Health & Safety Policy
Part One - Policy Statement
Health and Safety Policy Statement
Safety Advisors
Part Two – Organisation & Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Director
Plant Manager
Employees
Contractors, Visitors & others
Consultation
Part Three – Arrangements
Training, Information and Instruction
First Aid, Reporting of Accidents & RIDDOR
Fire Safety
Hazard Control
Risk Assessment
Safe Working Procedures
Housekeeping
Machinery & Equipment
Work Equipment
Lifting Equipment
Electrical Safety
Portable Appliances
Health Hazards
Hazardous Substances
Manual Handling
Display Screen Equipment
Part Four - Review and Monitoring
Review and Monitoring
Part One
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Company that its operations are conducted in a way as to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all employees at work, and all other persons who may be affected by its activities.
The Company regards the promotion of health and safety as a mutual objective for management and employees at every level. All Company personnel are issued with health and safety instructions that endeavour to identify all the risks and dangers that are likely to be encountered in the course of the Company’s work and set out precautionary measures.
Specific objectives are:-
The Company will ensure that employees are properly informed, instructed and trained in the health and safety aspects of their work.
The Company will ensure accurate reporting and investigation of accidents with a view to achieving reductions in accident rates by the analysis of causes and trends.
The Company will encourage discussion and consultation with employees with a view to promoting and developing measures to ensure health and safety at work and to check the effectiveness of such measures.
Compliance with statutory requirements and codes of practice is mandatory and employees are reminded of the legal obligation to ensure that they do not endanger the health and safety of others, that they co-operate with the Company in the respect of safety and that they do not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety.
Any failure of any person to carry out his responsibilities under this policy will be treated as a disciplinary matter.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually to ensure that it remains up do date in respect of the legal requirements and good practice.
ADVICE AND CONSULTANCY
Under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited must have access to competent help in applying the provisions of health and safety legislation and in devising and applying protective measures.
P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited. has appointed OCB Site Safety Services Ltd as the Company Health & Safety Advisors. Their role is to provide the Company with independent professional advice and guidance on all aspects of health and safety.
OCB Site Safety Services Limited will provide continuing advice to P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited. on current and future Health and Safety Legislation and best practice.
Part Two
Organisation for Putting Policy into Effect
ORGANISATION FOR PUTTING POLICY INTO EFFECT
The Managing Director accepts the ultimate responsibility for all health, safety and welfare matters in all aspects of the Company’s operations, and in order to achieve the objectives of the Safety Policy Statement authorises and delegates the following duties and responsibilities.
MANAGING DIRECTOR will: -
ensure compliance with the statutory duties laid down under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the appropriate Regulations and Codes of Practice; oversee and ensure that those for whom they are responsible also comply with the proper standards of Health, Safety and Welfare as are applicable to the tasks being performed; ensure that adequate finance resources are available and are applied so as to meet the needs of Health and Safety; hold periodic meetings at which they should discuss Health and Safety matters raised by employees, as to whether any procedural changes are called for and whether the safety policy should be revised; ensure that all levels of staff receive adequate and appropriate safety information, instruction and training; set an example by high personal standards of application and discipline in ‘health and safety’.
PLANT MANAGER will:-
ensure that all plant sent to site is in safe working order, guarded and equipped with safety devices and tested in accordance with current legislation and Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998; ensure that all plant operators and signallers are trained and competent for the equipment for which they are employed to operate; check that periodic inspection, tests and maintenance are carried out and records kept up to date; attend promptly to all reported defects and notify site management any dangerous plant to be out of service until properly repaired report all injury accidents and dangerous occurrences to the person responsible for entry into the Accident Book; investigate these accidents and occurrences in an attempt to establish the cause and to prevent a recurrence;
EMPLOYEES:
All employees are required to ensure that they: -
carry out duties in accordance with the Company and/ or clients health and safety policy arrangements, as applicable to the task being performed; co-operate and accept the direction, supervision and control of any responsible person in the clients organisation; fully observe any relevant site safety rules on the clients establishment; report to their immediate supervisor without undue delay anything affecting the safety of any plant, tools or equipment, and do not use such defective equipment; use only those items of equipment they have been trained and authorised to use and use in accordance with the clients instructions; take proper care of, and make proper use of any personal protective equipment in accordance with instructions; follow the information, instruction and training provided; report all accidents and incidents to the appropriate supervisor;
conduct themselves in an orderly manner and refrain from any form of horseplay; make themselves aware of the location of:-
First Aid Box.
