Original Document : Smith Safety Solutions Ltd.
prepared by
Date: April 2009
On behalf of: Arnet Industrial Safety Nets
Section A |
General Statement of Policy |
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Section B |
Organisation and Responsibilities |
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1. |
Company Health & Safety Structure |
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2. |
Andrew Mair - Managing Director |
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3. |
Jamie Hinde - Rigging Supervisor |
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4. |
Employees |
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Section C |
Health & Safety Arrangements |
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1. |
CDM Regulations & Activities on Client’s Premises |
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2. |
Risk Assessments & Method Statements |
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3. |
Accidents at Work |
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4. |
First Aid Arrangements |
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5. |
Fire Precautions & Emergency Procedures |
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6. |
Manual Handling |
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7. |
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health |
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8. |
Noise & Vibration at Work |
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9. |
Personal Protective Equipment |
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10. |
Lone Working |
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11. |
Young Persons at Work |
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12. |
Sub-Contractors |
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13. |
Housekeeping & Welfare Facilities |
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14. |
Plant & Equipment |
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15. |
Electricity at Work |
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Section C |
Health & Safety Arrangements (cont.) |
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16. |
Transport & Vehicles |
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17. |
Working at Heights |
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18. |
Site Inspections & Audits |
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19. |
Training |
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20. |
Occupational Health & Health Surveillance |
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21. |
Consultation & Communication |
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General Statement of Policy
Arnet Industrial Safety Nets is committed to ensure the Health and Safety of all personnel working for or on behalf of the Company, and all others who may be affected by the activities of the Company. This Policy is written with guidance provided by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and is in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
It is our individual responsibility, together with the Company Management, to ensure that our working environment is safe, without significant risks and meets the appropriate statutory requirements. All levels of management and employees have a vital role in the implementation of our health and safety programme and their personal co-operation is essential to its success.
It is our policy to:
· Prevent accidents, injuries and cases of work related illnesses.
· Provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our work activities.
· Maintain safe and healthy working conditions;
· Provide and maintain all necessary equipment in a safe condition.
· Ensure safe handling and use of materials.
· Provide information, instruction and supervision for employees.
· Ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks, and to give them adequate instruction.
The Company shall provide its clients with the necessary instruction and information to enable the safe use of its products and services.
The Company will ensure that adequate funds are provided to meet the health and safety requirements.
The Directors and Supervisors have specific responsibilities for implementing and monitoring this Safety Policy, to ensure all statutory obligations appropriate to our business are met at all times and ensuring that health and safety considerations are always given priority in planning and day-to-day supervision work.
Andrew Mair - Managing Director, is the person having particular responsibility for health, safety and welfare and will review this policy as appropriate in line with changes in health and safety legislation, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes applicable to the company’s activities.
The Company will make arrangements to provide each employee with a copy of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and a copy of this statement will be displayed prominently at all sites and workplaces.
The Company will encourage consultation with its employees and their Safety Representatives on Health and Safety matters to achieve the policy objectives and will give consideration to views and recommendations made.
The Company commits to monitor and review the Company’s Health & Safety performance and objectives against this policy on an annual basis, and to implement any improvements this review should identify.
All employees must contribute to safety by complying with all associated statutory Regulations and Company safety rules and procedures. Neglect of health and safety requirements will be regarded as a serious matter and may invoke the disciplinary procedure.
Signed ………………………………………………………. |
Director |
Date ………………………………………………………. |
Review date ………………………………………………….. |
Section B. Organisation and Responsibilities
The following section details the organisation of the Company as it pertains to Health & Safety, and the responsibilities of individuals and employees within that structure.
1. Company Health & Safety Structure
All levels of Company management and employees play a vital role in the implementation of this Health & Safety policy, however certain individuals have specific responsibilities for implementing and monitoring this Safety Policy, to ensure all statutory obligations appropriate to our business are met at all times and ensuring that health and safety considerations are always given priority in planning and day-to-day supervision work.
