Health & Safety Policy · Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd Health and Safety Policy 2019 5 Company Overview Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd– Introduction Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd was formed

This document has been compiled on behalf of the Company by,

and remains the property of, Simple Safety Advice Ltd

Hailsham

Scaffolding Ltd

Health & Safety Policy

2019

Address: 5 Birch Way

Hailsham

East Sussex

BN27 3TS

Tel: 01323 440 803

Valid from 01/02/2019 to

31/01/2020

Version 9

Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd Health and Safety Policy 2019

2

The health & safety and environmental support to this company is provided by

Simple Safety Advice Ltd of Unit 9, Scandia-Hus Bussiness Park, Felcourt Road, East

Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 2LP

01342 836314

[email protected]

www.simplesafetyadvice.co.uk

Registered No: 6994729

Simple Safety Advice Ltd are independent safety advisors providing a range of

support including ISO systems, accreditations, audits and specialist safety support.

They are an SMAS registered company and employ the services of fully qualified

industry specialists.

Our retained clients all receive a regular review and update of this policy which is

specific to their company’s requirements.

This document must not be loaned, copied or re-sold for the use of another

person or organisation

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.simplesafetyadvice.co.uk/


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Contents Company Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 5

DOCUMENT CONTROL .................................................................................................................................... 6

Introductory Note ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Compliance Review .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Safety Programme ........................................................................................................................................... 8

PART ONE ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

STATEMENT OF INTENT .................................................................................................................................. 9

Policy Aim: ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

Objectives: ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

PART TWO ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

HEALTH & SAFETY ORGANISATION ............................................................................................................ 12

Management Organisational Chart .............................................................................................................. 13

Organisational Overview ............................................................................................................................... 14

PART THREE .................................................................................................................................................... 15

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................................... 15

Managing Director ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Directors ......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Contracts Manager and Working Foremen/Supervisors ............................................................................ 19

Operatives ....................................................................................................................................................... 21

Contractors ..................................................................................................................................................... 22

Office Manager and Office Staff ................................................................................................................... 23

Drivers of Company Supplied Vehicles ........................................................................................................ 24

Health and Safety Advisors ........................................................................................................................... 25

PART FOUR ..................................................................................................................................................... 26

ARRANGEMENTS - DETAILED POLICIES ....................................................................................................... 26

Provision of Information ............................................................................................................................... 27

Risk Management & Risk Assessments ........................................................................................................ 27

Health Surveillance ........................................................................................................................................ 28

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health / Safe Handling & Use of Substances - COSHH ................ 29

Manual Handling ............................................................................................................................................ 30

Company Vehicles .......................................................................................................................................... 32

Mobile Telephones & other in-vehicle electronic devices.......................................................................... 32

Drugs and alcohol .......................................................................................................................................... 33

Working Time ................................................................................................................................................. 33

Stress ............................................................................................................................................................... 34

Night Shift ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

Company Induction Training ........................................................................................................................ 34

Competence & Training ................................................................................................................................ 35

Instruction, information and training to employees .................................................................................. 36

Consultation ................................................................................................................................................... 37

National Language Barriers ........................................................................................................................... 38

Supervision ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

Lone Working ................................................................................................................................................. 38

Young Persons ................................................................................................................................................ 39

Gender Equality .............................................................................................................................................. 39


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Modern Slavery .............................................................................................................................................. 39

General Workplace Welfare .......................................................................................................................... 40

Legionella........................................................................................................................................................ 43

General Office Safety & DSE ......................................................................................................................... 44

General Fire Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 45

General Housekeeping .................................................................................................................................. 46

First Aid ........................................................................................................................................................... 46

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 ............................................................... 48

Pre-start Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 49

Working as a Contractor ............................................................................................................................... 50

Site Inductions ................................................................................................................................................ 50

Welfare and Working Locations ................................................................................................................... 51

Asbestos .......................................................................................................................................................... 51

Traffic Management ...................................................................................................................................... 52

Plant, Equipment & Tools ............................................................................................................................. 52

Suitability of work equipment ...................................................................................................................... 53

Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................... 54

Inspections ...................................................................................................................................................... 54

Specific Risks .................................................................................................................................................. 54

Information and instruction .......................................................................................................................... 55

Conformity to European Requirements ....................................................................................................... 55

Stability of Work Equipment ........................................................................................................................ 55

Markings and warnings ................................................................................................................................. 56

Construction Site Locations .......................................................................................................................... 57

Leptospirosis ................................................................................................................................................... 57

Noise ............................................................................................................................................................... 58

Personal Protective Equipment..................................................................................................................... 60

Electrical and Services Safety ........................................................................................................................ 63

Working at Height ......................................................................................................................................... 64

LOLER Regulation 1998 ................................................................................................................................. 65

Lifting Activities ............................................................................................................................................. 65

General Site Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 65

P.U.W.E.R. (Work Equipment) Regulation 1998 .......................................................................................... 66

Electricity - Construction Site Works ............................................................................................................ 66

Hand Arm and Whole Body Vibration ......................................................................................................... 67

Emergency Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 67

Accident / incident & near miss reporting / recording / investigation .................................................... 68

Inspections ...................................................................................................................................................... 70

Monitoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 70

Audit & Management Review ....................................................................................................................... 70

Disputes and disciplinary .............................................................................................................................. 71

Appendix A ..................................................................................................................................................... 72

Duty Holders................................................................................................................................................... 72

Appendix B ..................................................................................................................................................... 74

HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGAL REGISTER ....................................................................................................... 74


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Company Overview

Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd– Introduction

Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd was formed / incorporated in 2010 (companies house no: 7951177).

Hailsham Scaffolding Limited is a family run business with over 30 years of experience. During that

time the business has expanded and covers many surrounding areas.

They offer many aspects of scaffolding service including provision and set up of birdcages, towers,

temporary roofing systems, system staircases, site hoarding, flats, schools, housing and church

projects, commercial and industrial new builds and refurbishment works.

They use the services of Contractors for other specialist works connected with projects.

All of their staff receive appropriate training and are suitably qualified to carry out the works required.

They understand and accept their duty as responsible employers to ensure that all work activities

carried out are done in a safe manner without detriment to operatives, or others directly affected by

their work activities.

This document contains the Health and Safety Policy Statement and specific Arrangements to

facilitate effective management of health and safety within the Company.

Managing Director – Daniel Verrall

Internal Health and Safety Managers – Daniel Verrall & Leanne Cull


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DOCUMENT CONTROL

This document will be kept at the main office of Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd.

All amendments will be issued to that office.

Document Author: James Cumming

DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE & AMENDMENT RECORD

Version

No

Issue Date Date

Amended

Person Amending Remarks

1 01.01.2014 01.01.2014 JC

2 31.01.2015 31.01.2015 JC Annual update/review

3 01.01.2016 01.01.2016 JC

Annual update/review. Including new

CDM regulations, working at

height/scaffolding sections

4 01.01.2017 01.01.2017 JC Annual update and amendment to new

format policy including antislavery

5

1.1.2018 1.1.2018 JC Annual review and update for approval

6

01/02/2019 01/02/2019 JC Annual review and update


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Introductory Note

1.1 This safety policy is divided into four sections,

Part One - Health & Safety Policy of Intent Statement

Part Two - Health & Safety Organisation

Part Three - Roles & Responsibilities

Part Four - The Arrangements, i.e. detailed Policies

1.2 Part One contains the Statement of Intent of the Managing Director of Hailsham Scaffolding

Ltd. This should be displayed at all places where our personnel work.

1.3 Part Two outlines in diagrammatic form our organisational chart. This shows the

management structure of the company. We have complemented this by a table outlining

the personnel appointed to management positions.

1.4 Part Three provides - Roles & Responsibilities given to appointed persons. This gives clear

guidance to appointment holders for the day-to-day Health & Safety Responsibilities

associated with their work.

1.5 Part Four forms our Arrangements ie detailed policies relating to health, safety and welfare.

This part gives clear guidance to employees enabling them to conduct their job function

whilst paying due regard to safe working practices and legislation. These should be

observed and adhered to at all times.

1.6 Where reference has been made to his, him or he, this will refer to either gender.

Compliance Review

1.7 We shall formally review the health and safety policy annually, or more frequently, with

Simple Safety Advice Ltd, for as long as we retain their services. This review shall cover all

sections of the policy and shall ensure that:

(1) The responsibilities reflect the current staffing

(2) The arrangements remain current.

(3) The safe working procedures are still applicable

1.8 Additionally, the policy shall be reviewed as necessary to reflect any changes in legislation,

appointments or working methods and materials used.


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Safety Programme

1.9 Simple Safety Advice Ltd shall undertake an annual review of our safety programme to

ensure that we are in compliance with the policy. This review shall check that:

(1) All the responsibilities allocated in the policy are understood and are being

performed.

(2) The procedures set up in the policy are being complied with and remain effective

(3) Records, as required in the policy, are being adequately complied and retained

(4) All necessary reports are prepared and forwarded to the relevant persons within the

company and the relevant enforcing authorities

1.10 Simple Safety Advice Ltd shall evaluate:

(1) Management and employee attitudes to health and safety

(2) The effectiveness of the training carried out and the requirements for further training

(3) The effectiveness of the policy to reduce the incidence of accidents, incidents,

dangerous occurrences and ill health in the workplace

1.11 The results of the review shall be compiled into a report for the Managing Director and shall

include recommendations of the action to be taken to rectify any non-compliance.


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PART ONE

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

STATEMENT OF INTENT

This section contains the management policy for approaching specific health and safety topics.


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GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd has adopted the provisions as contained in the Health and Safety at Work

Act 1974, and other applicable Regulations, in its application to the Construction Industry in general

and so far as the provisions apply to the categories of works we undertake in particular. All levels of

management are to be aware of their roles and responsibilities as laid out in our health & safety

policy and are to ensure that these are followed at all times. By assuring this application, we

recognise the business case for and will prioritise the provision of, a sound approach to the safety,

Health and welfare of all our employees and anyone who may be affected by our acts or omissions,

above that of production and any of our other business outputs.

We will endeavour to ensure that all employees are provided with sufficient information, instruction,

training and supervision to enable us to maintain a safe place of work and a safe systems of work at

all times.

In particular we will ensure that all reasonable measures as dictated by the appropriate Approved

Codes of Practice and our risk assessments are undertaken to ensure the safety, health and welfare

of all persons on sites or other work places including employees, contractors and visitors (whether

invited or not) and all persons passing by our works including the general public and/or occupants,

staff etc, especially where work is on or adjacent to a public footpath, pavement or other accessible

area to the public or neighbouring property owners.

We are committed to the continual development of a safe and healthy culture throughout our

company structure and will consult with employees/safety representatives and external professional

safety bodies to maintain or enhance our health and safety arrangements. We place great emphasis

on the need for co-operation and support viewing breaches of health and safety legislation or duties

and procedures as set out in our policy document, as serious misbehaviour, liable to result in severe

disciplinary action. The Health & Safety Director has the direct responsibility for ensuring the correct

management structure is in place to eliminate or reduce risk so far as is reasonably practicable.

All financial and physical resources required for both implementing and monitoring the

arrangements of this policy and that of our activities will be allocated as endorsed by the Director.

Of initial importance is the planning stage of our activities both at the office and on all work locations

, for which personnel expertise and time resource will be ensured (access for assistance to this process

may be via our consultant safety advisors). For site working in particular initial assessment and

identification of necessary controls, together with information received from clients and other bodies

will be undertaken/evaluated and appropriate resources allocated (e.g. financially through the

tendering process). This will in turn enable the procurement of suitable contractors with specialist

skills, the determination of adequate time resources and equipment selection.

This policy is to be reviewed annually, in respect of all company changes and identified omissions.

