Northwest Tiling Contractors |
POLICY FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK GENERAL STATEMENT The Company recognises its health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 and concomitant protective Legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Environment Act 1995 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, both as an Employer and as a Company and to that end has appointed members of Staff to be responsible for health and safety maintenance at the Company, to keep workplace procedures relating to health and safety under constant enforcement review and development and to liaison with the Health and safety Executive whenever necessary, so as to keep the Managing Director updated on any new Legislation affecting them, EU Directives, regulations and British Standards, in order to ensure compliance with same. In recognition of its duties under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), the Company has instituted a system for reporting accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive, including injury to any Trainee, and this is in addition to its statutory duty to keep an Accident Book available for inspection by an Inspector of the Health and Safety Executive. In furtherance of (1), the Company proposes always to comply with its duties under S 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regs 3-6, towards its Employees and, more particularly, so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain a safe place of work, a safe system of work, safe appliances for work and a safe and healthy working environment; provide such information and instruction as may be necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of its Employees and also compliance with the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (as amended), the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007, the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and to promote awareness and understanding of health and safety throughout the workforce; ensure safety and absence of health risks in connection with use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances; make regular Risk Assessments to Employees; take appropriate preventative / protective measures; provide Employees with health surveillance; appoint competent Personnel to secure compliance with statutory duties. In further recognition of its statutory and common law duties, the Company has taken out insurance, with an approved Insurer, against liability for death, injury and / or disease suffered by any of its Employees and arising out of and in the course of employment, provided only that it was caused by the negligence and / or breach of statutory duty on the part of the Company; such certificate of insurance being prominently displayed so as to be available for inspection at all reasonable times by Employees and the Health and Safety Executive. All Employees of the Company agree, as a term of their Contract of Employment, to comply with their individual duties under S 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Reg 12 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and generally co-operate with their Employer so as to enable the Employer to carry out his health and safety duties towards them. Failure to comply with health and safety duties, regulations, works rules and procedures regarding health and safety, on the part of any Employee, can lead to dismissal from employment; in the case of serious breaches, or repeated breaches, such as dismissal may be instant without prior warning through the Company disciplinary procedure. Prime responsibility for health and safety lies with the Managing Director of the Company and its Managers and appointed Supervisors. In recognition of its duties towards the general Public and all lawful Visitors to the Company’s premises, or other sites of work, the Company regards the extent of its duties as compatible with Sections 2 and 5 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984. In particular, where Visitors are under a statutory duty to wear personal protective clothing, or otherwise to take reasonable precautions for their own health and safety, failure to do so will be regarded as a breach of Company Policy, entitling the Company to take such measures as it considers appropriate, including asking the Visitor to leave the premises or site. This Policy has been prepared in furtherance of S 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and binds the Managing Director, Managers, appointed Supervisors and Employees, in the interests of Employees and Customers. We request that our Customers and Visitors respect this Policy, a copy of which can be obtained on demand.
Signed ................................................................................................................ Date .................................................................
Issue No’: NWT - SC 003
The Safety Consultancy Co. 2008 |
INDEX Introduction .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1.0 General Statement .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2.0 Environmental Policy Statement .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3.0 Responsibilities .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.0 The Managing Director .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.1 The Office Manager .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.2 The Appointed Supervisors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.3 The Company Health & Safety Advisor / Consultant .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.4 The Company Employees / Contractors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4.5 Organisation & Arrangements .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.0 Accident & First Aid Procedures .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.1 Housekeeping & Equipment .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.2 Fire Safety / Prevention on Site & In Vehicles .