submission goes a long way in avoiding red flags.  

4. Poor Scores or Gaps in Performance Metrics

Your EMR (Experience Modification Rate), TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate), and DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) rates are weighted heavily in Avetta’s grading system. If these numbers are off—or if there’s no explanation for a high rate—you can easily fall below a client’s minimum threshold. How to Fix It: Upload accurate OSHA logs and provide context for any uptick in incidents. If you’ve taken corrective action, include that documentation. Avetta gives contractors the chance to explain high numbers—but only if you provide the right support.  

5. Failure to Complete Annual Updates and Ongoing Client Requests

Many contractors don’t realize that Avetta isn’t a one-and-done process. Your profile needs to be updated annually, and some clients have their own custom documentation requests that come through at different times throughout the year. Missing one of these can get you temporarily removed—or even permanently rejected. How to Fix It: Set calendar reminders for your annual review dates. Make sure someone on your team is checking your dashboard regularly for client-specific updates. If staying on top of all that isn’t realistic, consider partnering with a service like Cascade QMS—we manage it all, including reminders, uploads, and communications, so nothing slips through the cracks.   Final Thoughts Avetta rejections can be frustrating, but they’re usually preventable. Whether it’s a missed insurance update, a generic safety program, or an overdue annual review, there are proven ways to get back on track. At Cascade QMS, we help contractors fix these issues fast—and more importantly, prevent them from happening again. From manual audits to annual updates and ongoing compliance support, we take the burden off your plate so you can get back to doing what you do best. Need help getting back in good standing with Avetta? Let’s talk. We’ve helped hundreds of contractors across industries—from energy to construction—BGIS to IKO-stay qualified, win bids, and avoid costly delays.  Our Avetta Management Plan may be just what you need for an extra boost!