Director responsible: Daniel Verrall

Signature: Daniel Verrall Date: 1 February 2019


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Policy Aim:

1.1 The aim of this policy is to provide a framework for the management of health and safety

within our company, to identify roles and responsibilities to ensure a pro-active approach is

met and that control and co-operation are gained through competence and good

communication. It will address office and site work specifics and aims to cover all our work

activities.

Objectives:

1.2 Identify specific duty holders and determine their responsibilities.

1.3 Provide training to duty holders and others to ensure ability to discharge duties placed

upon them.

1.4 Provide information to those affected of risks to their health and safety and such measures

to control those risks.

1.5 Investigate, record and evaluate incidents to identify trends and weaknesses within our

control measures to enable review.

1.6 Seek the views, advice and assistance from safety advisors, statutory authorities and

employees.

1.7 Review and monitor the provisions set out within this policy and amend as become

necessary.

1.8 Maintain our own knowledge through information evaluation including legislative updates,

guidance and approved codes of practice and technological advancements.

1.9 Maintain records for evaluation.


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PART TWO

HEALTH & SAFETY ORGANISATION

This section contains our management structure.


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Management Organisational Chart

KEY

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

ADVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Company Health & Safety Advisors

Simple Safety Advice Ltd

Director

Contractors

Contracts

Manager

Daniel Verrall

Operatives

Accounts

Working

Foremen /

Supervisors

Managing Director

Daniel Verrall

Leanne Cull

Office Manager

Leanne Cull


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Organisational Overview

1. Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd recognises the importance of effective safety management within the

workplace and to ensure that we achieve our safety objectives the following responsibilities

have been established:

a. Daniel Verrall

Leanne Cull

Managing Director

Retains overall responsibility for health &

safety.

b.

Director Assist the Managing Director with

compliance and assume the working

responsibility for relevant health & safety

statutory provision

c. Daniel Verrall Contracts Manager Has the responsibility for health & safety

issues in respect of site managers,

foremen and for advising them on

compliance with relevant health & safety

issues.

d. Leanne Cull

Office Manager Has the day-to-day responsibility to

implement and maintain this policy

within the office environment.

2. To complement these and to give further clarification on how our health & safety

responsibilities have been delegated, we set out below detailed guidance for appointment

holders. These are to be read in conjunction with the detailed policies held within Part 4 of this

document.

3. Each of the persons detailed below must ensure that the tasks, which they are responsible for

delegating, are done so, and to ensure that the person to whom the task has been delegated

is aware of their responsibilities with regard to that particular task.


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PART THREE

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This section provides the roles & responsibilities given to appointed persons.


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Managing Director

The Managing Director shall take responsibility for safety throughout the company. In order to

protect the Health and Safety of the employees and of others who may be affected by the company’s

operations, he will: -

1. Initiate and, from time to time, review the company’s safety policy ensuring that it is

promoted to all employees and to others acting on behalf of the company.

2. Be fully aware of your Company requirements around health and safety having a current

safety action plan and allocating adequate resources and time to safety requirements

3. Ensure the Company has retained advice from a qualified safety professional

4. Appoint staff to ensure that the policy is applied in all areas of the company’s activities.

5. Know the broad requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Construction (Design

& Management) Regulations 2015, and other relevant legislation and insist that these are

observed.

6. Ensure records of training carried out are recorded on personnel records.

7. Monitor compliance with the policy.

8. Identify training required for employees’ health, safety & welfare requirements and arrange

suitable training so that employees are able to carry out their health and safety duties

effectively.

9. When acting as Principal Contractor or Contractor, ensure that adequate supervision is

provided on all projects to facilitate the required co-ordination and management of site

health and safety.

10. When acting as sub-contractor, ensure that adequate supervision is provided on all projects

to facilitate the required co-ordination and management of site health and safety also to

liaise with the Principal Contractor to ensure the same.

11. Ensure the effective planning of all contracts to take account of known and foreseen health

and safety hazards, whether or not shown in the health and safety plan provided by the

Principal Designer/client.

12. Ensure that tenders include adequate allowance for all health and safety matters and that

necessary arrangements are made with clients and building occupiers.

13. Ensure that sub-contract tenders include adequate provision for safe working; supervision,

handling and access equipment, etc. In the case of demolition or similar hazardous

operations, we will require detailed method statements from contractors.

14. Ensure safe storage of equipment and materials in the stores, company vehicles and on site.

15. Ensure that suitable arrangements are made for the servicing and repair of company vehicles.

16. Take necessary reporting action on injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences in

accordance with current RIDDOR regulations.

17. Ensure that the policy is properly discussed with, and understood by all employees.

18. Promote the system and procedures for providing assessments in relation to COSHH.


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19. Promote the system and procedures for providing assessments and ensure that the necessary

records are maintained in relation to noise and vibration.

20. Ensure that funds and facilities are requested to meet the requirements of this policy.

21. Ensure involvement, interest and the implementation of Construction (Design Management)

Regulations 2015, also how this integrates with:- Management of Health & Safety at Work,

Work Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, Manual Handling of Loads, Display Screen

Equipment, Workplace Health & Safety Welfare Regulations etc.

22. Ensure that all new employees receive an induction into the company which will include

health and safety issues, company safety policy, company rules etc.

23. Review accident reports and compile accident statistics on an annual basis.

24. Ensure that identification is made of those company activities that will require health

surveillance i.e. COSHH, noise, hand arm vibration syndrome etc.

25. Ensure that sufficient first aid trained personnel are maintained in order to comply with

current legislation.

26. Ensure that an appropriate fire risk assessment is carried out and all necessary actions and

precautions are complied with.

27. Identify through assessment those employees who are designated as ‘users’ under the

Display Screen Equipment Regulations. Ensure that an assessment of ‘users’ workstations is

carried out to ensure compliance with the regulations.

28. Set a good example.

Directors

The Directors responsibilities are to ensure that:

1. They understand the health and safety policy and appreciate their role in the health and safety

of all.

2. Keep the management informed of health & safety matters within the company as required

and respond to initiatives as appropriate.

3. Bring to the attention of employees the health and safety policy by means of appropriate

communication systems.

4. Maintain contact with sources of advice, (e.g. our retained advisors, the HSE, ROSPA, FORS

etc) and respond to new legislation and initiatives accordingly.

5. The policy is effectively administered, monitored and that necessary alterations are made to

the policy to reflect changes in legislation or the company’s development.

6. All accidents and incidents are correctly reported and recorded and that action is taken to

prevent a recurrence of the accident or incident.


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7. Appropriate disciplinary action is taken against all employees who do not comply with the

requirements as detailed in the policy documents.

8. Pertinent information is distributed throughout the company.

9. Appropriate training is identified and arranged as required.

10. Tenders are adequate to cover safe methods of work and the provision of adequate welfare

facilities.

11. The following are determined at the planning stage:

a) The most appropriate order and method of work.

b) The provision of adequate lighting.

c) Allocation of responsibilities with other contractors on site.

d) All site documentation including risk, COSHH and manual handling assessments and

safety plans are specific and in place.

e) Facilities for sanitation and welfare.

f) The provision of basic fire precautions.

12. Written instructions are provided to establish working methods, to explain the sequence of

operations, to outline the potential hazards at each stage and indicate the precautions to be

observed.

13. The precautions and work methods are checked with site management prior to commencing

work.

14. They have knowledge of legislation and advise management as necessary.

15. Work is carried out as planned and the relevant legislation is complied with on site.

16. Any hazardous substances are stored and handled in accordance with established rules and

procedures.

17. All equipment is in good condition, adequately maintained and guarded, is suitable for the

purpose for which it is used and has any required certificates of inspection or examination.

18. All repairs to plant on site are carried out in the proper manner.

19. Management is informed of any change to their state of health, either temporary or

permanent, which might affect their working ability or suitability to carry out any particular

task or tasks.

20. The required protective equipment is issued and used correctly.

21. Work is carried out as planned and the relevant legislation is complied with.

22. Trained and experienced personnel operate all plant.


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23. They retain health & safety documents relating to substances, plant machinery and

equipment for information purposes for the required time.

24. They set a good personal example by using appropriate protective equipment and exhibiting

appropriate behaviour.

25. In the event of a RIDDOR reportable accident the safety adviser is to be notified in order that

a report may be prepared.

When work is undertaken off-base premises, the following responsibilities also apply:

1. Ensure the production of information regarding health and safety for all field operations. Such

information will relate to individual responsibilities for safe working methods.

2. Make arrangements with contractors and other contractors to clearly define areas of

responsibility to ensure that they have available a satisfactory safety policy in line with our health

and safety policy.

3. Ensure inspection of sites are carried out by company staff or their nominate representative in

line with the company's safety policy and deal with problems promptly.

4. Ensure that any queries regarding safety are addressed to the safety officers and discussed with

line management at the planning stage of the contract.

Contracts Manager and Working Foremen/Supervisors

The Contracts Manager is responsible to their Director for organising work on their sites so that it is

carried out safely and the Company health and safety policy is implemented. They will:-

1. Be familiar with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, the Construction

Regulations and other relevant legislation and insist that they be observed.

2. Ensure that agreed procedures are followed, or that clear instruction on how to achieve safe

working is given and followed.

3. Supervise the work of company employees, co-ordinate the work of contractors and to carry

out regular work place inspections to ensure compliance with current legislation.

4. Ensure that employees and contractors are familiar with and observe the company safety policy

and site rules.

5. Maintain a tidy site.

6. Ensure that all scaffolds, working platforms, etc. are properly erected and safe before accepting

them on behalf of the company and before allowing them to be used.


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7. Ensure that all plant, tools and equipment is regularly inspected and tested so that it is safe to

use and operated or used by trained and competent persons. Appropriate records are to be

maintained of all statutory checks to include electrical registers, issue of PPE etc.

8. Ensure that information on the safe use of all materials is known and followed.

9. Ensure that materials are stored safely and that, where appropriate, suitable fire extinguishers

are readily available to stores and work places.

10. Ensure that adequate welfare and first aid facilities are maintained also they will ensure that

employees and contractors are informed of the arrangements.

11. Ensure that appropriate/suitable protective clothing and safety equipment is worn or used.

12. Ensure that any relevant emergency procedures as identified are known to their staff and

practiced prior to conducting work activities.

13. Notify their Director of any accident or dangerous occurrence and take immediate action to

prevent a recurrence. They will ensure that details of all accidents are recorded in the site

accident book. The accident book will be kept in a secure place in order to comply with the

Data Protection Act. Ensure that all accidents are investigated to establish cause, cure and

responsive control measures to prevent reoccurrence in so far as are reasonably practicable.

In the event of a RIDDOR reportable accident the safety adviser is to be notified in order that

a report may be prepared.

14. Ensure that suitable induction training on the company safety policy and site rules is provided

for new starters on site.

15. Co-operate with Inspectors from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and with visiting safety

consultants and act on their recommendations.

16. Ensure as far as possible the security of the site, taking all reasonable precautions for the safety

of unauthorised persons, particularly children, who may succeed in entering the site.

17. Maintain records of all assessment and procedures (to include records of safety inductions).

18. Maintain the site Health and Safety Plan.

19. Prepare noise assessments and comply with all regulations. In conjunction with the Directors

develop work methods to avoid high-risk situations and ensure the necessary protective

equipment is available.

20. Ensure that manual handling assessments are carried out for all work activities that have the

potential for manual handling injury.

21. Ensure that first aid equipment is regularly checked to ensure they continue to meet the needs

of the workers.


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Operatives

Operatives are responsible to the Supervisor/Foreman for:-

1. Acting in a manner that will maintain the safety and well being of yourself and any others that

may be affected by your acts or omissions.

2. Co-operating in the implementation of the company health & safety policy.

3. Observing site rules and following instructions laid down working methods or other procedures

designed to ensure safe and healthy working.