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.3 Fire Safety & Fire Procedures (Offices) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.4 Company Duties Under The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 .. .. 5.5 Risk Assessments / Method Statements .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.6 Asbestos .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.7 Health Surveillance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.8 Violence at Work .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.9 Lone Working .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.10 Safety Signs & Information .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.11 Site Health & Safety Management .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.12 Manual Handling .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.13 Transport .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.14 Protective Clothing & Equipment .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.15 Welfare .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.16 Portable Electrical Equipment .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.17 Power Tools & Equipment .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.18 Maintenance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.19 Safety Training .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.20 Hazardous Substances .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.21 Insurance .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.22 Health & Safety Advice / Consultation .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.23 Policy Review .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.24 Summary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.25 Contractors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5.26 General .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6.0 |
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1.0 INTRODUCTION The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 establishes a legal framework for securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work. The purpose of this statement is to inform all Employees of North West Tiling Ltd. of their responsibilities and the organisation and arrangements in place to ensure their health, safety and welfare at work. 2.0 GENERAL STATEMENT It is the aim of North West Tiling Ltd. to do all that is reasonable to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all its Staff. In the pursuit of this aim, North West Tiling Ltd. will undertake, so far as is practicable the following measures. Provision and maintenance of any buildings, equipment and safe systems of work that are safe and without risk to health. Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of its Employees. Provision of safe places of work with adequate means of access and egress, procedures and policies. Provision of a safe working environment without risk to health, and the supply of adequate welfare facilities at work. 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT North West Tiling Ltd. is committed to achieving environmental, health and safety excellence. This is the responsibility of both Management and Staff in all functions. The Company will strive to provide a safe and healthy working environment, and to avoid adverse impact on the environment and the communities in which we do our business. It is this Company’s Policy to use its best endeavours at all times to comply with all statutory requirements regarding the prevention and control of pollution. When planning Company work activities, the only matters that will be given priority above the protection of the environment are the health, safety and welfare of its Employees and others that may be affected by its activities. The Company will wherever viable and consistent with its Client’s instructions, use materials and products from sustainable sources that are re-useable or recyclable. The Company will make every effort to conserve the use of materials and energy and where viable and consistent with Client’s instructions, collect waste materials for recycling. The Managing Director of the Company will supervise the implementation and further development of its Environmental Policy. All members of the Company’s Staff and Employees will be involved in the Environmental Policy through the following processes: Investigating ways in which the consumption of materials and the production of waste can be reduced. Turning off all unnecessary plant and equipment can be reduced. Being vigilant and reporting / acting to prevent any spillage or leaks of materials. 4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 4.1 The Managing Director The Managing Director have the overall responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the Company’s Employees, and that adequate resources are available for health and safety provisions at all times. The Managing Director have the overall responsibility for ensuring that the organisation and arrangements necessary for achieving the health, safety and welfare aims of North West Tiling Ltd. are initiated, enforced and revised. Shall implement and enforce the Company Health and Safety Policy effectively at all times. Shall undertake accident and incident investigations, where appropriate, and determine and implement appropriate risk control measures to prevent a re-occurrence. Shall ensure that all appointed Supervisors are aware of, and implement, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other relevant statutory provisions. Shall implement health and safety training to establish safe systems of work. Shall undertake regular / periodical site and premises health and safety inspections. Shall ensure that all fire fighting equipment is inspected and serviced at prescribed intervals. Shall ensure that first aid supplies and adequately trained Personnel are available. Must ensure that all tools and equipment are serviced and maintained at prescribed intervals. Shall review with the Company Health and Safety Advisor any safety recommendation received. Shall ensure that maintenance of plant and equipment is carried out on a regular basis and records kept for any repairs carried out. Shall ensure that all appointed Supervisors are aware of, and implement, the Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant statutory provisions. Shall monitor and ensure that appointed Supervisors are complying with their prescribed tasks. Shall liase with the Client and their representatives on health and safety matters. Must co-operate with the Health and Safety Executive and Company Health and Safety Advisor, and implement any recommendations / improvements required. Should continually develop safe practices to ensure maximum safety for all Employees. Shall undertake the induction and safety training of all new Employees. 