2. Andrew Mair - Managing Director
Andrew Mair is the director and manager with overall responsibility for Health & Safety. He is responsible for the observance and implementation of the Company policy, and periodically reviewing its operation. He shall ensure that:
· The Company Policy, Organisation and Safety Arrangements are made known to, and understood by all employees;
· All accidents are investigated and the reporting of any fatality, major injury or dangerous occurrences is made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as required under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995;
· Sufficient funds are available to meet the Company Health and Safety policy;
· Health and safety advice is available and training is provided for all employees;
· The company policy is reviewed in conjunction with the introduction of new Health and Safety legislation applicable to the companies undertaking;
· Disciplinary action is taken against any employee who has disregard for health and safety measures provided by the company;
· Contact is maintained with the sources of health and safety advice e.g. Safety Advisor, Trade Associations, HSE;
· This policy and the Company’s Health & Safety performance are reviewed on an annual basis.
In addition, he shall also be responsible for the day to day management of health & safety for all Company activities. This shall include:
· Preparing risk assessments and method statements for all contracts undertaken by the Company, and ensuring all employees are provided with these assessments, method statements and safe working practices/procedures applicable to the work they are undertaking, and understand the contents;
· Acting immediately on any Improvement or Prohibition notices issued by the HSE;
· Carrying out or making suitable arrangements for regular site inspections and workplace audits, monitoring compliance with risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment, housekeeping etc., and identifying appropriate actions if these practices are not being followed;
· Consulting with employees on Health & Safety issues, and respond to feedback from employees or their representatives as defined by The Health & Safety (Consultation with employees) Regulations 1996;
· Identifying all necessary safety equipment required by the contract, and make appropriate arrangements to ensure such equipment is available when required;
· Ensuring suitable arrangements are available on site to meet the welfare requirements of employees, such as mess huts, toilets, washing facilities etc.;
· Making arrangements with the client/principal contractor for all employees engaged on the contract to undergo all necessary induction and associated safety training required by the client’s/principal contractor’s Health & Safety system, including first aid arrangements and emergency procedures;
· Maintaining all appropriate registers, forms etc. as required by statutory, client and company procedures;
· Acting as the principal contact point between the client/principal contractor and the Company on health & safety matters, particularly with regard to the planning of safety into work activities, including provision for the safety of others i.e. visitors, members of the public etc..
3. Jamie Hinde - Rigging Supervisor
Jamie Hinde is the supervisor with day to day responsibility for health and safety on site. His responsibilities include:
· Ensuring all employees have been provided with the necessary risk assessments and method statements, and understand the contents of those relevant to their work activity;
· Ensuring that all employees are equipped with the correct Personal Protective Equipment, and that it is used correctly;
· Carrying out regular toolbox talks, communicating any health and safety requirements and issues related to the work itself, or other activities undertaken on site by the client or other site contractors that may affect the work of the employees, and receiving feedback from the employees, or their representatives, and passing on such feedback to the Director.
· Ensuring any corrective actions identified through site inspections, performed by either the Company or the client/principal contractor, are acted upon promptly and effectively;
· Encouraging employees to make suggestions to improve Health and Safety in their work environment;
· Investigating all breaches of Health and Safety reported to them by the client/principal contractor and report findings to the Director for possible disciplinary action.
4. Employees
Employees have the following responsibilities:
· To ensure they follow instruction given by the Company in relation to risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work;
· To ensure all accidents are reported without delay to the client/principal contractor. To act upon the findings of all investigations to prevent re-occurrence;
· To be fully aware of the Company’s Health and Safety Policy, safety requirements and working rules.
· Not to interfere with or misuse any equipment and plant provided by the Company, the client or the client’s principal contractor.
· Report any unsafe practices, systems of work or damages to plant and machinery immediately to their Supervisor.
· Co-operate with the client’s/principal contractor’s Safety Officer when required to do so.
· Make suggestions to improve health and safety within their working environment.
· Use the correct tools for the job, use safety equipment and protective clothing supplied.
· Set a personal example by using common sense at all time to avoid danger in their working environment.
All employees are reminded that they have a legal responsibility under section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be effected by their acts or omissions and to co-operate with the company in its arrangements to comply with the statutory obligations, which include adherence to the company safety policy.
No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any item provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.
Section C. Health & Safety Arrangements
The following section details the practices and procedures employed by the Company to discharge its duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and meet the aims of the Company’s Health & Safety policy.