4. Using the appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment, as instructed.

5. Not operating tools, plant or equipment unless authorised to do so.

6. Reporting hazards, or defects in plant or equipment.

7. Developing a personal concern for the safety of themselves and others.

8. Keeping their work area tidy.

9. Maintaining the standard of welfare facilities that are provided.

10. Suggesting ways of eliminating hazards.

11. Reporting any injuries or dangerous occurrences incurred at work and ensuring that all injuries

are entered into the accident book.

12. Complying with COSHH regulations which are designed to make the working environment

safe. It is essential that you are properly instructed and you understand the safe methods of

working. Be aware that some processes can be hazardous to your health if the assessed

precautions are not maintained.

13. Complying with NOISE assessments as certain work processes produce noise levels that are

above 8O dB (A), at this point you may request ear protectors (Lower Exposure Action Value

(80 dB (A)) however if the noise levels raise above 85 dB (A) (Upper Exposure Action Value (85

dB (A)) you are then required by law to not only, be provided with ear protectors but you must

ensure that they are then worn. Your Site Foreman will assess the risk and provide you with

suitable equipment, and inform you of the safe exposure time allowed.

14. Complying with manual handling regulations which are designed to make the work process

safer. They encourage employers to prevent the need for manual handling, but recognise that

there may sometimes be no other way, in these cases there is a specific requirement for these

risks to be assessed and measures to be adopted to minimise the effects. It is therefore

essential that safe methods of manual handling of heavy or awkward items be carried out in a


22

way that will lessen the risk of damage to yourself. Training will be given and constant

reminders will be given.

15. Providing a certificate of competence or to have received training for erecting scaffold, using

abrasive wheels, use of cartridge tools etc.

16. Attending mandatory check-ups for identified health surveillance requirements.

Contractors

Our contractors’ safety arrangements will be checked by the Director in charge of safety against the

requirements of this document and the specific procedures contained in the general management

procedures and project safety plan for the job.

Any shortcomings on the part of the contractor will be eliminated.

Contractors have specific and direct responsibility to their own employees and others that may be

affected by their work with regard to health & safety. They should:

1. Give due regard to the arrangements and duties that are placed on our company operatives

and in addition;

2. Identify the hazards of their work and inform the Site Supervisor where there is a risk.

3. Ensure their own systems of work, plant and workplaces under their control are safe.

4. Co-operate with the Site Supervisor and other contractors to co-ordinate the work by liaison

and consultation.

5. Comply with the site safety rules and conditions for the project.

6. Not deviate from planned procedures and programmes without the agreement of the

Directors.

7. Ensure that equivalent safety standards are achieved if employing their own contractors

8. Provide necessary training and supervision of activities.

9. Make due allowance on price for health, safety and welfare facilities.

10. Discuss and agree at the pre-commencement meeting shared welfare facilities, including water,

sewage disposal and an agreed power supply. It is expected that contractors will either supply

their own first aid facilities or negotiate with the company to share certain facilities with them.


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Office Manager and Office Staff

The office Manager and office staff are responsible to the Managing Director for ensuring safe,

healthy working conditions, the provision of adequate fire precautions and first aid arrangements at

Head Office. In particular they will: -

1. Ensure that offices are a minimum temperature of 16°c within the first hour of work and

maintained and that working areas, corridors and stairs are adequately lit.

2. Ensure that office cleaning is carried out at the end of each working day and rubbish disposed

of.

3. Ensure that adequate washing and toilet facilities are maintained.

4. Ensure electrical installations are properly maintained and that electrical equipment is

periodically checked. Portable Appliance Testing and fixed installations.

5. Ensure that flooring is maintained in safe condition.

6. Ensure compliance with the practice of company fire drills.

7. Ensure that maintenance and repair work, including window cleaning is carried out safely and

without risks to employees or members of the public.

8. Ensure the provision of adequate first aid facilities. First aid equipment is regularly checked to

ensure it complies with potential needs.

9. Ensure that office staff are familiar with and understand the company safety policy.

10. Report all accidents and enter all injuries into the accident book. Notify the Directors of any

reportable injury.

11. Ensure that necessary COSHH assessments for substances and processes carried out in the

office are made by the Director responsible.

12. Ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities under recent regulations i.e. display screen

equipment, workplace health & safety & welfare.

13. In relation to the positioning of fire extinguishers they will note the general condition, identify

hazards and report to the Director any defects that may cause danger. They will also regularly

inspect and make a record of the working of fire doors, posting of fire exit signs.

14. Comply with the findings of the Fire Risk Assessment and accompanying Fire Emergency Plan

in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

15. Set a good personal example.


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Drivers of Company Supplied Vehicles

1. The Drivers' health and safety responsibilities are to ensure that:

a. Daily checks are carried out on their vehicles to ensure that they are safe and roadworthy.

b. They comply with the road traffic regulations at all times.

c. Maintenance is carried out as required by the manufacturers’ instructions.

d. All defects are reported on vehicles and any ancillary equipment and any additional

maintenance is carried out as and when required.

e. They do not drive any vehicle or operate any machinery unless they have been fully

trained and instructed in its operation.

f. They comply with the requirements of the company’s health & safety policy.

g. They do not use a hand-held mobile telephone, or other hand-held electronic

communication device, in any vehicle unless the vehicle is parked and the engine is

switched off.

h. Information is given to management of any medical or legal impediment to their driving

licence or any pending prosecutions.

i. Management is informed of any change to their state of health, either temporary or

permanent, which might affect their working ability or their suitability to carry out any

particular task or tasks.

j. Any navigation systems are programmed prior to starting the journey

k. Take regular breaks – share driving if possible

l. Plan their journey according to weather conditions

m. No occupants to smoke within the company vehicle

n. Any loads are correctly secured and packaged

o. Follow the company driving policy

p. Comply with any waste regulations where applicable.

q. All HGV drivers will hold the relevant training


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Health and Safety Advisors

1. As a company we have signed up to and agreed to follow the Simple Safety Advice Ltd

Customer Charter

2. Our retained Health and Safety Advisors (Simple Safety Advice Ltd) are employed to support

and assist in all matters regarding the good order and safety of our undertakings.

3. The Safety Advisors will, as far as is reasonably possible, keep the company up-to-date with

current and proposed legislation by way of the dissemination of literature and by running

seminars.

4. The Safety Advisors will visit sites and premises at regular intervals in order to monitor the

effectiveness of the company safety policy.

5. The Safety Advisors will not advertise their visit in advance and will stagger their visits so as to

avoid predictability. Frequency of visits will be discussed with the company and may vary

during the progress of the site.

6. The Safety Advisors will, where possible, produce a hand-written report on site and discuss its

contents with the Site Manager or our Working Foreman/Supervisor or with the Senior

Manager. A copy of the report will be held at our company offices, for the attention of the

Director responsible for safety.

7. Contact telephone numbers for the Safety Advisors and their office will be given to the Working

Foremen. These numbers can be used when seeking advice or in an emergency.

8. The Safety Advisors will look at all aspects of safety health & welfare as required by current

relative regulations and codes of practice.

9. The Safety Advisors have the authority to “stop work” in extreme situations where they consider

the hazard an imminent risk of death or serious injury.

10. They will also;

a. Carry out site inspections as requested.

b. Provide written reports and assessments subsequent to the inspections.

c. Provide an advisory service relating to all aspects of health and safety at work.

d. Ensure that the health and safety policy and documentation, as prepared, is reviewed and

updated as required.

e. By arrangement, provide an accident investigation service and liaise with the enforcing

authority.

f. Assess method statements on request.

g. Attend meetings regarding health and safety on request.

h. If requested, provide health & safety training to both management and staff and advise

& assist staff to help reduce imminent danger whilst at work.


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PART FOUR

ARRANGEMENTS - DETAILED POLICIES

This section contains our detailed arrangements i.e. our detailed policies on differing matters

relating to health, safety and welfare.


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Provision of Information

We shall seek information from a variety of sources to maintain and update our knowledge of health

and safety matters. We have access to general safety information on the HSE website and are

provided with regular updates from our appointed safety consultants. Information shall also be

sought from other professional or authoritative bodies as necessary. Via our Health and Safety

Advisors we have access to TUC, IOSH and HSE safety updates via email. We also hold electronic

copies of legislation and ACOPs that affect our company. In addition we maintain an up to date copy

of the construction skills document GE700.

Information will also be taken from feedback provided by clients, their safety consultants, employees

and others, from written reports and various journals etc.

All information received will be evaluated by the Managing Director to determine necessary and

beneficial elements for incorporation into our policy and procedures.

Changes to policy, procedures, or specific control measures, or provision of general information of

interest and legally displayed information (e.g. the law poster, insurance etc.) shall be communicated

to those as necessary in an appropriate format.

Risk Management & Risk Assessments

It is important through the assessment process to distinguish hazard from risk and so we include the

following from the Management of Health and safety at Work Regulations 1999:

A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; and A risk is the likelihood of potential harm from that hazard being realised

We are aware of the risks to all relevant persons and are also aware of the need to consider

unauthorised visitors to our sites within our assessments.

Our Contracts Manager and Site Managers carry out specific risk assessments on an individual project

basis (copies are retained in the individual contract files in our Head Office), though some generic

assessments have also been undertaken, particularly for repetitive work where the environment does

not significantly alter. We realise that there is a strong potential for initial assessments to require a

review on site and therefore our working foreman will undertake such reviews and ensure changes

are recorded and that all involved are made aware.

There is the potential for some, but limited, special hazards to arise through our work activities, such

as; fire, the potential for discovery of bombs, discovery of discarded syringes (as used by drug

addicts) etc. These will be considered on a project specific basis, initially through health and safety

plans as provided by the client (where applicable) and through site visits at the planning stage of the

project. The Contracts Manager shall undertake initial assessments with assistance as required from

our Safety Advisors.

Control measures shall be considered in respect of our risk assessments and written in the form of

either a simple control measure as part of the assessment document or shall form a specific method

statement, dependent on the complexity of the task and risks involved (as required in the


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Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 (see ACOP 25 (a)). Such procedures for controls

shall be undertaken prior to any activity commencing and shall be implemented on the first day of a

project (as the hazard and risk become applicable). To aid in our determination of controls, we shall

obtain manufacturers guidance and hazard data sheets and various HSE Regulations, ACOP and

guidance notes, in addition to our consultation systems. Controls will be taken in line with the

prevention principles as outlined in the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999

(Schedule 1).

a) Avoiding risks

b) Evaluation of the risks which cannot be avoided

c) Combating risks at source

d) Adapting the work to the individual

e) Adapting to technical progress

f) Replacing the dangerous with the non-dangerous and less dangerous

g) Development of an overall protection policy covering technology, organisation of work,

social relationships and the environment

h) Giving collective protective measures priority over individual protection measures

Health Surveillance

Every effort will be made to control the use of substances that may cause harm to health. Our

activities may involve the use of various chemicals and mixtures (e.g. solvents, paints and cements)

that give risk to such conditions as dermatitis. By-products from our activities shall be considered

within our assessments (e.g. wood / general building dust / fume) and efforts maintained to keep

exposure below work exposure limits (WELs) as indicated in the EH40. Hazardous substances are

likely to exist within buildings (e.g. asbestos) and noise / HAV’s risks will periodically arise. However

through planning, assessment and controls, our endeavours shall be to prevent harm from exposure

in the first instance, or reduce exposure to the minimum level and within the WELs.

As a company, we are fully aware that dust generated by our works generates a risk to our workers

and others effected by our work activity. In line with HSE Guidance, we will assess operations that

generate dust and put controls in place that reduce exposure. As a company we will train and provide

guidance on PPE used to prevent dust exposure. During works operations we will use extraction and

damping down procedures to reduce the spread of dust and where possible we will vacuum up waste

rather than sweeping. We will make all staff aware of dust issues through TBTs and guidance.