4.2 The Office Manager Shall carry out the Company Health and Safety Policy effectively. Shall ensure records are maintained of Employee inductions and training. Shall report all RIDDOR category accidents to the Enforcing Authority. Shall develop Risk Assessments and Method Statements as appropriate. Shall forward the appropriate documentation to our Clients and Contractors. Shall liase with the Client and their representatives on health and safety matters. Shall ensure that adequate first aid materials are available at all times, and maintained to statutory requirements. Shall ensure adequate supplies of personal protective equipment is available. Must co-operate with the Health and Safety Executive and Company Safety Advisor at all times. 4.3 The Appointed Supervisors Must familiarise themselves with and enforce the Company Health and Safety Policy. Monitor all Employees / Contractors and report any problems to the Managing Director. Undertake Risk Assessments in liaison with the Managing Director and Clients. Maintain correct and adequate site records e.g. daily record of persons on site where applicable. Must ensure that persons in his / her charge are fully aware of any hazard on the site or premises. Must ensure that all Employees in his / her charge know what to do in case of fire and know the location of fire equipment. Must ensure that all Employees in his / her charge know the whereabouts of first aid facilities on all sites and premises. Shall ensure that all safety rules are observed and that protective equipment is worn and used where appropriate. Shall ensure that all defects in his / her work place are promptly reported and rectified. Shall maintain a high standard of “housekeeping” e.g. tidy site - each trade responsible for clearing its own rubbish. Must co-operate with the Health and Safety Executive and Company Safety Advisors, and implement any recommendations / improvements required. 4.4 The Company Health & Safety Advisor / Consultant Shall provide advice to all levels of Management on matters of health, safety and welfare at work when requested. Shall keep up to date and topical on Legislative requirements. Shall liase with the Health and Safety Executive, Fire Officers, Managing Director and any other enforcing body when requested. Shall monitor the effectiveness of the Company Health and Safety Policy with the Managing Director as requested. Will advise all levels of Management on the development of safe systems of work and assist in the drawing up of Codes of Practice, Method Statements and Risk Assessments as requested. 4.5 The Company Employees / Contractors Shall make themselves familiar with, and conform to, the Health and Safety Policy and plans at all times. Shall observe all site safety rules at all times. Shall wear appropriate safety equipment and use appropriate protective clothing at all times. Shall conform to all instructions given by the appointed Supervisor and others with a responsibility for health and safety. Must report all accidents and damage to the appointed Supervisor whether persons are injured or not. May make suggestions to improve health and safety in the Company to the appointed Supervisor and Managing Director. Must report all hazards to the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor. Shall act in a careful and responsible manner to themselves and others. Shall maintain their work area in a state of good housekeeping and safety. Shall not undertake any activity outside their area of competence. 5.0 ORGANISATION & ARRANGEMENTS 5.1 Accident & First Aid Procedures If an accident or injury occurs and medical attention is required, the Site Agents First Aider must be contacted. Initial first aid is available from the first aid kits supplied in each vehicle. The Managing Director will ensure that the first aid materials are maintained in Company vehicles to the appropriate levels at all times. Should the accident be of a more serious nature requiring, treatment by a Doctor, then the person concerned will be taken to Hospital or an Ambulance called. All accidents must be recorded in the Accident Book which is kept by the Site Agent, additionally all accidents must also be reported to the Managing Director and recorded by the Office Manager. The entries will be checked periodically by the Managing Director and Company Health and Safety Advisor. If an incident occurs that could have potentially caused an injury or damage to plant or equipment this must be reported to the Managing Director, who will instigate the appropriate action. Following all reported accidents or incidents the Managing Director will carry out an investigation and implement / direct any appropriate remedial actions and record these on the Accident Form or Risk Assessments as appropriate. Where the type of injury or dangerous occurrence falls within the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases or Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995, these will be reported as appropriate by the Office Manager on the appropriate documentation. Accident to Visitors & Members of the Public: Should a non-Employee suffer injury as a result of work activities and results in that person being taken to hospital for treatment in respect to that injury, the accident will be treated as that of an Employee, and the same procedure followed. All accidents must be recorded in the site / office Accident Book and it is important that correct details are taken of the name and address of the injured person. Incident Reporting & Investigation: If an incident occurs that could have potentially caused an injury or damage to plant or equipment this must be reported to the Managing Director who will instigate the appropriate action. Following all reported incidents the Managing Director (with the Principal Contractor if applicable) will carry out an investigation and implement / direct any appropriate remedial actions and record these on the Accident Form or Risk Assessments as appropriate. 