Accident Book.
Fire Protection Equipment.
Emergency Escape Routes and Assembly Point.
take all reasonable steps to safeguard their own safety and the safety of any other person who may be present or affected by their actions; not use alcohol or drugs in such a way as to influence their performance at work. Consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs at work as a breach of Company rules and disciplinary measures will be taken.
CONTRACTORS AND VISITORS ON COMPANY PREMISES
Whenever an employee of P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited. receives a visitor, they should make the visitor aware of any health and safety precautions, which may be necessary during their visit.
Consultants, contractors or any other temporary employee of P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited should be made aware of any health and safety precautions, which may be necessary during their time on P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited controlled premises. A copy of the Health & Safety General Statement are to be issued as required.
CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYEES
Consultation between Management and employees is provided by direct consultation.
Part Three
General Arrangements
TRAINING, INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
INDUCTION OF EMPLOYEES
Basic induction training will be provided to ensure that all new employees are given basic health and safety information upon starting employment within the Company.
Such basic induction training will fundamentally cover: -
The Company Safety Policy.
Fire procedures, warning systems, actions to be taken on receiving warning, locations of exits or escape routes, evacuation and assembly procedures.
First Aid and injury reporting procedures, names the appointed person.
Instruction on any prohibited areas (i.e. no smoking).
Instruction on the visual inspection of portable electrical appliances.
Instruction applicable to their particular duties at work etc. and any particular hazard connected with their own work or the Company’s operations. Including
Risk Assessments and Assessments carried out under the Manual Handling Regulations 1992
The Company will maintain records of all health and safety training undertaken.
Where specific professional qualifications are required this will be identified and fully taken into account in recruitment procedures.
FIRST AID ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPANY PREMISES
The First-Aid Regulations Approved Code Of Practice require that in medium-risk environments such as the Company premises where there are less than 20 employees, as a minimum an appointed person is nominated. Such a person should have basic knowledge of first-aid, though to a lesser extent than a trained first-aider.
Appointed Person:
An assessment will be made by the appointed person annually to ensure that there is adequate and appropriate provision for first aid.
The appointed person will be responsible for taking charge of the first-aid arrangements, including looking after the contents of the first-aid box and calling the emergency services when required.
All personnel are to be familiar with the location of the nearest first aid box and appointed person in case of emergency. All employees will receive information on first aid arrangements as part of the induction into the company.
First Aid Boxes:-
As a minimum requirement first aid boxes must contain: -
One guidance card
Twenty individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes)
Two sterile eye pads, with attachments
Six individually wrapped triangular bandages
Six safety pins
Six medium sized individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings (approx. 10 x 8cm)
Two large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings (approx. 13 x 9cm)
Three extra large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings (approx. 28 x 17.5cm)
A First aid box will be provided and kept fully stocked in the following location:-
Office
RECORDING ACCIDENTS
All injuries regardless of how minor they may appear must be entered in the accident book (B1. 510). The accident book is held by:-
All Accident Books and records must be kept for at least three years from the date of the last entry.
INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS
All accidents must be investigated and the outcome reported to the Managing Director The purpose of the investigation will be to find, where possible, the cause of the accident, so that a re-occurrence can be prevented.
All accident reports will be forwarded to the Plant Manager who will ensure that all remedial action is taken.
REPORTING ACCIDENTS UNDER RIDDOR
In addition to the recording of accidents in the accident book (B1 510) the Company is aware of the statutory requirement under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, Dangerous Occurrences and Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995, to report some accidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health at work to the Local Enforcement Authority.
The person responsible for reporting to the Local Enforcing Authority is The Managing Director All fatal accidents, major injuries, dangerous occurrences, occupational disease and accidents resulting in the employees being off work for more than three consecutive days, must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive.