1. CDM Regulations & Activities on Client’s Premises
The Construction, Design & Management Regulations 2007 places added management duties on companies within the construction industry. Arnet Industrial Safety Nets, when so appointed by the client or Principal Contractor, will carry out the duties of Contractor or Sub-Contractor as defined by the regulations in a manner that ensures compliance.
Whether the regulations apply to a contract or not the Company consider good management practice and competent supervision to be of paramount importance throughout all contracts.
The principal work of the Company is carried out on the premises owned by, or under the control of, our clients. As a result when working on site employees shall be subject to the Health & Safety rules and procedures of the client, or principal contractor, and of the premises in question. In particular this includes:
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures;
Accident Reporting Procedures and First Aid Arrangements;
Personal Protective Equipment.
To this end prior to commencing any work on client’s premises all employees assigned to the job shall undergo a site induction provided by the client that shall include all necessary safety equipment and training in the appropriate Health & Safety procedures.
2. Risk Assessments and Method Statements
The Company acknowledges its responsibility and duty, under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, to ensure that our working environment is safe and without significant risks, and therefore undertake suitable assessment of risks in accordance with the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Before work commences on any contract the Company will carry out a Risk Assessment of the proposed work, to identify and implement the necessary controls, both physical and procedural, to maintain adequate control of risks.
The Risk Assessments shall be prepared using a standard generic format, which is in line with the above regulations. The assessment determines the level of risk by taking into account the severity of the potential hazard, the complexity of the task and how often the task is to be carried out. The assessment is then used to develop a Method Statement that identifies suitable control measures, safe methods of work and/or protective equipment for the hazards in question.
The Risk Assessments and Method Statements shall be prepared by the Company Management.
3. Accidents at Work
Any accidents occurring on site to Company employees, or involving Company operations, shall be reported to the client/principal contractor as required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) and the clients own Incident Reporting procedures.
As part of this responsibility the client/principal contractor shall:
· Ensure that details of all accidents and incidents are recorded in the Site Accident book.
· Advise the Company Directors of all accidents that occur involving Company employees or Company operations.
· Where notification is required under RIDDOR, report those accidents to the Health & Safety Executive, and complete all necessary forms and records.
· Carry out all necessary investigations as required by RIDDOR and/or the clients own Incident Reporting procedures.
· Provide the Company with copies of all accident reports and subsequent investigation reports.
In addition, the Company shall;
· Carry out an independent investigation of all RIDDOR reportable accidents involving Company employee’s or Company operations, including obtaining written statements from employees and relevant witnesses, inspecting the site and taking photographs where necessary, and preparing a formal written report on the incident.
· Retain records of all accidents and subsequent investigations at the Company office for a period of at least three years after the incident has occurred.
Accidents occurring on Company premises will be will be recorded in the premises accident book and, where required by RIDDOR, reported to the HSE and investigated accordingly.
4. First Aid Arrangements
An assessment of First Aid Requirements was carried out as per the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, and the associated HSE Approved Code of Practise and Guidance: First Aid at Work L74. This determined that, due to the low hazard nature of the activities carried out on company premises, and the small number of employees present, the need for a trained First Aider was not necessary, and that naming an ‘Appointed Person’ to maintain the First Aid kit would be sufficient. The location of the First Aid kit, together with the name of the Appointed Person, is displayed at the entrance to the office.
When working on client’s sites Company operatives are subject to the First Aid arrangements of the client, which will be included in the site induction that the operatives will undergo. In addition to cover the occasional situations where operatives may be working on site without such arrangements a First Aid kit is allocated to all Company vans. The operatives assigned the van are responsible for checking the First Aid kit contents and must report any deficiencies to the Appointed Person for replenishment.
5. Fire Precautions & Emergency Procedures
Fire Risk Assessments have been carried out on all Company premises as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and suitable Emergency Procedures prepared accordingly. Staff have been trained in these Emergency Procedures and regular drills are held. Fire safety equipment is routinely tested and staffed trained in its use. Responsibility for maintaining records of training, drills and equipment testing lies with Andrew Mair, the Managing Director.
When on site company employees are subject to the Fire Safety Policies and Emergency Procedures of the client/principal contractor. Prior to first accessing the site all operatives assigned to the job shall undergo a site induction provided by the client/ principal contractor that shall include all necessary training in the appropriate Emergency procedures.