5.2 Housekeeping & Equipment All places of work must be kept and left in a clean and tidy manner and free from waste. Waste materials must be taken to the designated area which will be agreed with the Principal Contractor. All work materials must be stored in a safe manner, to prevent falling over or risk of damage to persons, plant or equipment. All trestles and ladders are to be visually checked prior to use on a daily basis if any damage or faults are identified which may present a risk to the user, then the equipment must be removed from service and reported to the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor. Visual checks must be carried out on a daily basis on any portable electrical equipment. All portable electrical equipment must be tested in accordance with the Principal Contractors requirements. 5.3 Fire Safety / Prevention on Site & In Vehicles A multi purpose fire extinguisher will be carried in all Company vehicles, which are inspected on a weekly basis and are for use in emergency situations, both on site and within the premises. Employees must make themselves aware of its location and usage limitations. The Managing Director will make provision and arrangements for fire safety and precautions on site via the Risk Assessment process. The Risk Assessment process will identify fire hazards and the risk of exposure to Employees from those hazards and specific fire safety and precautions will be detailed in the Risk Assessments / Method Statements as appropriate. All Employees must undertake a visual inspection of any area in which works have been undertaken prior to leaving site. Employees must familiarise themselves with our Client’s fire drill procedures prior to commencing work on the site. Employees must only attempt to fight fires if safe to do so remembering the following points: Always ensure means of escape is clear. Use correct type of extinguisher. Use extinguisher in correct manner. Swift action on a small fire can prevent catastrophe. 5.4 Fire Safety & Fire Procedures (Offices) Fire evacuation practices will be carried out every six months, details of which will be recorded in the Fire Register. All fire fighting equipment will be serviced on an annual basis by a competent person, details of which will be recorded by the servicing Company on the fire appliance label. All fire exits and escape routes must be kept free from obstruction, unlocked and clearly identified at all times, all Employees are responsible for ensuring all fire exits are unlocked during working hours. Fire extinguishers will be provided throughout the premises as advised by the Enforcing Authority or by the Company Insurers. Employees will be made aware of their location upon induction to the Company. Fire Action Notices are displayed throughout the premises. Fire Procedure: In the event of a fire, Employees must adopt the following procedure: Raise the alarm by shouting “Fire Fire Fire!” Evacuate the building via the nearest exit and report to the assembly point at the top of the road where a roll call will be taken. Call the Fire Brigade. Do not stop to collect personal belongings. Do not return to the premises until authorised by the Fire Officer in charge 5.5 Company Duties Under The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 the Company may be required to act in the capacity of a Contractor. The Company’s key duties as a Contractor appointed on a project will be to:- Provide information for the Health and Safety Plan about risks to health and safety arising from our work and the steps we will take to control and manage the risks. Manage our work so that we comply with the rules in the Health and Safety Plan and directions from the Principal Contractor. Provide information about injuries, dangerous occurrences and ill health to the Principal Contractor and / or the HSE. Provide information for the health and safety file Provide information to our Employees. 5.6 Risk Assessments / Method Statements In order to be certain that certain complex operations can be safely carried out on site, it is a requirement of Health and Safety Legislation that Method Statements are produced which clearly describe in detail how the operation is to be carried out. It is the Managing Director’s responsibility to ensure that, whether the operation is carried out by Contractors or directly by the Company, Method Statements are produced or received before work is started on the operation to which they relate. The process of producing Risk Assessments and Method Statements will include the Assessment of risk and method of work required to both protect Employees and Contractors working on the project, but also take into account other persons who may be affected by the works. The Risk Assessment process and Method Statements will take into account non-routine risks e.g. acts of terrorism, fire and explosion etc. These will depend upon the area or type of building the construction project is being undertaken in. Liaison with the Client will be undertaken prior to the project commencing to identify any non-routine risks that may be present and any safe systems that may be in situ. that could be adopted. The Managing Director will as part of the Risk Assessment Process ensure work hazards are eliminated or safe working practices developed to enable the risk of exposure to the hazards identified to be controlled. The Managing Director will ensure that a Risk Assessment of all