Fatal accidents, major injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately to the relevant Health and Safety Executive office by the quickest practicable method. Following this initial notification a written report on the form F2508 must be sent within ten days of the incident.
Accidents causing more than three days absence must be reported by the form F2508, but no initial notification is required.
Records must be kept of all reportable deaths, injuries, occurrences and occupational diseases.
Note: That in calculating days of incapacity for work, the day of the accident is not included, but Saturdays and Sundays are
Action Guide Reporting Under RIDDOR
Type Of Incident Action To Be Taken
Accident resulting in death
Notify the Local Enforcement Office as soon as possible by telephone.
Notify Managing Director by telephone.
Complete F2508
Send F2508 to Local Enforcement Office within ten days of the accident.
Accident resulting in major injury or admission to hospital for more than 24 hours.
As above.
A dangerous occurrence
As above.
Notification of a death or major injury that has arisen out of or in connection with a gas fitting or any flue or ventilation used in connection with that fitting.
Managing Director to complete and send a report form F2508G to the Local Enforcement office within 10 days.
Accident resulting in a person being incapacitated for work for more than three days.
Notify The Managing Director
Complete form F2508.
Managing Director to send to the Local Enforcement Office within ten days of the accident. (Exclude the day of the accident but include any one working day.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR COMPANY PREMISES
FIRE PRECAUTIONS ARRANGEMENTS
A register is kept of all fire fighting equipment, recording the latest test date. The Office Administrator must ensure equipment is tested at recommended intervals Fire Extinguishers – Annually.
Fire drills should be held 6 monthly, no prior notice should be given of fire drills. All employees will receive fire training as part of the induction into the company, covering emergency exits, location of fire extinguishers etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Area
Responsibility For Checking Periodicity
Escape Routes
Plant Manager Regularly
Extinguishers Plant Manager Annually – by competent person
Fire Drills
Plant Manager 6 monthly
RAISING THE ALARM
Emergency evacuation procedure notices will be clearly displayed throughout the Company premises.
In the event of discovering a fire or smelling smoke you must raise the alarm immediately by shouting FIRE, FIRE, FIRE.
ON HEARING THE ALARM
You must leave the building by the nearest exit route, closing all doors and windows as you go.
Do not stop to pick up personal belongings that are not readily available.
On leaving the building go immediately to the assembly point which is located at:-
Front of Building
Do not leave the assembly point until roll call has been taken and permission has been granted by the fire warden.
Do not attempt to fight the fire unless you are a designated person and are trained to do so.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Receptionist
The receptionist on hearing FIRE, FIRE, FIRE or receiving a telephone call will telephone the Emergency Services.
The receptionist after alerting emergency services must immediately go to the evacuation point. The receptionist is responsible for taking the role call at the assembly point, and reporting any missing persons to the emergency services upon their arrival.
Fire Wardens
RESPONSIBILITIES
In the event of a fire evacuation, carry out a quick check of their area and ensure that it is clear of personnel. Check the toilets. As you leave the building close all the doors behind you.
Only personnel trained in the use of fire fighting equipment should attempt to fight a fire and then only if it does not put them at risk.
Before fighting any fire ensure that your exit is clear. Never fight a fire alone.
If you believe you are in danger, leave the building immediately, close all doors behind you and go to the assembly point.
HAZARD CONTROL
RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk Assessments are carried out to assess the health and safety risks which P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited. Employees are exposed to whilst they are at work, and also the risks to the health and safety of persons not the Companies employment arising out of, or in connection with any undertaking of the company.
Appropriate arrangements will be put into place to control any risks identified. Risk assessments and control measures will be reviewed at regular intervals and updated where necessary. Significant findings will be recorded.
SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES
Safe working procedures will be prepared based on risk assessments, covering all activities where significant risks are identified. The procedures will be held on file and the relevant procedures used for tasks undertaken.
Safe working procedures are under management control, the Director must be consulted and authorise any amendments.
HOUSEKEEPING, PREMISES, ETC.