As we have identified possible exposure, procedures for surveillance will be considered in respect of

each individual and the tasks they are likely to be asked to perform. The Managing Director will

determine health surveillance requirements and initiate the use of a registered medical practitioner

to devise programmes where considered necessary. This will include some simple procedures such

as basic skin checks (e.g. for dermatitis) and medical checks (e.g. in respect of HAVS and noise

induced hearing loss, eye tests etc.) as determined by the factors of the hazard.

We do not currently operate a system to determine health at the point of joining the company, but

do request all employees with known conditions to inform us. All such information will be regarded

as confidential.


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Where we may be required to conduct works which could involve lead paint we will do a site specific

assessment and provide health surveillance (this is usually designated by client prior to works starting

or paint removed by specialists prior to our involvement).

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health / Safe Handling & Use of

Substances - COSHH

No substances that fall into this category will be used unless:

a) An assessment of the substances has been made, after taking into account the

locations and purpose for which it is to be used.

b) Under HSE guidance we will reduce the spread of general dusts where possible and when

we risk asses that generation of dusts will occur during works operations and cannot be

controlled by on tool extractions, we will monitor high risk periods. Where required, we

will have assessments completed by external specialists to establish dust levels.

c) The relevant ‘Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet’ has been obtained from the substance

manufacturer or supplier,

d) Where the information determines a substance has workplace exposure limits, EH40 will

be referenced and results included in the final assessment (sourced via the HSE website

– www.hse.gov.uk), so that correct controls may be implemented.

e) Any protective equipment required has been obtained,

f) The operatives have been informed of the potential hazards, precautions needed, and

the safe system of work to be adopted,

g) Training has been given. This is over and above that which is required for normal trade

skills, and is that which may be necessary to enable the operatives to use the substance

without risk to the health of either themselves or others.

While a substantial proportion of materials used in construction work are not classed as being

hazardous to health, many products that contain acids, alkaline, solvents or toxic ingredients, do

represent a health hazard. Therefore, in order to identify substances that are subject to these

regulations, the criteria adopted will be two-fold; firstly, if a material is required to carry the statutory

hazardous substances packaging label, and secondly, if a health hazard is created during a work

operation such as dust from machinery hardwoods, or breaking of concrete etc. then the COSHH

assessment procedures will apply.

Where protective clothing or equipment is needed for the safe use of a particular material, it must

be ensured that it is suited for both the risk and task to be carried out. A record will be kept of the

use, inspections, checks and any maintenance that is carried out on equipment (as required by the

regulations).

In almost all circumstances, the use of or exposure to, these substances is as important as the hazard

the substances poses.


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The company provides appropriate storage and disposable methods for hazardous substances that

prevent unauthorised access.

Where hazardous products are carried in company vehicles these are supplied with fire extinguishers

and other control measures as appropriate. The Managing Director shall complete random checks

to ensure that excessive stocks are returned to Head Office, and that the vans are kept as free from

materials as is practicable, The company also ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of correctly

The company’s overall approach to COSHH will be in three parts:

a) Substitution - where through our evaluation of tender documents we notice a hazardous

substance has been incorporated into the design, we shall endeavour in consultation with

the designers to find a less hazardous substitute. When that is not possible we will

highlight the need to apply COSHH in the contract documentation.

b) Centrally Stored Information - the company will maintain a generic database of

hazardous substances used in the industry. This system will also record details of long

term records of any monitoring or medical surveillance carried out. The generic

assessments will be reviewed annually.

c) Assessments - if the material can harm health, it is classified as hazardous. The

elimination of the use of the material or its substitution by a safer product shall be

investigated. Assessments will be undertaken by the Managing Director with our safety

advisors as required. A generic COSHH assessment file shall be provided for each project.

Assessments will be reviewed every 12 months, or when the work activity changes,

whichever is soonest.

Manual Handling

All activities will be assessed in relation to risks from manual handling and where possible automated

processes will be used as an avoidance technique. We shall continually keep informed of

technological advancement in material used and promote lightweight materials where possible. It is

recognised however that we are not always involved in the design process and inevitably heavy

weight materials will be used from time to time. We shall determine methods of lifting as and when

the need arises in such cases.

We shall consider material storage at our storeroom and ensure that heavier materials are racked at

waist height where possible. We shall use a variety of equipment such as forklift trucks, pallet trucks

and trolleys to reduce the risks from manual handling.

As governed by The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Manual

Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (amended 2002) we shall look to avoid manual handling and

where it is unavoidable we will risk assess the lift and train our staff in the correct manual handling

techniques. Our training programme includes manual handling training.

Where it has been assessed that there is a risk of injury from manual handling, the first consideration

must be whether the loads needs to be handled at all, or whether handling can be minimized. The


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potential for eliminating the handling of loads on building sites is limited but the positioning of

storage and delivery areas can reduce the need for extensive handling.

Where there is no alternative, the use of mechanical handling should be given consideration – this

should be done by the estimator and/or Director at the planning stage if possible.

In the construction industry, ignorance of manual handling procedures accounts for 25% of

accidents. The inevitable results of lifting incorrectly are strained backs, slipped discs, sprains and

minor strains, and a complexity of internal injuries, e.g. hernia.

The correct method of lifting makes the operation easier, less tiring and safer. Lifting should be

carried out by the proper use of muscles. Back and abdominal muscles are weak; the leg and thigh

muscles are strong. The spine has a natural shape when a man is standing, if he bends over, the

spine is arched and becomes weaker. If, therefore the back can be kept in its natural erect position

and the leg muscles brought into play, and the load is kept close to the body, a man can operate like

a human elevator. This results in heavier loads being lifted, with less physical effort.

This is the basis for manual handling. In practice there are six significant points:

GRIP A good grip makes maximum use of the palm of the hand, the ball of the thumb

and the base of the fingers. Using the sensitive fingertips can cause considerable

damage and the continued use of them leads to strained fingers or strained

forearm muscles.

BACK The back should be kept straight to maintain it in its natural and strongest position.

This requires bending at the knees and ankles to get down close to the load and

then to raise it, pushing upwards with the leg muscles to regain the vertical

position.

CHIN The chin should be kept well in so that it is fairly near to the chest, as this helps to

keep the spine in its natural shape.

FEET The proper position of the feet is approximately the width of the hips apart and

with one foot slightly in front of the other.

ARMS Arms should be kept as close to the body as possible so that its own members do

not unbalance the body itself.

BODY The body, being kept in its normal position, should act as a counterweight to the

load.

Providing these principles are applied, the average man can expect to lift up to 25kgs – but even this

depends on his age and physical build. Up to 25 years of age, a well developed young man could

expect to lift this. At 40 years of age lifting capacity can be considerably less. The main thing is that

operatives should know how much they could lift and not be afraid to ask for help when the load is

beyond them.


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Company Vehicles

See additional driving policy as required. Where HGV drivers are employed, FORS or related policies

will apply.

All vehicles must be properly driven with due care and attention at all times and properly loaded.

Passengers are not allowed to travel in any moving vehicles except in the proper seats provided.

Drivers of vehicles are responsible for ensuring that they are maintained in a road worthy and safe

condition and that any defects are reported and rectified in a timely manner. Only persons with a

current full driving licence may drive company vehicles. Driving licences must be submitted to the

office upon commencement of the use of a company vehicle.

Mobile Telephones & other in-vehicle electronic devices

In line with legislation, we prohibit the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving on company

business. They can only be used when safely parked with the engine switched off, before

commencing communication, whether the medium is speech, text or any other form of data transfer.

Best practice is to stop in a safe, legal place, with the engine switched off to take calls even with a

hands-free phone kit fitted. Drivers can be prosecuted using a hands free phone if they are driving

in an inappropriate way without due care and attention.

Hands free mobile conversations should only take place when traffic conditions make it safe to do

so. If it is not safe, calls should be ignored or terminated. It is preferable for calls to be taken by the

answer phone function and replied to when the driver has reached their destination.

Should drivers of cars fitted with a hands free kit choose to use it, they should take into account the

following guidelines:

a) Incoming calls to be kept brief.

b) Outgoing calls to be made via the automated pre-programmed dialing facility.

c) Use the phone’s features to minimise distraction e.g. voicemail etc.

d) Do not take or make calls when roads, traffic or weather conditions are poor.

e) Keep calls short and never argue or negotiate

If a satellite navigation system is fitted to the vehicle, then this should only be operated when

stationary. Safe use of sat nav systems is legal, however you can still be prosecuted for failure to

drive without due care and attention.

Individuals found in any breach of these guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action.


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Drugs and alcohol

The company does not permit the consumption of alcohol during working hours and forbids the use

of illegal drugs. Operatives are reminded that alcohol, on average takes one hour per unit to be

processed from the body, and therefore care must be taken to ensure that you are not still under the

influence of alcohol when reporting for work. Care should be taken with regard to the amount that

is consumed during the previous evening.

The company reminds all employees that the consumption of alcohol on company premises or sites

is strictly forbidden. In addition, any employee attending working whilst suffering from, or suspected

of suffering from, the effects of alcohol will be dismissed from site and sent home.

It is also forbidden to drive any company vehicle while under the influence of alcohol even during

non-working hours.

The consumption of any illegal or non-medicinal drug whilst on company premises or sites is also

strictly forbidden. Any employee suffering from, or suspected of suffering from, the effects of illegal

or non-medical drug abuse will be dismissed from site and sent home.

Any employee taking a legitimate drug (prescribed or bought over the counter) must take into

account its effects and where necessary, must not drive or operate plant or machinery where this

would put himself or others in danger. Employees are to ensure that a senior company manager is

informed in all cases at the earliest opportunity.

Any individual or contractor found or suspected of alcohol or drug abuse will be

dismissed from site without further pay, and where necessary, their contract will be

terminated.

Working Time

The Working Time Regulations 1998 place limits on the hours that workers can be required to work

unless they have opted out. The limits on young workers cannot be opted out from although there

are circumstances where they may work longer hours. The regulations do not apply to self-employed

and free-lance workers.

Details of the Working Time Directive can be obtained from a DTI guidance document:

DTI/Pub 6792/25k/07/03/NP also available from the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk

The manager responsible for the workers will plan work so that, as far as reasonably practicable, the

average number of hours worked per week is no more than 48 for adult workers and 8 hours a day

or 40 hours a week for young workers. (Note; there are certain permitted exceptions for young

workers).

Working time includes travelling, where it is part of the job, working lunches and job-related training.

Working time does not include travelling between home and work, lunch breaks, evening classes or

day-release courses, also working time limits do not apply if workers can decide how long they work.


34

Working time should be averaged over a 17-week period (or less if the period is lower) although 52-

week periods can be used if mutually agreed.

If an individual worker agrees to work more than 48 hours a week he or she should sign an opt-out

agreement, which they can cancel at any time, giving a minimum of 7-days notice unless otherwise

agreed. Records of workers opting out will be kept and updated as necessary.

Stress

The company is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees. They

recognise that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and are committed to identifying and

reducing workplace stressors. The Health and Safety at Work Act, The Management of Health and

Safety at Work Regulations and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, with their

approved code of practice aim to protect people at work exposed to excessive pressure or demand

placed upon them.

Staff and their representatives will be consulted with respect to improving stress related work

practices within the workplace. Changes to working practices will be monitored to ensure they do

not cause additional stress. Regular review of risk assessments of procedures and work practices

will take place to ensure stressors have not increased.

Night Shift

Staff working on night shifts will be subject to the same safety legislation as day time staff. The

company will ensure that standards remain the same for both shifts. When required an additional

assessments of risk will be undertaken to cover working in non day light hours. The Managing

Director will arrange this assessment to be conducted with the appointed safety providers.