hazards and potential hazards is carried out on a regular basis, and for each site prior to commencement of the work, the appointed Supervisor will update the Risk Assessment throughout the Contract, and action any preventative and precautionary measures as appropriate. The risk control measures identified will be developed into the Risk Assessments / Method Statements, where applicable, and be actioned / implemented by the Managing Director and appointed Supervisor in conjunction with the construction programme enabling the risk control measures to be instigated to the timescales required to ensure adequate and suitable risk control conducive to the Construction Programme or Clients requirements. The Managing Director and the appointed Supervisor will ensure that the contents of the site Risk Assessment are communicated to all Employees and Contractors prior to and during the works. The Risk Assessment process is as follows ; Generic Risk Assessment : These are undertaken prior to the Contract commencing and contain information regarding the everyday risks associated with our work activities and the preventative or precautionary measures required. Site Specific Risk Assessment : These are undertaken during the works by the appointed Supervisor to enable any unplanned risks to be encompassed within the Risk Assessment process and to enable the appointed Supervisor to take appropriate remedial actions to eliminate or control the risks. The Managing Director and appointed Supervisor will ensure all information regarding risk control is communicated to all Employees and Contractors. This could be in writing, verbal instruction or by signs and notices displayed in the work area. Employees and Contractors must also undertake Visual Risk Assessments on an ongoing basis during the works, and report any shortfall in risk control measures or unidentified risks to the appointed Supervisor. 5.7 Asbestos It is possible that Employees may come into contact with asbestos based products whilst working in premises under refurbishment. In the majority of cases the Company will be aware of the presence of asbestos through the information obtained from our Client or via the initial Pre-Contract Risk Assessment and control measures will have been included in the Risk Assessment & Method Statement for the project. Employees will be provided with asbestos awareness information training upon commencement of their employment with the Company. Where an Employee suspects asbestos may be present in the area they are working and could be disturbed by the work to be undertaken the following procedure must be adopted. 1. Cease work immediately. Upon the above procedure being instigated the Managing Director will liaise with the Client or their Agent and identify the risks present and implement the appropriate control measures. These control measures will be passed to the Employee via the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor. REMEMBER if in doubt – ASK! 5.8 Health Surveillance The Company will monitor and implement suitable control measures to control the exposure of Employees to activities that may affect their health via the Risk Assessment process referred to within this Policy. All Employees will be requested to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire during their induction to the Company, this is to assist the Company in the identification of any control measures or precautions that may be required to eliminate, reduce or control any exposure that may have a detrimental effect on an Employee’s existing condition / complaint. Subsequent Questionnaires will be issued on an annual basis by the Company to monitor each Employee’s health status. Where concern is identified by the Company or an Employee, the Employee will be requested to attend a Medical Assessment with their own G.P. 5.9 Violence at Work There is a possibility that Employees could be exposed to a risk of violence from other persons, i.e. from attempted theft of tools and equipment. Although it is considered that the risk will be minimal and no different to the exposure Employees have in going about their daily activities. The Company will make due consideration to this risk as part of their Risk Assessment process prior to the commencement of any Contract, from this the Company will take all reasonable steps to protect its Employees. Employees can assist in reducing the risk by taking the following steps: Be aware of your working environment. Be aware of the location of the nearest telephone. Don’t leave site without informing someone where you are going and when you are likely to return. Avoid confrontation, walk away. Report any suspicious activity. Keep tools and equipment within your sight or store in the vehicle when not in use. Keep personal mobile phones out of sight 5.10 Lone Working Our Employees are often required to visit unoccupied properties or vacant development sites during the course of their employment. We aim to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that Employees who visit unoccupied properties or vacant development sites are accompanied by a second Employee or another responsible person who has knowledge of the layout and conditions of the place in question. If the above cannot be achieved the following procedures will be adopted to ensure the safety of the Employee during lone working. The Employee will be suitable for lone working, i.e. they will possess the knowledge and training to enable them to undertake the task. The Employee will be made aware of the hazards of the environment and the task, and will be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment. A Manager(s) will contact the Employee at regular intervals. Employees working alone are issued with mobile phones which act as a constant communication system, and Employees are required to report to the office on a daily basis. A specific Risk Assessment will be undertaken when Employees are required to enter a potentially hazardous environment alone, and the appropriate precautionary measures implemented. 