Policy Statement of Intent
The aim of this policy is to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, customers, suppliers and other business partners while they are at work, is protected and that all involved in pursuit of our business goals, comply with all relevant legislation, including the:

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002)
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended).

 
This Statement recognises the Company’s obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 with the Company’s approach to Health and Safety. During the conducting of the Company’s activities it will ensure that it:

• Protects the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others that may be affected by its activities
 • Limits adverse effects on and adjacent to the area in which those activities are carried out
• Meets its responsibilities as an employer to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property.

Responsibility for Health and Safety

Anne Bown is responsible for the health and safety for People at Work HR Consultancy.
 
However, everyone, including employees, workers, contractors, customers, suppliers and other business partners are also responsible for ensuring their own health and safety and for that of others within the work environment; including adhering to their employing organisational policy and related procedures.
 
Responsibilities of the Employer
 
The employer is responsible for ensuring that the employee’s health and safety is protected in all activities at work. In particular, the employer is responsible for the following.

• Ensuring that there is safe and adequate plant and equipment

The employer will ensure that all plant and equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, in accordance with a maintenance schedule. All repairs will be carried out at the earliest opportunity. If any plant or equipment is judged to be damaged or unsuitable for use for any reason it will be put out of action, with clear signage.

• Safe premises and place of work

The employer will ensure that the premises are safe, and that all hazards are removed where possible. If it is not possible to remove a hazard clear signage will be displayed advising employees and any other visitors to the premises of the nature of the hazard and the precautions that should be taken.

• Competent and trained fellow employees

The employer will ensure that all employees receive the appropriate training so that they are competent in all their work duties. If any employee acts in a manner that is likely to put others in danger appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

•  A safe system of work

The employer will ensure that all processes of work are safe. If there are any hazards the employer will endeavour to remove them. If that is not possible appropriate signage will be displayed advising employees and any other visitors to the premises of the nature of the hazard and the precautions that should be taken.
 
Responsibilities of the Employee
 Everyone is responsible for ensuring that his/her actions do not cause danger to themselves or to anyone else. The primary responsibilities of the employee include the following.

• Not to tamper with any equipment

You should not carry out any alterations to equipment which might compromise health and safety. Employees who do tamper with equipment are likely to face disciplinary action, which could include summary dismissal.

• Not to use any equipment without receiving appropriate training

You should not use any equipment without having the appropriate training. The employee is responsible for attending any training that is arranged, and completing any assessments that are required.

• To take reasonable care of their own health and safety

You are expected to act responsibly and to take care of their own health and safety. This includes wearing any necessary protective clothing and not acting in a dangerous manner. All, must take care that their actions do not endanger any other people within the work environment.

• To use equipment appropriately

You should use equipment for the purpose for which it is provided, and no other purpose. If any equipment is damaged or unfit for purpose in any way it should be reported to Anne Bown, Director immediately.

• To follow appropriate systems of work

All, should follow the systems of work that have been specified by the Company. There should be no deviation from these systems without prior permission from the Anne Bown, Director.
 
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
As the employer, the Company is responsible for supplying any personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required.
 
If an employee/worker does not have the appropriate PPE for a specific task then the employee should inform the employer immediately and not perform that task until the PPE is available.
 
The employee is responsible for taking care of the PPE that has been issued. If any PPE is damaged the employer should be informed immediately.
 
An employee is required to return all PPE that has been issued on leaving the organisation.
 
Chemicals and other substances
All chemicals and other substances that are hazardous to health must be stored and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. Such materials will have a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002) label on them, and the guidance on this label must be followed in full.
 
Risk assessments
All line managers are required to carry out regular risk assessments of the area and activities under their management. These risk assessments should be carried out annually at least, and some risk assessments will require more regular completion.
 
The risk assessments should be recorded in writing, with an agreed target date for any actions that have been identified.
 
If there are any risks that cannot be eliminated all employees working in that area must be made aware.
 
Manual handling
All employees who are involved in any lifting or carrying must be given training in relation to manual handling. This training must be renewed every two years. The line manager is responsible for ensuring that all employees requiring this training attend the training course at the appropriate time.
 
Accidents
Although every effort will be made to ensure a safe environment it is accepted that accidents can occur.
 
If an accident does occur this must be reported immediately to Anne Bown, Director. It must also be recorded in the accident book.
 
If any of the following occur they must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive under the RIDDOR procedures (see www.riddor.gov.uk):
 
·                     Fatal accidents
·                     Major injuries
·                     Accidents resulting in a period of absence from work of more than seven days
·                     Injuries to the public where they have to be taken to hospital.
 
In addition, some work-related diseases and dangerous occurrences must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.
 
Following any accident the situation will be investigated by Anne Bown, Director to determine whether changes need to be made to equipment, training or systems to work so that a similar situation can be prevented in the future.
 
 Anne Bown
Director
 
 
 
Policy Review Date:  April 2020