In the event that the client/principal contractor has no such procedures then the Company Management shall assess the Fire Risk arising from working on the site and develop, in conjunction with the client/principal contractor, such Emergency procedures and fire safety precautions as are necessary.
6. Manual Handling
It is the Company Policy that all Manual Handling Operations shall be avoided wherever possible, or appropriate mechanical systems or aids employed as necessary. Where this is not possible then any Manual handling operations are assessed as part of the standard risk assessment process carried out to ensure that such operations meet the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended).
In the event that the initial assessment identifies specific operations as having a significant risk then a manual handling risk assessment shall be carried out on those operations and a safe method of work identified and included in the method statement. Any training requirements shall also be identified by this process.
The risk assessment shall be carried out in line with the above regulations and their associated guidance, Manual Handling: Guidance on Regulations L23, and shall cover all areas of the operation including load, task, environment and individual.
7. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
The nature of the work carried out by the Company does not include the use of chemicals or other substances liable to be hazardous to health. If such materials were to be used an assessment of their hazards, and the control systems and precautions to be employed to prevent or minimise exposure would be included as part of the standard Risk Assessment process.
The main risk of exposure to substances hazardous to health will therefore arise from exposure to substances already present on site. To this end the client/principal contractor shall provide information, including all necessary precautions and safe systems of work, on all potential substances Company employees may be exposed to when working on site. This information shall be communicated to individual employees as part of the site induction provided by the client/principal contractor. Where necessary the Company shall provide, either directly or via arrangements with the client/principal contractor, appropriate personal protective equipment.
Should a Company employee, in the course of carrying out of their tasks, come across a substance that has not been previously identified in a Risk Assessment or that they deem to be suspicious in nature, then work should stop and the incident reported to the site supervisor who shall notify the client/principal contractor and/or Company Management. The client shall then make arrangements for a suitable analysis and/or assessment to be carried out by a competent professional body.
Only upon the results of the analysis/assessment being made available and the findings deemed satisfactory may work recommence. If the findings deem special arrangements are necessary or require specialised skills available only through an approved contractor then these arrangements are to be employed.
7.1. Asbestos
Where the proposed work is known to involve asbestos, or result in potential exposure of Company employees to asbestos, then, in addition to the above, the work shall be carried out in accordance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, and its associated Approved Codes of Practise and Guidance.
An assessment of the risks arising from asbestos shall be included in the risk assessment process. This assessment shall be used to determine what precautions must be taken, and what specialised equipment and/or contractors should be employed.
If, during work on a contract, a Company operative comes across a substance they believe to be asbestos then they should stop work immediately and report the incident to the client/principal contractor to allow for the substance to be identified and a full assessment made. Work should not be resumed until this assessment has been completed and all appropriate precautions have been taken.
7.2. Lead
Where the proposed work involves lead, or could result in the potential exposure of operatives to lead dust or fumes, then, in addition to the above, the work shall be carried out in accordance with the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, and its associated Approved Codes of Practise and Guidance.
An assessment of the risks arising from lead shall be included in the pre-contract risk assessment. This assessment shall be used to determine what precautions must be taken, and what specialised equipment and/or contractors should be employed.
If, during work on a contract, a Company operative comes across a substance they believe to be, or contain, lead then work should stop and the incident reported to the client/site agent and/or Company Management to allow for the substance to be identified and a full assessment made. Only upon the results of the analysis/assessment being made available and the findings deemed satisfactory may work recommence. If the findings deem special arrangements are necessary or require specialised skills available only through an approved contractor then these arrangements are to be employed.
8. Noise and Vibration at Work
As part of the standard risk assessment carried out on Company activities a preliminary assessment shall be made to determine if there is any potential risk of exposure to noise and/or vibration from the activity in question, including, where necessary requesting that the client/principal contractor provides any available data on noise levels associated with the task and its environment that the Company’s employees may be exposed to as part of the work, together with information on their noise and vibration control policies and procedures.
If such a risk is identified then the Company shall seek external specialist advice, either through the client/principal contractor or independently, to determine the level of risk and, where necessary, to identify means of reducing the risk or controlling exposure, as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 respectively.
9. Personal Protective Equipment
It is the policy of the Company to remove hazards and reduce the level risk, where reasonably practicable, through physical and engineering controls, and safe systems of work, and to use personal protective equipment (PPE) only as a last resort.