5.11 Safety Signs & Information The Company will display the statutory notices as required throughout the premises and sites, safety signs will be displayed as per the Risk Assessments, statutory requirements or as advised by the Enforcing Authorities and / or Client. All Employees must be aware of the contents of the statutory notices and posters and conform with any instruction given by means of safety signs displayed throughout the premises and sites. Any Employee found to be disregarding and such instructions may be subject to the disciplinary procedure and may be dismissed. Employees working on other premises or sites or work areas not controlled by North West Tiling Ltd. must comply with any safety sign or information displayed or instruction given by the Client or their representative. 5.12 Site Health & Safety Management As part of North West Tiling Ltd., commitment to health and safety, regular site inspections are undertaken by our External Health and Safety Consultant. The regular site inspections consist of the following:- Health & Safety Audits Introduction The purpose of the following procedure is to ensure that all Employees, Contractors and Visitors to the sites comply with the site health and safety rules and procedures to maintain the health and safety of all persons as top priority. In addition the procedure will ensure that all persons within the sites authority comply with the following: The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. and any other Regulations that are applicable to the project. Procedure: A formal Audit of the sites documentary systems, working practices and health and safety provisions will be undertaken by our External Health and Safety Consultant throughout the duration of the project, where applicable. The outcomes of the Audit will be recorded by the External Health and Safety Consultant and passed to the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor for remedial action. The Managing Director or appointed Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring the remedial actions are implemented as detailed in the Audit Report, and detail actions taken and any subsequent information. Employee Inspections Periodic inspections of Employee’s compliance will be undertaken by the External Health and Safety Consultant. The compliance inspections of Employees will cover the following areas of health and safety: Availability of personal protective equipment. Use of personal protective equipment. Storage of hazardous substances. Display of safety signs. Provision of first aid materials. General tidiness of vehicles. Safe working practices. All Employees compliance will also be inspected on an on going basis by the Managing Director and appointed Supervisor, covering the areas listed above. Any Employees found to be non conforming in any of the above areas, in line with the site and Company Policy requirements will be verbally warned by the External Health and Safety Consultant and subsequently reported in writing to the Managing Director. If the non conformance is of a serious nature the Employee will be removed from the site and reported to the Managing Director for further action via the Company disciplinary procedure. Following the reporting of the Employee to the Managing Director the Employee will be subject to the Company disciplinary procedure. Site Inspections (Consultant) Periodic inspections will be undertaken by the External Health and Safety Consultant covering all aspects of health and safety applicable to the site. These site inspections will be notified verbally and recorded and submitted to the appointed Supervisor as appropriate. If the site inspections identify repeated non conformance of previously identified non conformance’s, the matter will be reported in writing to the Managing Director. Site Inspections (On Site Management) Daily inspections will be undertaken by the Managing Director and / or appointed Supervisor, these will be carried out by means of a visual inspection of the site. Any remedial actions identified as a result of the Site Inspection will be implemented by the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor. Tool Box Talks As an integral part of the health and safety site inspections and Employee inspections the External Health and Safety Consultant will undertake "Tool Box Talks" with individuals and small groups of Employees on a regular basis to re-enforce the site safety rules and Company Health and Safety Policy. In the event of a non conformance being identified the External Health and Safety Consultant will discuss the area of non conformance with the Employee on a "Tool Box Talk" basis. All training provided on site to Employees will be recorded by the External Health and Safety Consultant to the Managing Director following each site visit. 5.13 Manual Handling All Employees who are likely to be involved in lifting and handling activities during the course of their employment will be provided with suitable information instruction and training in safe lifting and handling techniques. Employees must use any lifting or transporting equipment that is supplied by the Company, and must adopt safe lifting and handling techniques at all times. The Company will undertake a review of manual handling activities on a regular basis in the form of a Manual Handling Assessment. Records of which will be retained for information for Employees and the Enforcing Authorities. The Company will endeavour where practicable, to take action to reduce the risk of injury to Employees from manual handling activities to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Only handle loads by yourself when you are sure that they are within your capabilities. Always get assistance before tackling large loads. When using slings or chains ensure safe working load is compatible with the load to be lifted. When lifting, keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift the loads. This operation should not use your back muscles. Keep your legs apart and bend at the knees. Stand close to the object with feet spread apart for balance. Do