Health and Safety: Our Commitment to Your Wellbeing

Introduction

Statement of Intent

  • Ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all employees and others who may be affected by our activities.

  • Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and guidance.

  • Continuously improving our health and safety performance through regular review and updates.

Responsibilities

  • Management: The management team is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, and providing the necessary resources for effective health and safety management.

  • Employees: All employees are responsible for taking care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must comply with company policies and procedures and report any health and safety concerns to management.

Risk Assessment

  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks.

  • Review and update risk assessments periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or work environment.

Safe Working Practices

  • Develop and implement safe working practices and procedures for all activities.

  • Ensure that all employees are trained in these practices and understand their responsibilities.

Training and Competence

  • Provide health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new employees and regular refresher training.

  • Ensure that employees are competent to perform their tasks safely and provide additional training as needed.

Communication and Consultation

  • Maintain open communication with employees regarding health and safety matters.

  • Consult with employees on health and safety issues and encourage their participation in improving health and safety practices.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

  • Establish procedures for reporting and investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses.

  • Take corrective actions to prevent recurrence and share lessons learned with all employees.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Develop and maintain emergency procedures for dealing with potential emergencies, such as fires, medical emergencies, and evacuations.

  • Conduct regular drills and training to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively in an emergency.

Health and Wellbeing

  • Promote the health and wellbeing of employees through initiatives such as ergonomic assessments, mental health support, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

  • Provide access to occupational health services as needed.

First Aid Procedures

  • Assessment and Response: In the event of an injury or medical emergency, trained first aiders will assess the situation and provide appropriate first aid assistance.

  • Emergency Services: If the situation requires urgent medical attention beyond the scope of first aiders’ training or resources, emergency services will be contacted immediately.

  • Record Keeping: Details of first aid incidents, including the nature of the injury or illness, actions taken, and any follow-up recommendations, will be recorded accurately and promptly.

  • First Aid Kits: Maintain first aid kits in strategic locations throughout the premises, ensuring they are regularly checked, replenished, and updated.

  • First Aid Training: Provide regular first aid training and certification courses for designated first aiders to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

Mental Health Support

  • Awareness and Training: Provide mental health awareness training for all employees to help them recognise signs of mental health issues and understand how to support colleagues.

  • Support Services: Offer access to mental health support services, including counselling and employee assistance programs (EAPs).

  • Open Communication: Foster an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health concerns without fear of stigma or discrimination.

  • Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and initiatives that reduce workplace stress.

  • Regular Check-ins: Encourage regular check-ins between managers and employees to discuss workload, stress levels, and overall wellbeing.

Ergonomic Assessments

  • Workstation Assessments: Conduct regular ergonomic assessments of workstations to ensure they are set up correctly and comfortably for each employee.

  • Adjustments and Equipment: Provide ergonomic equipment and make necessary adjustments to workstations based on assessment findings to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and other related issues.

  • Training and Awareness: Educate employees on the importance of ergonomics and proper workstation setup. Provide training on best practices for posture, equipment use, and taking regular breaks.

  • Monitoring and Review: Regularly review ergonomic assessment outcomes and update practices and equipment as needed to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment.

Fire Safety Procedures

  • Fire Risk Assessment: Conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

  • Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: Install and maintain fire detection and alarm systems to ensure early warning in the event of a fire.

  • Fire Extinguishers and Equipment: Provide appropriate fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, ensuring they are regularly inspected and maintained.

  • Emergency Exits and Evacuation Routes: Clearly mark and maintain emergency exits and evacuation routes, ensuring they are free from obstructions at all times.

  • Fire Drills and Training: Conduct regular fire drills and provide fire safety training to all employees to ensure they are familiar with evacuation procedures and the use of firefighting equipment.

  • Fire Safety Signage: Install clear and visible fire safety signage throughout the premises to guide employees and visitors in the event of a fire.

Electrical Safety

  • Regulations Compliance: Ensure all electrical installations and equipment comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

  • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections and testing of electrical installations and equipment to identify and rectify any potential hazards.

  • Qualified Personnel: Ensure that all electrical work is carried out by qualified and competent personnel.

  • Safe Use of Equipment: Provide training to employees on the safe use of electrical equipment and the importance of reporting any faults or issues.

  • Portable Appliance Testing (PAT): Implement a PAT program to regularly test and maintain portable electrical appliances.

  • Emergency Procedures: Establish procedures for dealing with electrical emergencies, including isolating power sources and contacting emergency services if necessary.

Monitoring and Review

  • Regularly monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, and reviews.

  • Review and update this policy annually or whenever there are significant changes to our operations or legislation.

Conclusion