Situations where PPE is required will be identified in the risk assessment and associated method statement. Where PPE is necessary, it shall be provided by the Company in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 and the Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989.
Standard PPE is provided by the Company and includes, safety helmets, boots, gloves, high visibility jackets and vests, and eye protection. Where a risk assessment specifies additional or specialised PPE, for example dust masks, chemical protection gloves and suits, safety harnesses, this shall be provided, or arrangements for provision made, by the Company.
Where a risk assessment specifies that PPE is required then employees must wear the specified equipment.
10. Lone Working
The Company recognises its right and duty, under the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, to ensure that risk levels are not increased by working alone. Where risks cannot be controlled to an acceptable level, lone working will not be permitted.
It is Company policy to take all reasonable steps to ensure that all persons working for or on behalf of the Company are not exposed to increased levels of risk by virtue of working alone. This will be achieved, where reasonably practicable, by managing the need to work alone and, where there is a genuine need to work alone, controlling the risks arising from these situations.
In practise the risks arising from potential lone working situations will be assessed as part of the standard risk assessment. This will identify the precautions necessary to reduce the levels of risks and incorporate them into the associated method statement.
11. Young Persons at Work
The Company acknowledges its responsibilities and duties, under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, with regard to the safety of young people in the workplace, and acknowledges that such individuals may not have the maturity, capability or experience of older workers, and therefore will have additional requirements with regard to their health and safety.
In situations where a young person is involved on a contract then the risk assessment will take into account:
· their immaturity, inexperience and lack of awareness of existing or potential risks;
· the nature of any physical, biological or chemical agents they will be exposed to;
· what equipment is to be used and how it will be handled;
· how the work and processes are organised;
· the need to assess and provide health and safety training; and
· risks from particular agents and processes.
In addition the Company prohibits any individual under 18 years from:
· operating any powered equipment, either hand tools, fixed equipment or equipment such as MEWPs, unless they have undergone approved and specific training in such equipment;
· acting as Banksman or giving signals to a crane driver; and
· driving site vehicles such as Dumpers, fork lift trucks etc..
12. Sub-Contractors
Before engaging a Sub-Contractor, either to provide a service in support of Company operations or to carry out work on specific projects the Company Management shall assess the sub-contractor and ensure that their procedures, operations and personnel are suitably qualified and competent to carry out the necessary work in accordance with this Policy and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Prior to commencing work the Sub-Contractor will be asked to sign a declaration stating that they are conversant with the Health & Safety at Work Act and its associated Regulations, that they understand the requirements of the Company Policy and its rules, and that they agree to work in accordance with the Act and this Policy.
13. Housekeeping and Welfare Facilities
The Company Management shall ensure that on all contracts, employees are provided by the client/principal contractor with access to suitable facilities to meet their welfare requirements, such as mess huts, toilets, washing facilities etc. , and that such facilities are maintained to the standards required by the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 and/or the Construction (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1996 as appropriate.
All employees are responsible for maintaining their working environment in a clean and safe condition, not only for themselves but also for other workers and persons who may be affected by the work being carried out. This includes collecting and removing waste produced as a result of the work. Where this requires specific facilities, for example a waste skip, then arrangements shall be made for the provision of such facilities with the client/principal contractor.
Regular inspections will be undertaken by the Company management to ensure housekeeping standards are maintained and welfare facilities are not misused (see section 18).
14. Plant & Equipment
All working equipment provided by the Company shall be suitable for the work to be undertaken and comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and, where applicable, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). As such, where these regulations, together with their Approved Codes of Practice, require equipment to be maintained, tested and inspected to specific standards then the necessary maintenance, testing and inspection shall be carried out.
The equipment employed by the Company consists primarily of the Safety Nets that form the Company’s main business and personal safety harnesses that are used in their installation. Responsibility for ensuring that this work equipment is properly maintained lies with Andrew Mair. Inspection and certification of equipment to the standards specified in the above regulations and ACoP’s is carried out internally by the Company’s own employees who have received all necessary training to carry out such inspections. All Inspection and Certification documentation is held in Equipment Inspection Manuals in the Company office.