not twist body to get in position. Squat down keeping your back straight and knees bent. Grasp object firmly. Breathe in and inflate lungs. Lift with your legs, slowly straightening them. Keep your back straight. Hold the object firmly and close to your body as you carry it. Do not indulge in horse-play. 5.14 Transport Only authorised licensed drivers will be permitted to drive transport within the site and on the Public highway. Daily checks will be carried out on all Company vehicles to ensure all lights etc. are kept in working order, any defects must be reported to the Managing Director or appointed Supervisor, if the vehicle presents a risk to the Employee or other road users the vehicle must not be used. Contractors must ensure their vehicles are checked and maintained on a regular basis. Vehicles will only be used for the purpose which they were originally designed and will not be used improperly. Maintenance of vehicles will be in accordance with a planned schedule and Manufacturer’s recommendations. 5.15 Protective Clothing & Equipment All Employees will be supplied with suitable protective clothing, safety boots, hard hat, gloves and goggles. These are to be kept accessible at all times and made available for inspection if requested. The Employee is responsible for the protective equipment supplied and must report any defect in the equipment to the Company, in addition the protective equipment remains the property of the Company and must be returned upon leaving the Company. In addition the following guidance for replacement is to assist you; Safety Helmet: Replace on expiry of Manufacturer’s date which can be found within the helmet. Gloves: Replace when they have holes in any part or the rubber has worn through to the material. Goggles: Replace when the strap becomes frayed or broken and they become scratched obscuring your vision. Knee Pads: Replace when the pads lose their pliability, become ripped or worn through. Safety Boots: Replace when the tread becomes worn, where the sole starts to become detached, the boots split anywhere or the toe cap is exposed allowing water to enter. High Visibility Vest: Replace when the vest becomes ripped, too small, has holes worn in it, becomes discoloured or loses its reflective strips. If you are unsure ask at the office! All Contractors will be responsible for supplying and maintaining their own personal protective equipment, as per the Risk Assessments, site requirements or the Principal Contractor’s requirements. Personal protective equipment must be worn as per the Risk Assessment or as informed by signs and notices positioned around the site. Training will be given to Employees in the safe use of personal protective equipment as appropriate. 5.16 Welfare The Company will endeavour to provide adequate toilet facilities for both sexes where applicable, and suitable facilities for making tea and coffee. Where work is being undertaken on Client’s premises, welfare facilities will be arranged prior to commencement of the project with the Client, including the provision of portable toilet facilities, drying rooms and washing facilities, where applicable. 5.17 Portable Electrical Equipment All portable equipment used on site will be 110v or 120v cordless and will be tested in accordance with the Manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. All formal inspections will be undertaken by a competent person on a six / twelve monthly basis and records maintained. Equipment tested will also be identified as tested by a sticker that identifies the date tested and date next test is due. In the event of 110v equipment not being available, Employees will be supplied with 240v which must be used with a residual circuit breaker. Employees are responsible for visually inspecting any electrical equipment on a daily basis or prior to use, and defects must be reported to the appointed Supervisor and the equipment taken out of service. Employees must not bring any of their own electrical equipment onto site without permission from the Managing Director. 5.18 Power Tools & Equipment North West Tiling Ltd. undertake to hire equipment from reputable plant hire Companies only, the hirer is responsible for ensuring all relevant inspection statutory certificates and maintenance records are supplied by the hire Company upon receipt of the equipment. Equipment supplied should be used in a proper manner according to any specific training given to the Employee and according to the instructions given in the operating manual. Equipment used will be supplied in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The equipment shall only be used for the purpose supplied. 5.19 Maintenance All plant and equipment will be maintained as per the Manufacturer’s or Supplier’s guidelines, or as breakdowns occur. Any Employee who identifies a fault on a piece of equipment or machinery must bring it to the attention of the Management, if the fault presents a risk of injury, use of that piece of equipment or machinery must not commence unless authorised by the Management. The Management will provide training to Employees on the safe use of equipment upon induction to the Company, and as identified due to new equipment being introduced or via the Risk Assessments. All equipment will be maintained on a regular basis as per the requirements of the Manufacturer or Supplier. All Employees will visually check any equipment prior to use to ensure the equipment is in a safe working order. Maintenance will be carried out only by trained and authorised persons, and must be carried out as per the Manufacturer’s or Supplier’s instructions. Records of maintenance will be kept by the Office Manager as appropriate. Employees are not permitted to use any equipment unless trained. 