The Working Time Regulations 1998 must be taken into account to ensure suitable rest periods are

provided to workers. The basic rights are:

a limit of an average of 48 hours a week which a worker can be required to work (though

workers can choose to work more if they want to);

for night workers, a limit of an average of 8 hours work in each 24-hour period;

right for night workers to receive free health assessments;

right to 11 hours consecutive rest a day;

right to a day off each week;

right to a rest break if the working day is longer than six hours;

Company Induction Training

All staff (including our contractors) will complete an in-house health and safety induction on the first

day of employment / contract. This will be held at the office for all new starters and new contractors.

This will include an awareness of the company health and safety policy, company rules, procedures

and emergency arrangements, and will take into consideration the general risks from our activities.

We also recognise that members of staff may be redeployed to alternative positions within the

company from time to time. We will make suitable and sufficient provision in the way of retaining

for these personnel, which will meet the specifics of their new function.


35

The Managing Director is responsible for arranging that this training which may include, on request,

assistance from our safety advisors. The induction programme is a documented process; signatures

from the employer’s representative who conducts the training and the inductee will be gathered.

These records will be kept on the respective individual personnel files.

During induction, evidence of training will be sought from individuals. Typical examples of evidence

that is acceptable are CISRS for scaffolders, CPCS and and NPORS cards for plant operatives, IPAF or

CPCS Cards for MEWP operatives and relevant CSCS cards for tradesmen who require using powered

tools and equipment etc.

Induction shall make specific provision to inform all new starters of:

a) Issue/explanation of the health & safety policy and relevant risk assessments

b) Organisation of management structure

c) Office, yard and workshop safety procedures and workplace familiarisation tour

d) Fire and emergency procedures and evacuation assembly points

e) Welfare provision

f) Competence check & authenticate competency cards

g) Issue of PPE

h) Location of first aid & firefighting equipment, first aiders & fire wardens

i) Reporting procedures for near miss, incidents, accidents, and hazards encountered

j) Environmental awareness and procedures

k) Driving licence check (checks will occur 6 monthly)

l) Daily work timings

m) Pay

n) Discipline and grievance

o) Sickness procedures

p) Holiday applications

The subjects quoted above are not in isolation and may be added to within our induction procedure

document.

Competence & Training

All employees will complete an in-house health and safety training induction programme into the

company health and safety policy and procedures, taking into consideration the general risks from

our activities. The Managing Director or safety advisors shall conduct such training. It shall be

undertaken on the first day of employment and will be held at the office. Refresher training will be

given yearly on location; all staff to receive regular site specific training on entry to all works areas.

The working foreman shall provide site-specific works brief / induction training on site during the

first day of the operative’s involvement of any given project. All of our employees shall report to the

principal contractor site office to receive induction training on the first visit to site. Necessary

refresher or tool-box-talk training shall be undertaken by our working foreman/site managers.


36

Evidence of health and safety training already undertaken by any new employee shall be requested

and records maintained on file. Certification obtained and written records of training undertaken

through our company shall be retained on the individual’s file and a training record overview sheet

completed. Training records for all training undertaken shall be maintained.

Directors for their relevant departments are responsible for identifying training requirements for the

workforce. Specific training which requires certification from an external body or other such specialist

training will be undertaken through external establishments authorised to do so.

Individuals will be welcome to consider training relevant to their development and request

authorisation to undertake such training through their line management.

All training requests will be forwarded to the Managing Director for evaluation and authorisation.

The Company has a training matrix of all staff. The company policy is to train all employees to

standards required for their works taking into account trade qualifications

Instruction, information and training to employees

All employees (and others affected) will be informed of all risks to their health prior to the

undertaking of any activity, and will be made fully aware of control measures by the management.

Specific risk assessments will be completed to ensure the safety of any young persons in our charge

(less than 18 years of age). Employees / contractors shall be made aware of risks at induction stage

to projects and be expected to sign the documentation to indicate they have been made aware.

Changes to control measures as may be necessary will be communicated through tool-box-talks or

similar if applicable.

a) All relevant information will be obtained, prior to actioning any new process. Information

etc. must be passed to those involved and specific training organised.

b) Copies of relevant detailed codes of practice and other safety literature are available

covering all aspects of the company’s activities. This information will be disseminated as

necessary or by request to any person to whom it is relevant.

c) Steps will be taken to ensure that all necessary authorities are informed and/or consulted

when required.

d) Contractors will be expected to supply risk assessments for their works and will be asked

to produce a method statement for high / medium risk works. The contracts manager

will evaluate submitted documentation and any action required taken.

e) Contractors will be advised of the health & safety policy and will be expected to work

strictly within the bounds of current legislation and codes of safe working practice. They

will also be informed of any known hazards on site.

f) Contractors who may use any noxious or toxic substances on site must satisfy the

Principal Contractor that adequate safety measures are in hand. Supplying COSHH risk

assessments and manufacturers safety data sheets where necessary.


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g) Where contractors supply their own welfare facilities, they will be responsible for keeping

them in good clean and hygienic condition.

h) Contractors may be asked to produce a method statement for unusual works. The

Director or a senior member of staff will examine this and take any action required.

i) It is company policy that all operatives & site staff must wear safety hats, safety footwear

and high viz jackets whilst on site except where via the risk assessment process the

wearing of hard hats is not deemed necessary. (eg indoor works)

Consultation

In the interests of our development towards a positive health and safety culture, it is recognised that

staff need to become involved in the management of the health and safety process. We view this as

a method of encouraging co-operation, achieving improved control and communication. Our

arrangements for compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety (Consultation with

Employees) Regulations 1996 shall make allowance for the selection of two representatives from the

general workforce and one each from senior management and the administrative department to

attend regular meetings arranged and chaired by the Managing Director.

The representatives will be given adequate time and resources to enable them to consult with the

workforce on health and safety matters and to make representation on their behalf at the meetings.

They shall be allowed access to all health and safety information and directly to our consultants to

take advice as necessary.

We, as a company, shall in turn consult the various authorities and consultants to which we have

access to as necessary. We have employed the services of Simple Safety Advice Ltd to aid us with

competent health and safety advice.


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National Language Barriers

Where we have workers whose first language is not English we will endeavour to take all reasonably

practical measures to induct and integrate those individuals within our company. Communication

and consultation processes will be developed to ensure the timely provision of information to ensure

that we comply with our Employers duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the

requirements of the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Where reasonably

practical and appropriate we will provide a combination of the following:

a. Interpreters.

b. Ensuring a bilingual member is deployed as required in each works team where there is

a requirement.

c. We will use multilingual safety critical documents and signs.

d. Provision of multilingual training to other staff as required.

e. Use pictograms instead of written instructions as appropriate.

We also recognise that similar facilities may be needed for visitors and delivery drivers whose first

language is not English.

Supervision

All of our work activities shall be properly supervised, though the extent of supervision shall be reliant

on a number of factors including experience of operatives, age (especially under 18 year olds),

difficulties of task, risks involved, the work environment, client requirements, knowledge of

contractors etc. The determination of supervision level will be determined through the assessment

process but will generally be achieved on site through a working foreman, the office via the

Managing Director.

Lone Working

Lone working is not encouraged but is unavoidable from time to time. The company will ensure

that any lone working will only be undertaken when other works are being undertaken by other

trades on the specific site thus ensuring the lone worker has other people around in case of

emergency.

Lone workers should not be put at more risk than other employees. In order to achieve this, extra

risk control measures may be necessary such as phoning into a supervisor or office at a defined time,

or signing in and out of a site register. Arrangements should be determined and agreed through

consultation with personnel undertaking the lone working activities.

The organisation must ensure workers receive sufficient information, training and instruction in lone

working arrangements. A risk assessment should be undertaken to ensure suitable precautions are

taken that account for foreseeable emergencies such as fire, equipment failure, illness and accidents.


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Young Persons

The company may employ persons under eighteen (18) years old. As a requirement of the

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the company will ensure that the risks

to young people at work are assessed before they start work.

Suitable training is provided for apprentice workers. Apprentices are always supervised by a senior

employee and are excluded from work activities that are regarded as too hazardous.

Gender Equality

We are fully committed to ensure equality within the workplace and do not discriminate based on

gender.

We are aware of situations which may occur where gender differences need to be taken into account.

In light of this we will take due consideration and make amendments to the risk assessments and

methods of working as necessary.

All female staff will be expected to notify the company that they are pregnant as per statutory

guidelines. The Managing Director will complete a pregnant working risk assessment. The Managing

Director and staff member will assess each works location and ensure that operative is able to work

safely throughout their pregnancy.

Staff with any concerns should immediately contact the Managing Director or their supervisor for

guidance and assistance.

Modern Slavery

This statement is made pursuant to s.54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps that

the company has taken and is continuing to take to ensure that modern slavery or human trafficking

is not taking place within our business or supply chain.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking and forced labour. The company

has a zero tolerance approach to any form of modern slavery. We are committed to acting ethically

and with integrity and transparency in all business dealings and to putting effective systems and

controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place within the business

or our supply chain.


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General Workplace Welfare

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover a wide range of health, safety

and welfare issues and apply to most workplaces.

Ventilation

Workplaces need to be adequately ventilated. Fresh, clean air should be drawn from a source outside

the workplace, uncontaminated by discharges from flues, chimneys or other process outlets, and be

circulated through the workrooms.

Ventilation should also remove and dilute warm, humid air and provide air movement which gives a

sense of freshness without causing a draught. If the workplace contains process or heating

equipment or other sources of dust, fumes or vapours, more fresh air will be needed to provide

adequate ventilation. Windows or other openings may provide sufficient ventilation but, where

necessary, mechanical ventilation systems should be provided and regularly maintained.

Temperatures in indoor workplaces

Environmental factors (such as humidity and sources of heat in the workplace) combine with personal

factors (such as the clothing a worker is wearing and how physically demanding their work is) to

influence what is called someone’s ‘thermal comfort’.

Individual personal preference makes it difficult to specify a thermal environment which satisfies

everyone. For workplaces where the activity is mainly sedentary, for example offices, the temperature

should normally be at least 16 °C. If work involves physical effort it should be at least 13 °C (unless

other laws require lower temperatures).

Lighting

Lighting should be sufficient to enable people to work and move about safely. If necessary, local

lighting should be provided at individual work areas and at places of particular risk such as crossing

points on traffic routes. Lighting and light fittings should not create any hazard. Automatic

emergency lighting, powered by an independent source, should be provided where sudden loss of

light would create a risk.

Cleanliness and waste materials

Every workplace and the furniture, furnishings and fittings should be kept clean and it should be

possible to keep the surfaces of floors, walls and ceilings clean. Cleaning and the removal of waste

should be carried out as necessary by an effective method. Waste should be stored in suitable

receptacles.

Room dimensions and Space

Workrooms should have enough free space to allow people to move about with ease. The volume

of the room when empty, divided by the number of people normally working in it, should be at least


41

11 cubic meters. All or part of a room over 3.0 m high should be counted as 3.0 m high. 11 cubic

meters per person is a minimum and may be insufficient depending on the layout, contents and the

nature of the work.

Workstations and Seating

Workstations should be suitable for the people using them and for the work they do. People should

be able to leave workstations swiftly in an emergency. If work can or must be done sitting, seats

which are suitable for the people using them and for the work they do should be provided. Seating

should give adequate support for the lower back, and footrests should be provided for workers who

cannot place their feet flat on the floor.

Safety Maintenance

The workplace, and certain equipment, devices and systems should be maintained in efficient

working order (efficient for health, safety and welfare). Such maintenance is required for mechanical

ventilation systems; equipment and devices which would cause a risk to health, safety or welfare if a

fault occurred; and equipment and devices intended to prevent or reduce hazard.