All work equipment is held in a central store. When a job requires specific equipment then the operatives requisition the necessary equipment, check that certification is up to date and visually inspect the equipment before leaving the store. Any defective equipment is removed from service and quarantined to be assessed, and either repaired or replaced.
Where a contract requires the use of a specialised item of equipment, such as a Mobile Elevated Working Platform (MEWP) that must be hired then the Company shall use only reputable hire companies that only supply equipment with all necessary inspection and test certification. Responsibility for ensuring such companies are used and that all necessary certification is obtained lies with Andrew Mair. If no certification is available the company will not hire equipment.
15. Electricity at Work
The Company will ensure compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and all of its associated guidance, in all of its operations for the health and safety of its employees and others who may be affected by their undertaking. To this end the Company will ensure that:
· Any installations, repairs or alterations carried out as part of the contract will be performed by a suitably trained and qualified electrician;
· Work involving electrical equipment or electricity in any way is properly assessed as part of the contract risk assessment;
· Any electrical hand tools and portable appliances used by the Company shall be operated through 110V transformers, connected to electrical systems by means of correct sockets and plugs, and are properly protected from adverse weather conditions;
· All electrical hand tools and portable appliances will be inspected visually prior to use and any defective equipment removed from service until repaired or replaced;
· All electrical hand tools and portable appliances owned by the Company will undergo Portable Appliance testing (PAT) on an routine basis. This testing is carried out by specialist external contractors to a schedule in line with HSE Codes of Practice and associated guidance.
Likewise the client/principal contractor shall ensure that:
· All electrical supplies and appliances supplied for use by the Company have been properly installed by a suitably trained and qualified electrician;
· Where required, a suitable electrical supply is provided, with correct sockets and properly protected from adverse weather conditions;
· Electrical cabling is not allowed to trail along floors or stairways but is properly supported above head height;
· Any repairs or alterations required are carried out by suitably trained and qualified electricians.
16. Transport & Vehicles
The Company supports the promotion of safe driving practises, both on the public highway and when on a client’s site. To this end:
· The Company will ensure all drivers are suitably trained and competent before they allowed to drive any vehicle, company owned or otherwise, in the course of their duties;
· Whilst on site all company vehicles are parked in specific areas designated by the client/principal contractor for such use by contractor’s vehicles. If the vehicles are required to access other site areas for the purpose of loading/unloading equipment etc., then they do so only with the permission of the principal contractor and are returned to the designated car parking area once the task is completed;
· All Company vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety checks, and are serviced on a routine basis;
· Journeys, particularly long distance ones, shall be properly planned so as to allow sufficient time, including rest stops, to complete the journey safely. Where necessary the planning should include consideration of potential road traffic issues, weather conditions and overnight stops;
· Drivers of vehicles must report all faults and defects to the Company Management immediately.
In the normal course of their duties employees should not be required to use site vehicles, such as dumper trucks, fork lift trucks etc., however in the event that they may have some involvement:
· Employees shall not drive any specialist vehicle, eg. Fork lift truck, without suitable training and/or current licence, and prior authorisation from both the Company and the Client/Principal Contractor;
· It is forbidden for any person other than the driver to ride on dumpers, fork lift trucks etc., not constructed for the carriage of passengers;
· If is forbidden for any person to ride on hoists not designed for the carriage of passengers;
· All hoist gates must be kept closed, except when and where loading or off-loading is in progress;
· Vehicles must not be left running whilst unattended and if unattended they must be left in a safe position.
17. Working at Heights
The Company will ensure that all its work is in compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended), and all of its associated guidance, in all of its operations for the health and safety of its employees and others who may be affected by their undertaking. To this end the Company will ensure that:
· Working at heights is avoided so far as is reasonably practicable;
· Where such work is unavoidable it shall be properly assessed, planned and organised as part of the risk assessment and method statement;
· It shall employ equipment and/or other measures so as to prevent falls, or where the risk of a fall cannot be removed, such equipment and/or measures so as to minimise the distances and consequences of a fall should one occur;
· The risk assessment and method statement takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety;
· Those involved in carrying out the work are suitably trained and competent;
· The place where the work is done is safe;
· The equipment used is appropriately inspected;
· The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled;
· The risks from falling objects are properly controlled.