The Company believes in the need for tidiness on the premises and will promote good housekeeping at all times. Company employees are responsible for the general tidiness in the office premises and for keeping doorways, corridors, staircases, all pedestrian routes and exits free of obstructions and hazards.
Floors and stairs are cleaned regularly by the cleaners.
In the offices trailing cables from electrical work equipment are managed. The Managing Director will carry out occasional inspections to ensure adequate standards are maintained. Repairs and maintenance will be carried out where identified as necessary.
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
WORK EQUIPMENT
All work equipment hired out by P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited will be designed and constructed in compliance with any essential requirements and comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Lifting Operations and Equipment Regulations 1998.
All work equipment hired out by P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited will be subject to the planned preventative maintenance programme and arrangements for the carrying out of statutory inspections prior and during the lease hire agreement. This will include the proper functioning of all safety devices and guards.
Records/ test certificates will be kept; work equipment will be labelled where appropriate or supplied on site with a copy of the current test certificate.
Any damage or deficiency to equipment must be brought to the attention of the plant manager so that corrective action can be taken. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service. No personnel must use or hire out work equipment that is known to be faulty.
Where risk assessment indicates that the safe operation of work equipment requires personal protective equipment this will be provided. Operatives must ensure that correct personal protective equipment is used – failure to do so will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence.
All operatives will be provided, with appropriate training in the use of work equipment. No person may use any work equipment unless they have had suitable and sufficient training in the safe operation of the plant/equipment/machine. All risks and hazards associated with the use of such plant/equipment/machinery will be brought to the attention of the user. The necessary safety measures to ensure the safe use of the plant/equipment/machines must be an essential and major part of the training programme.
If a piece of equipment involves specific risk to health and safety its use shall be restricted and/or the piece of equipment shall be restricted.
Specific Arrangements
COMPRESSED AIR POWER TOOLS
The Safety Director will ensure a schedule of examination is prepared for all company compressors, fittings and plant which uses air under pressure. Copies of the necessary thorough examination certificates and schedule will be maintained at the office.
MOBILE PLANT OPERATORS/DRIVERS
The appointment of plant operators/drivers is the responsibility of management. No person is permitted to drive a site vehicle or operate mobile plant unless a certificate is gained or training achieved.
Plant operators must hold a training certificate that is appropriate for the type of plant they are authorised to drive. Records should be maintained on site including a copy of the drivers certificate and to be able to provide evidence if required.When these machines are on any road where any members of the public have right of access, they shall be taxed, insured, and fitted with number plates, mirrors and a horn, unless the vehicle is only crossing the road at controlled point with a trained banksman.
Plant operators/drivers must never operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol or and drugs/medication which may effect their ability to operate it effectively.
No persons under 18 are permitted to operate plant, transport or machinery.
LIFTING OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT
All lifting equipment (works equipment for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it) will be used in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
Lifting equipment must be subject to the planned preventative maintenance programme. The Safety Director will ensure arrangements are in place for the carrying out of statutory inspections and the keeping of records of these. Copies of the necessary thorough test /examination certificates will be maintained at the office.
Plant Manager will ensure that Hired Plant examination records are available at the time of the hiring of the plant. The Safe Working Load (SWL) must be specified and marked on the lifting appliances, cranes, pulley blocks, hoists and other items of lifting equipment such as slings, eye bolts, chains shackles etc. And on no account must the capacity of the equipment be exceeded.
Lifting equipment that has been subjected to an overload, or has been damaged, must be reported immediately and taken out of use pending an examination and, if necessary, repair and retest.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Although not a legal requirement the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) 16th Edition Wiring Regulations recommend (i.e. good practice) that the electrical installations are inspected approximately every five years.
Access to all electrical distribution systems on the premises should be clear of obstructions at all times.
Faults in electrical equipment must only be rectified by a qualified electrician. All faulty equipment must be switched off and must be reported to senior members of staff immediately.
Safe systems of work are required for all electrical work carried out on the company premises, based on the principal measures of making dead, establishing secure isolation, and proving dead at the point of work before any work commences.