The condition of the buildings needs to be monitored to ensure that they have appropriate stability

and solidity for their use. This includes risks from the normal running of the work process (eg

vibration, floor loadings) and foreseeable risks (eg fire in a cylinder store).

Floors and Traffic Routes

‘Traffic route’ means a route for pedestrian traffic, vehicles, or both, and includes any stairs, fixed

ladder, doorway, gateway, loading bay or ramp. There should be sufficient traffic routes, of sufficient

width and headroom, to allow people and vehicles to circulate safely with ease.

Horizontal swinging barriers used as gates at car park or similar entrances should be locked open or

locked shut (preferably by padlock) so that they do not swing open and constitute a risk to oncoming

vehicles. This guidance also relates to duties under the requirements of the regulations covering

doors and gates.

To allow people and vehicles to move safely, the best approach is to keep vehicles and pedestrians

apart by ensuring that they use entirely separate routes. If people and vehicles have to share a traffic

route, use kerbs, barriers or clear markings to designate a safe walkway and, where pedestrians need

to cross a vehicle route, provide clearly marked crossing points with good visibility, bridges or

subways. Make sure the shared route is well lit.

It is often difficult for drivers to see behind their vehicle when they are reversing; as far as possible,

plan traffic routes so that drivers do not need to reverse. This can be achieved by using one-way

systems and drive-through loading areas.

Set appropriate speed limits, and make sure they, and any other traffic rules, are obeyed. Provide

route markings and signs so that drivers and pedestrians know where to go and what rules apply to

their route, so they are warned of any potential hazards.


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Loading bays should have at least one exit point from the lower level, or a refuge should be provided

to avoid people being struck or crushed by vehicles.

Barriers or portable wheel stops should be provided at the end of the traffic route.

Floors and traffic routes should be sound and strong enough for the loads placed on them and the

traffic expected to use them. The surfaces should not have holes or be uneven or slippery, and should

be kept free of obstructions and from any article or substance which may cause a person to slip, trip

or fall.

Criteria for defects such as subsidence, unevenness, pot holes, collection of surface water, cracks and

ruts should be determined and set, and maintenance systems developed to undertake repair when

these limits are exceeded.

Open sides of staircases should be fenced with an upper rail at 900 mm or higher, and a lower rail.

A handrail should be provided on at least one side of every staircase, and on both sides if there is a

particular risk. Additional handrails may be required down the centre of wide staircases. Access

between floors should not be by ladders or steep stairs.

Windows

Openable windows, skylights and ventilators should be capable of being opened, closed or adjusted

safely and, when open, should not pose any undue risk to anyone.

Windows and skylights should be designed so that they may be cleaned safely. When considering if

they can be cleaned safely, account may be taken of equipment used in conjunction with the window

or skylight or of devices fitted to the building.

Sanitary Conveniences and Washing Facilities

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities should be provided at readily

accessible places. They and the rooms containing them should be kept clean and be adequately

ventilated and lit. Washing facilities should have running hot and cold or warm water, soap and clean

towels or other means of cleaning or drying. If required by the type of work, showers should also be

provided. Men and women should have separate facilities unless each facility is in a separate room

with a lockable door and is for use by only one person at a time.

Drinking Water

An adequate supply of high-quality drinking water, with an upward drinking jet or suitable cups,

should be provided. Water should only be provided in refillable enclosed containers where it cannot

be obtained directly from a mains supply. The containers should be refilled at least daily (unless they

are chilled water dispensers where the containers are returned to the supplier for refilling). Bottled

water/water dispensing systems may still be provided as a secondary source of drinking water.


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Accommodation for Clothing and Facilities for Changing

Adequate, suitable and secure space should be provided to store workers’ own clothing and special

clothing. As far as is reasonably practicable the facilities should allow for drying clothing. Changing

facilities should also be provided for workers who change into special work clothing. The facilities

should be readily accessible from workrooms and washing and eating facilities, and should ensure

the privacy of the user, be of sufficient capacity, and be provided with seating.

Facilities for Rest and to Eat Meals

Suitable and sufficient, readily accessible rest facilities should be provided. Seats should be provided

for workers to use during breaks. These should be in a place where personal protective equipment

need not be worn. Rest areas or rooms should be large enough and have sufficient seats with

backrests and tables for the number of workers likely to use them at any one time, including suitable

access and seating which is adequate for the number of disabled people at work.

Where workers regularly eat meals at work, suitable and sufficient facilities should be provided for

the purpose. Such facilities should also be provided where food would otherwise be likely to be

contaminated.

Work areas can be counted as rest areas and as eating facilities, provided they are adequately clean

and there is a suitable surface on which to place food.

Where provided, eating facilities should include an option for preparing or obtaining a hot drink.

Where hot food cannot be obtained in or reasonably near to the workplace, workers may need to be

provided with a means for heating their own food (eg microwave oven).

Canteens or restaurants may be used as rest facilities provided there is no obligation to purchase

food.

Suitable rest facilities should be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers. They should be

near to sanitary facilities and, where necessary, include the facility to lie down.

Legionella

Where the employer is the duty holder of the premises, or has workers who test/service water

systems, they have a duty to reduce the risks of exposure to legionella. The responsible person

should ensure a systematic maintenance programme is in place to manage water systems and water

temperatures. Particular attention should be paid to aerosols as it is legionella in this form that is

dangerous to health. Shower heads, leaky or infrequently used taps, external pipework, cooling

towers, old degraded tanks where sludge, scale and rust may be are vulnerable to legionella.

‘Legionnaires disease’. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems should be used as a

reference to controlling water systems. Workers should receive training, instruction and information

on legionella where it may affect them.


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General Office Safety & DSE

The Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations 1992 are applicable to our permanent offices.

In order to reduce the risk of accidents and to comply with the requirements of the regulations, the

following procedures will be applied under the supervision of the Managing Director (delegation to

those within the administrative department in his absence). The majority of issues raised under this

heading are also covered elsewhere in this policy.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The Company will ensure that it is fully aware of the GDPR requirements and will refer to, for example,

the GDPR Portal (www.eugdpr.org) where it will ensure as the requirements are finalised that the

Company takes all of these into consideration, thus reducing the potential risk of cyber crime, loss

of data, loss or personnel files, leaks of personal information and the general security and welfare of

any systems that can be connected externally to the internet.

The key rules the Company website (if applicable) must follow are:

1. Tick boxes - It used to be common to pre-tick these boxes for customers to de-select. Now

it's clear that this is unacceptable.

2. GDPR information – must not be hidden in the Company Terms and Conditions. Make it

obvious to persons viewing the Company website. Privacy notices are key here.

3. There is no Blanket Consent - If you are asking permission to contact directly, plus pass on

their details to a sister company make this clear with 2 boxes, don‘t mix up the 2 and make it

unclear as to what they are agreeing to.

4. Make sure people can change their mind - If someone has opted in, make sure they can

easily opt back out. Withdrawing consent needs to be easy to find and carry out. Don‘t just

rely on the unsubscribe on the actual mailer.

5. If you are asking the customer if you can share, tell them who with - If you have partners

or sister companies that data may have been shared with in the past, you will need to tell the

customer who these companies are, so they can choose whether you can pass that

information. You should also mention if those partners or sister companies are based outside

of the EU.

6. GDPR and terminology around this needs explaining - Make sure you clearly explain the

GDPR terminology and go into detail as to who the data controller is, what information you

hold, what you do with the data, how you hold it and for how long.

7. E-commerce - If you offer e-commerce you will no doubt capture data in addition to the

data captured in the payment tool. You need to tell people that you will hold this for

a given period (Legislation doesn’t stipulate timescale so you need to determine

a reasonable time frame, obviously if they tick to say you can send them info then that‘s OK).

8. 3rd party tracking tools - If you use 3rd party tracking like Lead forensics or similar tools

you need to ensure they are compliant. Google Analytics are fine, just make sure you know

what you have and that they comply.

http://www.eugdpr.org/


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Maintenance – workplaces, equipment, devices and systems will be maintained in an efficient state,

working order and good repair. Where appropriate a suitable system of maintenance will be

established. Environmental factors – enclosed workspaces will be properly ventilated and kept at a

reasonable temperature, regularly cleaned, not overcrowded and with adequate lighting.

Rest and welfare facilities – the company will supply rest facilities as required within the Regulations

Manual Handling – use a safe method of lifting any article and get assistance if necessary.

A major problem in office safety is the risk of fire and the resultant evacuation procedures have been

developed to reduce this risk.

a) Desks are to be kept tidy and staff trained to ensure that waste paper is disposed of

regularly.

b) In line with The Health Act 2006 enclosed areas will be designated and signed as ‘No

Smoking’ areas. Designated smoking areas outside will be established as necessary; these

areas will be away from any flammable materials.

c) Staff should regularly check their own equipment to ensure that cables and connections

on all electrical equipment are sound and that the equipment is earthed.

In respect of display screen equipment, when selecting equipment the company will take into

account the working conditions and risks within the workplace. The equipment is to be suitable for

the intended use and properly maintained. Adequate information, instruction and training will be

given.

The Managing Director is responsible for ensuring that DSE workstation assessments are undertaken.

Advice is available from our safety advisors for this process. Assessments follow the checklist

guidelines as found within the DSE Regulations and guidance.

The assessment control measures will include the need for regular breaks from the works. Users are

determined and informed of the availability of free eye and eyesight tests by the Managing Director

who shall arrange such tests upon request.

General Fire Safety

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas and staff are informed of this during the induction

process.

All fire safety procedures will form part of our induction process.

The Contracts Manager shall assess all remote sites on an individual basis. He shall ensure that a fire

plan is provided for each project generally we expect to work to a fire plan produced by our

client/Principal Contractor. Our working Foreman shall be responsible for the upkeep of agreed safe

systems on site and for updating the fire plan throughout the project (when necessary).


46

The Managing Director is responsible for ensuring fire safety arrangements are implemented and

monitored and has arranged for a fire risk assessment within our office building and yards .

Hot works shall be controlled by a permit to work system. At all times hot works shall be undertaken

with an appropriate fire extinguishing mode directly within the vicinity and works to that area shall

be ceased one hour from site closure, being inspected at every twenty minute intervals (including

immediately prior to site closure).

The Contracts Manager and working Foreman shall inspect the site security measures on a regular

basis (daily prior to leaving site).

Our site packs contain Hot Works Permits which, if not issued by our clients, will be utilised by

contractors and operatives on site. When completing larger scale hot works we will also utilise the

services of trained fire watch personnel.

The Managing Director shall ensure that a fire risk assessment is undertaken of the office/stores of

the company and accordingly appoint staff to administer the controls identified as defined by the

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

All fire preventive equipment will be serviced and maintained by a competent engineer.

Emergency procedures shall be identified during inductions and posted in strategic positions around

the office and yard areas

In respect of the office and similar locations, ad-hoc fire drill practices, at least twice a year, shall be

undertaken at the Managing Director’s discretion and timings with the performance recorded.

Emergency contact numbers will be provided as applicable to the office / yard and site areas and

made available to all necessary.

General Housekeeping

The Managing Director shall appoint cleaning staff to ensure the cleanliness of the office premises is

maintained, and shall through informal weekly inspections, monitor the standard of housekeeping.

The working foreman similarly shall ensure that waste generated from remote sites is disposed of

carefully and that housekeeping on site is maintained in good order.

The scaffold storage areas shall be maintained in a good tidy order with safe stacking and storage

of materials organised and monitored by the manager.

First Aid

Our policy is to provide first aid cover at remote sites and at our office and yard, including suitable

and sufficient equipment, facilities and personnel.