5.20 Safety Training All Employees will be given a health and safety induction upon commencement of their employment with the Company. The purpose of which is to give the individual information in the Company’s working procedures and then to identify further training needs. The Managing Director will direct any training or re-training of Employees for health and safety thus ensuring that all Employees are trained to a level giving them the necessary knowledge and understanding of health and safety to safely carry out their duties, tasks and responsibilities. The Office Manager will maintain records of all training given to Employees, these will be in the form of an Individual Employee Training Record and / or training certificates supplied by external training Organisations. Copies of individual Employee’s Records of Training or certificates of training will be made available to the Principal Contractor or Client as appropriate. Employees must not undertake any activity outside their area of competence. 5.21 Hazardous Substances The Company will endeavour to use products that are of the lowest risk possible, where this cannot be avoided the Company will provide information, training and personal protective equipment for Operatives. The Managing Director will ensure that all potentially hazardous substances are identified and that the risks to Employees are assessed and suitable protective and preventative measures are taken and that these are reviewed on an annual basis. The Office Manager will ensure safety data sheets are obtained from the Supplier for any substances brought into the Company, the safety data sheets will then be passed to the Company Health and Safety Advisor who will carry out an Assessment of the substances and provide COSHH Assessments as appropriate. The Managing Director will ensure Employees are provided with suitable information, instruction and training in the safe use of substances upon their induction to the Company, or as new substances are introduced. A copy of the COSHH safety data sheets will be kept by the Office Manager. The Managing Director and Supervisors will ensure all Employees work in accordance with the safe working procedures detailed in the Supplier’s hazard data sheets and the Company Assessment Forms, and wear the appropriate protective equipment. The Employees must make themselves aware of, and follow the COSHH Assessment Forms and the Manufacturer’s instructions detailed on the product label, and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. 5.22 Insurance The Managing Director will ensure that all Employers and Public Liability is covered by insurance, and kept up to date and displayed appropriately, and made available for inspection if required. 5.23 Health & Safety Advice / Consultation In order to obtain specialist advice on specific health and safety matters, the Company will use the services of an independent Health and Safety Advisor. The Health and Safety Advisor may make site visits upon request from the Managing Director, reports of their findings will be forwarded to the Managing Director and / or appointed Supervisor. The Advisors are at service to all Employees of the Company, their presence does not relinquish the Management of any responsibility. Their advice is available to all Employees and Contractors through the usual channels. Any Employee or Contractor who is in doubt about Policy requirements or working practices should contact the Managing Director. Consultation with Employees and Contractors will be provided by site inductions, meetings and via signs and notices displayed on notice boards or at various positions around the site. Suggestions or comments on ways in which health and safety performance can be improved will always be considered. These should be directed to the Managing Director. 5.24 Policy Review This Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or as Legislation demands by the Managing Director and the Company Health and Safety Advisor. The purpose of the review will be to measure the effectiveness and application of the Policy, and to ensure it conforms with both Legislative and Company requirements. Any updates in the Policy as a result of the review will be communicated to all Employees and Contractors via the Managing Director and other stipulated communication methods. 5.25 Summary The Managing Director, Employees and Contractors will ensure that the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and supporting Regulations are applied at all times in particular reference to the following: Management of Health and Safety at Work Provision and Use of Work Equipment RegulationsConstruction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 5.26 Contractors All Contractors will be vetted as to their health and safety provisions and arrangements prior to their services being employed by North West Tiling Ltd. All Contractors carrying out work on behalf of North West Tiling Ltd. will make themselves familiar with the Company Policy requirements and supply any information for the purposes of health and safety upon request. All Contractors will observe North West Tiling Ltd’s health and safety rules and additionally any instructions regarding health and safety by any person enforcing the Company Safety Policy. No Contractors shall be allowed to commence work of any nature on behalf of North West Tiling Ltd. until the Company Safety Policy has been read and accepted. All Contractors must co-operate with Employees and representatives of North West Tiling Ltd. on matters of health and safety and adopt safe working practices at all times. All Contractors will supply and use any personal protective equipment specified in the Company Safety Policy, identified in the Risk Assessment or as per the site requirements. Contractors found to be in breach of this requirement may be asked to leave the site, which could result in their services not being used in the future. 6.0 GENERAL These rules, and any others, which may be specific to the site you are on, are there for your protection and safety and must be obeyed. However, the rules cannot cover every contingency, so if you are ever in doubt, ask the Site Agent or appointed Supervisor. Remember: An accident is not always something that happens to someone else-it can happen to you. So keep your eyes and ears open and your wits about you and do think before you act. |