Portable Electrical Appliances
All portable electrical equipment hired out by P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited will be subject to arrangements for the carrying out of testing/inspections prior and during the lease hire agreement and clearly tagged.
PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING FOR SITE/ WORKS
110V Portable and hand held tools, extension leads, site lighting etc. inspected, tested and labelled by competent person before use on site and 3 monthly.
415V Equipment such as lifts hoists and fixed floodlighting where provided by the Company inspected, tested and labelled by competent person before use on site and 12 monthly.
R.C.D.s (Residual Current Devices) inspected, tested and labelled by competent person before use on site and monthly
HEALTH HAZARDS
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
COSHH. (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations.
P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) Limited must carry out COSHH assessments to quantify the risk to employees during the use of hazardous materials. Hazardous substances may be used directly in work, e.g. lubricants or cleaning materials; or arise from the work, e.g. fumes and waste products.
The Plant Manager must ensure that only those materials and substances assessed are used on site, and that any personal protective equipment noted in the COSHH Assessment is provided and used correctly. These assessments will consider all possible eventualities including storage and spillage.
The COSHH Assessment may also stipulate certain control measures required allowing safe use of hazardous substances. All employees will be made aware, by instruction and training, of these precautions and work accordingly.
COSHH Assessments are to be monitored on a regular basis.
MANUAL HANDLING
The Company will assess its lifting operations and as far as is reasonably practicable, change work methods to avoid risk of injury or replace manual handling by mechanical means in accordance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Employees must make proper use of systems of work provided. Employees must also inform Management of any physical condition that might affect their ability to manually handle loads e.g. Back strain.
Control Measures
Wherever possible use mechanical means to lift and transport items.
Where use of mechanical means is impractical, then sufficient persons must be available to lift the relevant load and take into account the size, shape and weight of that load. Also consider the path the load must follow and the immediate environment e.g. floor conditions, lighting, access etc.
If possible, break the load down into smaller items. Secure items which are loose to prevent load shifting when being carried.
Ensure that items are lifted correctly with the back straight and using the legs to raise yourself if the load is low. Use a good grip with the feet apart to hip width and one foot slightly in front of the other. Keep the load close to your body. Avoid twisting, stooping, or reaching to lift or deposit the load.
Ensure that access/ egress routes are clean and clear and the lighting is adequate. For long distances arrange supports to allow the load to be placed for brief breaks. Avoid carrying up and down steps.
If possible, provide proper handles, handholds or use carrying devices, to avoid the possibility of trapped fingers etc. Wear gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment relevant to the working environment. Protect sharp edges.
Arrange storage so that the heaviest loads are in the most convenient position i.e. from knee to shoulder range. During repetitive work, ensure sufficient time for resting.
USE OF DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT
Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992.
The Company recognises its duties under the regulations and will: -
Carry out suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk for each workstation and make sure arrangements are made to reduce significant risks identified. All workstations have adjustable chairs and equipment. Foot rests, wrist rests and anti screen glare frames are available upon request.
Provide eye vision tests to all employees using VDU’s upon request. If the test shows that the user needs glasses specifically for the VDU work, the company pay for basic glasses and frames.
Encourage and advise users to take regular breaks from operating display screen equipment.
Part Four
Review and Monitoring
MONITORING AND REVIEW OF COMPANY HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
To ensure the effectiveness of the safety policy in providing and maintaining environments and systems of work which are safe and without risk to health, procedures for monitoring will be established:
All supervisors are required to routinely and regularly inspect their areas within their control and carry out operational risk assessments on the risks identified.
The company health and safety advisors upon request will conduct health and safety inspections. Written reports will be provided.
A number of selected activities will be review from time to time to confirm that senior staff and supervisors are satisfying their responsibilities and duties.
Records of accidents and incidents will be reviewed to assist in the risk assessment process and in the setting of priorities.
All employees are required to bring to the attention of a senior member of staff any areas of the companies Policy for Health, Safety and Welfare that appears to be inadequate.
At regular intervals senior management will meet to discus any accident reports and the performance of the company in compliance with the Health and safety policy, to establish areas where improvements in procedures and training could be made and review where necessary and revise the Company health and safety policy.