The office and yard have fully equipped first aid boxes sufficient to account for the likely number

expected to be in residence and an allowance for visitors. The box positions are highlighted (and


47

staff informed of positions / facilities etc. during induction) and are maintained by the company first

aiders.

A suitably qualified first aid trained person is designated for the offices and working premises

together with a deputy for absence cover. Facilities for the administration of first aid are available

within the office.

The Contracts Managers and lead Foremen are responsible for assessing the first aid requirements

on site and for ensuring that we provide adequate cover (personnel and equipment) and for ensuring

contractors provide their own first aid equipment and personnel cover as applicable. It will

potentially be possible, with the agreement of principal contractors or clients, to rely on provision

made by them and this shall be taken into consideration.

Each site or work premises will have a suitably stocked first aid kit (usually retained within our vehicles

but transferred to remote sites where vehicles may not have good access) and the working Foreman

is responsible for ensuring that it remains adequately stocked. First Aid needs will be determined by

risk assessment.


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The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

The company is aware of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015, which came

into force 4th April 2015 and has and will continue to integrate the CDM requirements into existing

procedures:-

We will ensure we are co-operating with the principal contractor and other contractors, and

in planning and managing the work

We will plan, manage, monitor and co-ordinate our work so that health and safety risks are

controlled

The effort we will devote to carrying out our duties should be in proportion to the size and

complexity of the project and the range and nature of the health and safety risks involved

We have a responsibility to ensure our workers and any contractors (including self-employed

sub-contractors) we employ manage and control health and safety risks

To do this we will need to address the client’s requirements, any preconstruction information

provided by the Principal Designer and relevant parts of the construction phase plan, any

other requirements provided by the principal contractor when planning our work, eg this may

be information about buried services

We will ensure those carrying out our work have the right skills, knowledge, training,

experience and supervision

We will ensure those carrying out our work have the right plant, tools, equipment, materials

and personal protective equipment

We will pass on relevant information and instructions to workers. This could be done by

briefing workers and, for higher risk tasks, using a safety method statement which outlines

the planned method, sequence and control measures

We will ensure that our workers comply with the site rules

If required, we will co-ordinate our work with those of other contractors and the Principal

Contractor

We will agree with the principal contractor the arrangements for exchanging information to

allow both ourselves and other contractors to manage health and safety

We will ensure our workers receive a site induction

We will allow workers sufficient time to prepare and carry out the work

We will inform the Principal Contractor of any intention to sub-contract elements of our work

Ensuring a site induction is provided

If we are working on a project where we will be the only contractor then we will need to ensure a

suitable site induction is provided to every site worker.

The induction should be site specific and cover the health and safety risks associated with the site

and the controls required. The detail provided in the induction should be relevant to the size and

scope of the project, and the level of risk involved. The following induction topics should be

considered:

Senior management’s commitment to health and safety.

An outline of the project.

Management of the site, for example who the site manager is.

Site-specific health and safety risks, eg any requirement to work near overhead cables.


49

Control measures on site, eg site rules, vehicle and pedestrian segregation, PPE, temporary

electrics, and site restrictions such as delivery arrangements.

First aid arrangements.

Accident and incident reporting arrangements.

Training details, eg provision of toolbox talks and task briefings.

Arrangements for consulting the workforce on health and safety.

Individual workers’ responsibility for health and safety

Due to the nature of our works we do not envisage being required to conduct

the duties of principal contractor.

However, we have access to a construction support specialist if required

Pre-start Planning

Should we be required to operate as a principal contractor we will work in accordance with the CDM

regulations. When operating as lead (only contractor on site/ or setting up sites) the Company will

complete a specific assessment based on the CDM Regulations/guidelines and put educated systems

and procedures in place to comply with all legislation but we fully accept our responsibility as

contractors. Irrespective of these regulations we shall plan our site works carefully to reduce health

and safety risks. ??

The Contracts Manager and Surveyor/Estimator shall evaluate enquiries and sections of pre-

construction information received for risks identified. They shall also visit site and request surveys

(ground condtions/contaminated ground etc) and undertake the initial risk assessment process,

ensuring that adequate resources for control measures to be applied are available within the tender

sum, and then to ensure the resources are provided to complete projects won.

Tender replies will be sufficient to cover methods of working and adequate welfare facilities. At the

planning stage, action will be taken to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

In particular:

a) Adequately trained management and operatives.

b) The most appropriate order and method of working.

c) The drawing up of hazard/risk assessments where necessary.

d) Method statements as required.

e) The arrangements for a safe supply of electrical power & the provision of adequate lighting.

f) Allocation of responsibilities with sub-contractors.

g) Discussions with sub-contractors as to control and supervision of safety on site.

h) Nomination of an overall safety supervisor for the site.

i) The prevention of hazards which might arise from overhead or underground services.

j) Facilities for welfare and first aid suitable to the site.

k) Adequate fire precaution and permits to work if necessary.

l) Identification of and planning for any special risks relevant to the contract.

Provision will be made where required for adequate and clear instructions;

to establish working methods,

to explain the sequence of operations,

to outline potential hazards at each stage,


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to indicate precautions to be adopted in case of emergency e.g. fire or explosion and

particularly in occupied factories etc

to check over working methods and precautions with site management before work

commences.

to ensure that work, once started, is carried out as planned or that a revised method is drawn

up, and that the relevant regulations and guidance are observed on site.

to ensure that all contractors have the necessary equipment and expertise to enable them to

carry out their day to day activities in a safe and competent manner.

to organise the provision of protective clothing and equipment.

Working as a Contractor

To allow us to comply with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, we would

first check that we have received from the Principal Contractor (PC) sufficient details from the

Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan (including site rules) which will aid us in our planning for

works contracted and enable us to brief our workforce on site requirements prior to reporting for

work.

We will then ensure that the PC is provided with copies of our risk assessments and applicable

method statements, paying particular attention to bring to the attention of the PC any parts of our

work that may affect the health and safety of others. We would expect our risk assessments and

method statements to be sanctioned by the PC; or comments to be raised by the PC if our methods

of work were inappropriate or inconsistent with the site rules. We would naturally then make any

appropriate amendments.

We will not sub-contract any works without the prior permission of the PC and then only after the

relevant competency checks had been made by ourselves in pursuance of complying with the core

criteria for demonstration of competence checks.

We will expect the PC to provide induction training for our employees who are to work on site and

we will ensure that measures are put in place to ensure their prompt attendance. Our operatives will

ensure that they fully comply with the wishes of the PC at all times, reporting any findings that may

be beyond their control. We conduct regular refresher training and toolbox talks to ensure that our

staff are reminded of the need to work in a safe manner.

In addition we will report to RIDDOR any death, injury, condition or dangerous occurrence and inform

the PC in a timely manner.

Site Inductions

We complete a yearly induction ourselves to all staff members covering our key safety areas.

All of our employees (including our contractors) shall report to the Principal Contractor site office to

receive induction training on the first visit to site. We will expect the PC to provide induction training

for our employees who are to work on site and we will ensure that measures are put in place to

ensure their prompt attendance; our operatives will ensure that they fully comply with the wishes of

the PC at all times, reporting any finding that may be beyond their control.


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If we are working independently the working foreman shall provide site-specific works brief/

induction training on site during the first day of the operative’s involvement of any given project.

Necessary refresher or tool-box-talk training shall be undertaken by our working Foreman/Yard

Foreman as required.

Welfare and Working Locations

We do not generally undertake the role of principal contractor and usually rely on welfare provision

made by Principal Contractors or clients.

Our Contracts Managers and Lead Foremen shall make assessment of the required facilities on a

project-by-project basis to check that facilities provided by us or our clients meet with the

requirements of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. We will provide welfare

arrangements should we find that suitable provisions have not been made by either the client or PC.

Our working Foreman shall monitor the adequacy and condition of the provided facilities throughout

the project.

The facilities at our offices comply with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety

Regulations 1992 and programmes of maintenance/cleaning arrangements shall be the responsibility

of the Managing Director (or as delegated by him).

Asbestos

We are fully aware of the duties and parameters placed upon us by the Control of Asbestos

Regulations 2012. We have access to HSE Guidance and website including HSE Asbestos Essentials

Guides A0 and EM1.

The Managing Director shall ensure that an asbestos survey and a register for the company premises,

if built before the year 2000, will be issued to contractors that may work within the facilities.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the company has a duty to:

a) Make employees aware of the dangers of asbestos, and refresh this at least annually through

toolbox talks etc,

b) Identify possible asbestos by enquiry and survey, and communicate findings to workers,

c) Arrange the safe removal and disposal of asbestos by a licensed contractor

Any material discovered (or presumed to be) known or suspected to contain asbestos must be left

intact and immediately reported to the Supervisor.

The Company is not aware of any asbestos materials in its current premises that is a risk to its workers,

contractors or visitors. Should they become aware of any asbestos containing material, in unsafe

condition, in the future will report it to staff occupying those buildings, and contractors who may

undertake work there. Where there is a significant risk to health, the company will arrange to contain

or remove the material using a licensed contractor.


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In accordance with the Asbestos Regulations 2012, the company undertakes not to purchase, install

or re-use any asbestos based products in its contracts, premises, plant or vehicles.

Our operatives will not work with any reportable ACM and as such we will expect the area to be free

of asbestos prior to the commencement of any of our works. Our staff are also aware of how to

recognise ACM and where it may be found. They have been trained and receive updates to remind

them of the hazards and risks associated with such materials.

Where asbestos material is identified in tender documents or pre-contract surveys, a licensed

contractor will be arranged beforehand in consultation with the client or Principal Contractor.

Asbestos awareness will be included in site safety briefings and in operative safety training

programmes.

If employees receive training for category A and B asbestos awareness and safe work on non licensed

asbestos, they must ensure their insurance Company is fully aware of these activities, as general

construction insurance policies typically will not cover works of this nature.

For notifiable non-licensed works (NNLW) employers also have additional requirements from 2015

onwards to:

notify work with asbestos to the relevant enforcing authority;

ensure medical examinations are carried out; and

maintain registers of work (health records).

Traffic Management

The Managing Director shall determine a traffic management plan for our offices. Our working

Foreman shall ensure that he is aware of client traffic management plans and ensure that our staffs

adhere to the controls enforced on site.

Plant, Equipment & Tools

No equipment is to be used without evidence of training. We accept trade apprenticeships, NVQ or

similar as evidence of training to use small tools and equipment relevant to their work where no

formal or recognised certificated training course exists.

During induction, evidence of training will be sought from individuals. The working foreman is

instructed not to allow those without evidence to operate plant and equipment where formal training

is a legal, recognized industry requirement. Typical examples of evidence that are acceptable are

CISRS for scaffolders, CPCS cards for plant operatives, IPAF or CPCS cards for MEWP operatives and

relevant CSCS cards for tradesmen who require using powered tools and equipment etc.

We may use hired equipment in respect of our activities. The equipment test / examination records

will be inspected / received at the point of hire by the hirer. Any equipment without such records will

not be hired or used and similarly equipment brought to site by contractors shall be subject to the

same procedure.


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While on site, all equipment shall be subject to visual inspection before use with defective equipment

removed for repair, service or replacement.

The Working Foreman and Yard Manager shall:

a) Ensure equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which,

it is suitable, and that equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in correct working

order and in good repair. He shall ensure that only trained and competent operatives

attempt repairs and change consumables such as drill bits etc.

b) Take into account the working conditions, environment and hazards in the workplace

when selecting equipment.

c) Give adequate information, instruction and training or ensure it is or has been carried out

by others authorised to do so.

d) Make sure that work equipment is only used by authorised or trained personnel.

e) Carry out inspections and complete inspection registers for applicable equipment.

f) Ensure where applicable thorough test certification is available for plant and equipment

in use.