17.1. Scaffold Systems
Where scaffold systems are employed the scaffolds shall be designed in accordance with a generally recognized standard, such as those given in the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) guide TG 20:05 or BS EN12811, or based on fundamental engineering principles, and shall be erected by suitably trained and competent scaffolders.
Prior to commencing work the scaffold shall be inspected to ensure that it is stable, fit for purpose and safe to use, and periodically thereafter. The frequency of inspections is to be dependent on the length of the job and frequency of use, and to be agreed with the principal contractor/client at the beginning of the contract.
17.2 Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs)
MEWPs may be used as an alternative means of access as they are easily moved from place to place and can be used for work of short duration requiring access from a platform. When using MEWPs the Company will ensure that:
· Only those persons trained, competent and authorized to do so shall operate and work from this equipment;
· The equipment is sited on a firm, level surface;
· Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure stability of the equipment;
· There are no overhead obstructions, particularly from overhead cables, in the area of use;
· The area around the equipment is cordoned off with physical barriers and suitable warning signs, to prevent public access are in place;
· The Safe Working Load and the number of persons permitted on the platform are not exceeded;
· Consideration is given to wind and other adverse weather conditions;
· The platform is properly guarded with appropriate guard-rails and toe-boards and a safe means of access;
· Safety harnesses are worn at all times;
· All moving parts and mechanisms are properly and securely guarded;
· Emergency and evacuation procedures are in place and understood by all operatives.
The Company will hire MEWPs as required on a job by job basis. When doing so they shall ensure that such equipment is hired from reputable hire companies and that all relevant test and inspection certification is in place and up to date before using any equipment (see sect. 14 above).
17.3. Suspended Access Systems
Where a job requires access to be made using a suspended access system, such as a Bosun’s Chair then the Company shall engage the services of an appropriate sub-contractor who can supply IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) trained operatives.
As with any sub-contractor prior to engaging an external company on a contract the Company shall assess the sub-contractor and ensure that their procedures, operations and personnel are suitably qualified and competent to carry out the necessary work, as per section 12 of this policy.
18. Site Inspections & Audits
All sites will be routinely inspected by the Company Management, who will:
· Carry out a complete inspection of the site in the company of the client/principal contractor, or a person delegated by them;
· Note all defects on the inspection report. Defects of a recurring nature will be so indicated;
· Leave a written report on site at the time of the inspection;
· Agree an Action plan with the client/principal contractor to correct all defects. The plan will include specific completion targets for all actions and identify specific individuals as being responsible for ensuring completion of all actions;
Where the inspection finds a situation that, in the opinion of the manager carrying out the inspection, is deemed to be dangerous then the client/principal contractor will be informed and advised, where necessary, that a particular operation be stopped until the situation is rectified.
19. Training
All employees undergo a Company Induction programme on commencement of employment. This includes training in the Company Health & Safety Policy and its associated practices and procedures. In addition all employees are required to hold an appropriate qualification under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and operate under the CCNSG Safety passport scheme.
Prior to commencing a contract the employees selected will undergo a full briefing on the job in question. This will cover the risks identified in the risk assessment, and the method statements and safe working practices/procedures developed as a result. In addition all operatives will undergo a site induction before commencing work on site.
Additional specialized training is provided to employees as required to meet regulatory and business needs. Training records are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that employees training levels meet the necessary legislative and industry standards.
20. Occupational Health & Health Surveillance
The work carried out by the Company does not, by its nature, routinely expose it’s employees to factors, such as asbestos, high levels of dust, noise etc., that are directly hazardous to their health. As a result the company does not carry out any specific health surveillance, such as routine medicals, hearing tests etc..
The Company does monitor the health of its employees through use of a pre-Employment questionnaire, and by holding a Return to Work interview with any employees who have been off work due to illness for any period of time, and uses this data to identify any trends that might indicate specific hazards.
21. Consultation and Communication
The Company recognises its duties under the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 to consult with its employees on matters of health and safety. Due to the small size of the company, and that the majority of work is carried out on client’s sites, it meets these duties, and the requirements of the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996, through the use of team briefings held before commencing work on a contract, together with regular tool-box talks held at appropriate times during a contract.
As well as discussing health and safety matters and job specific issues these meetings are also used to communicate broader Company issues when necessary, and act as a forum for employee feedback. Records of such talks, together with any issues arising, shall be maintained by the Company.