Prior to purchasing new equipment we shall consider risks such as noise / HAVS / safety devices

(such as braking / stopping capability / guarding where applicable) etc. and check for evidence of EC

product conformity. The Managing Director shall make such considerations prior to purchase.

The Company will comply with the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998 for all machinery, plant and equipment used either on work sites or on Company

premises. In particular the following requirements will apply:-

Suitability of work equipment

All work equipment will be suitable for the purpose for which it is used or provided.

Work equipment will be selected to ensure: -

1 It is fit for the working conditions

2 Account is taken of ergonomic design

3 Sufficient space is provided between moving parts of work equipment and the work

environment

4 Energy and substance can be supplied and used safely

5 When combustion engines are used adequate supplies of fresh air are provided

6 Work equipment is only used for the operations and conditions for which it is suitable


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Maintenance

Work equipment will be maintained in efficient state, efficient working order and good repair so that

it does not fail or deteriorate and lead to unacceptable health and safety risks.

For high-risk items of equipment a maintenance log will be kept detailing the results of maintenance

activities and any repairs undertaken.

Maintenance frequencies will depend on the intensity of use, operating environment, variety of

operations and risks to health and safety from malfunction or failure.

Maintenance works will be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and

instructions.

Maintenance work will only be carried out by fully trained and competent persons / organisations.

Where appropriate maintenance work will involve checking the effective operation of guarding and

other safety devices, records of such checks will be kept.

Where work equipment is hired, records or other evidence of maintenance will be obtained from the

Hire Company before the equipment is first put into use.

Inspections

Work equipment will be inspected to ensure it can be operated, adjusted and maintained safely and

that any deterioration can be detected at an early stage and remedied in good time. Inspection will

take place: -

1 After installation and before first being put into use.

2 After assembly at a new site or place of work.

3 After exceptional circumstances.

Results of inspection will be recorded and kept until the next inspection is undertaken.

Fully trained and competent persons will only undertake inspections; this may include employees of

the Company or employees from other organisations.

Where work equipment is hired, records or evidence of inspection will be obtained from the Hire

Company before first being put into use.

Specific Risks

Where the use of work equipment involves specific risks, such as in the use of recpricting saws , the

use of the equipment will be restricted to persons who are fully trained and competent in its use.

Fully trained and competent persons will only undertake repair, modification, maintenance or

servicing work on work equipment involving specific risks.


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Risk will always be controlled in the following order of priority: -

1 Elimination of the risk completely, where this is not possible;

2 Taking ‘Hardware’ measures such as the provision of guards and other safety devices, if risks

cannot be adequately controlled;

3 Taking ‘Software’ measures to deal with the remaining risk, such as safe systems of work

including permits to work.

Appropriate information, instruction and training will always be provided.

Information and instruction

Persons who use work equipment or who supervise or manage its use will be provided with adequate

information and where appropriate written instruction relating to the use of the equipment.

Information and where appropriate written instruction will cover: -

1 All health and safety aspects arising from the use of the work equipment.

2 Any limitations on the use of the equipment.

3 Any foreseeable difficulties that could arise in the use of the equipment and the methods for

dealing with them.

4 Conclusions drawn from experience in using the work equipment.

Conformity to European Requirements

The Company will ensure that all work equipment has been designed and constructed in accordance

with relevant European Directives and other appropriate legislation.

New work equipment will only be purchased that carries the ‘CE Marking’.

The Company will retain certificates of declaration for each item of work equipment carrying the ‘CE

Marking’.

Existing equipment used by the Company that does not carry the ‘CE Marking’ will be assessed to

ensure compliance with regulations 11-19 and 22-29 of The Provision and use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998.

Stability of Work Equipment

Work equipment will be stabilised to minimise the risk of it collapsing, overturning, falling over or

becoming unstable. The methods used to stabilise equipment include bolting, tying, fastening,

clamping, ballasting or counterbalancing.

Mobile equipment may be stabilised with the use of outriggers or other similar devices.

Ladders may be stabilised by tying, footing or using suitable stabilising devices at the top and/or

bottom of the ladder.


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Markings and warnings

Work equipment will be suitably marked for health and safety reasons, including the identification

of controls, maximum speeds, safe working loads and hazardous conditions or substances.

Suitable warning notices or devices will be fitted to work equipment where hardware measures

(guarding) do not adequately control the risks. Examples of information relayed by warning notices

include prohibitions, restrictions and positive instructions.

Warning devices may be audible or visual or a combination of both.

The Company will ensure that the risks to operators and others from mobile work equipment are

controlled. Operators and others will be protected against falling out of the equipment and from

unexpected movement.

No person other than the operator will be allowed to ride on work equipment unless it has been

specifically designed for the purpose.

Where there is a significant risk of injury from falling objects the equipment will be fitted with suitable

falling object protective structures (FOPS).

Where appropriate work equipment will be fitted with suitable restraining devices such as full body

seat belt or lap belts to prevent person falling or being thrown from the equipment.

Suitable guards or other control measures will be provided to prevent persons from coming into

contact with wheels and tracks fitted to work equipment.

Where appropriate, suitable roll-over protective structures (ROPS) will be fitted to work equipment

to protect persons in the event of the equipment rolling over onto its sides, back, front or top.

Plant with dust extraction outlets

The Company is fully aware of HSE requirements around dust controls and will ensure that when they

select tools they will consider the following:-

Limit the amount of dust created by choosing the appropriate tools and accessories – eg

sanding blocks/pads or grinding discs with enough holes to allow the dust to be extracted

through them.

Use an on tool extraction which is fitted directly to the tool.

Make sure the extraction system is right for the task.

Make sure the extraction unit removes the dust, filters it and stores it for safe disposal

Selecting the correct extraction unit is key to achieving this successfully. The Company will choose

an H (high) or M (medium) class unit. We will check that the unit creates and maintains enough air

suction to cope with the amount of dust the work will create. It needs to remove the dust as fast as

it is created.


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The correct face masks will also be face fitted to staff who use tools which emit dusts. The Company

will consider all operations that generate dusts inclusive of sanding, rubbing down, plastering and

mixing materials.

A system is in place for clearing up waste and maintaining plant that also controls risks to dusts

Construction Site Locations

As above the working foreman for each site will assess all the materials in use to identify those to

which COSHH applies and ensure that the correct documentation is available, operatives and others

made aware and control measures followed.

In addition we will consider the following:

a) Substances. Any material, purchased or otherwise encountered, which has the potential

for harming health is included; dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, micro-organisms. Whatever

the route of entry to the body – eyes, skin, cuts and abrasions, breathed in or swallowed.

b) Suppliers. We will ensure that the suppliers of materials to the company provide full

information on the hazards of use and the appropriate precautions to be taken.

c) Equipment. Any equipment preventing or controlling exposures to hazardous substances

shall be maintained and tested periodically and as required. Employees are required to

make appropriate use of such equipment and report any defects without delay. Cutting

of cement based products will be conducted by wet cutting and or with operatives

wearing Face Fit FFP3 masks,

d) Contractors. All contractors provide valid assessments for substances hazardous to health

which are to be used. The implications shall be discussed, as necessary, at the pre-

contract meeting.

e) Staff and Employees. Employees shall be provided with information as to the hazards of

materials to be used or encountered, instructed in safe working methods and be trained

to be able to follow the instructions. Employees and contractors shall comply with the

instructions issued and co-operate with any monitoring exercises.

Leptospirosis

Weils disease (leptospirosis) is prevalent where there are infected rodents. It is a bacteria carried in

their urine. Workers are at risk of developing weils disease if they come into direct contact with

contaminated urine or water such as sewers and ditches. Routes of exposure are through open cuts

or poor hygiene practices. Preventive measures include banning of food around the work area (strict

rules on where workers can eat) and ensuring workers observe good hygiene practices of washing

hands, forearms etc.


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Noise

The potential for noise hazards exist through our work activities. There is a potential for others to

create noise that is beyond our control. We shall:

a) Assess the risk from noise within our activities

b) Purchase or hire equipment with low level noise emissions where possible.

c) Ensure that when noisy plant or equipment is either hired in or purchased, the suppliers

will be asked for the noise information details that they are required to provide under

these regulations.

d) Ensure that where existing noisy plant or equipment is used, measures will be taken to

determine the typical noise levels that can be expected from that equipment under

normal working conditions.

e) Ensure that where it is not possible to establish typical working noise levels, due to say

environmental influences, noise level readings will be taken.

f) Monitor noise on site and endeavour to co-ordinate our activities away from noise

sources by others.

g) Evaluate work areas to determine necessary hearing protection zones.

h) Provide hearing protection where noise cannot be reduced at source.

From this information and the noise duration times that can be expected per day, an assessment of

the potential noise hazard will be made. The Managing Director and Foreman will then identify the

requirements for noise assessments and contact the company Safety Advisor for measurement and

advice as necessary.

The Regulations define the following:

Daily personal noise exposure LEP.d

Lower Exposure Action Value is 80 dB(A)

Upper Exposure Action Value as 85 dB (A).

Peak action level as 137 dB(C).

Any likelihood of operatives being exposed to the Lower Exposure Action Value (the maximum

pressure reached by the sound waves as in loud impulsive sources, such as cartridge operated tools),

requires an assessment of exposure to be carried out by a competent person a record kept of the

assessment, at this level hearing protection must be available.

At the Upper Exposure Action Value and above all reasonably practicable steps must be taken to

reduce the level of exposure and all operatives exposed at this level must be provided with, and wear,

ear protection. Other precautions include limit on time of exposure and the setting up of ‘Hearing

protection zones’. Such zones must be clearly defined and identified by appropriate safety signs to

compliant to the Sign & Signals Regulations 1996.

Operatives will be given information and training on the risk of hearing damage to which they may

be exposed and the steps taken to minimise that risk.


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General

Any work liable to expose any employee or Contractor to noise in excess of 85dB (A) over a working

day and/or any work on site liable to create a noise nuisance to neighbouring occupiers shall also be

subject to these arrangements.

Suppliers

The Managing Director shall ensure that suppliers of plant and equipment to the company provide

information on the noise emissions likely during normal use.

Tender Preparation and Pre-Contract

Likely noise emissions shall be taken into account when preparing tenders, to ensure that due

allowance is made for control measures. Where quieter means of carrying out operations are

identified, clients shall be invited to consider modifying the specification. Consideration shall be

given to liaison with neighbours prior to work commencing and notification to the local authority.

Contract

For noise exposures liable to exceed 87dB (A) over a time-weighted average of 8 hours, or for

continuous exposure any exposure over 85dB (A) assessments shall be made. Such assessments may

be specific to site, but more commonly will be related to the work, and may be reused. Tradesmen

shall ensure that the precautions suggested are implemented. Such precautions may include noise

reduction techniques, and/or the use of hearing defenders.

Equipment

Plant and equipment shall be maintained such that noise emissions are kept to a minimum.

Employees and contractors are required to make appropriate use of such equipment, and report any

defects without delay.

Contractors

All contractors shall advise the company of processes liable to generate high noise levels. The

implications shall be discussed at a pre-contract meeting.

Employees

Employees shall be provided with information on hazards of work exposing them to levels in excess

of 80dB(A) over a working day, instructed in working methods to protect their hearing, including the

use of hearing defenders and trained to be able to follow the instructions. They shall comply with

the instructions issued. They shall follow the safe working procedures and the use of equipment

including personal protective equipment and co-operate with noise measurement exercises.


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Record Keeping

Records shall be kept of exposure assessments, information, instructions and training provided,

employees trained.

Personal Protective Equipment

General

Site Operatives shall ensure that suitable and sufficient protective clothing and equipment is available

on site and worn whenever appropriate. Employees and contractors shall look after such items,

report defects and use them as required.

PPE shall be issued and used as a last resort, when all other control methods have been exhausted.

PPE issued shall conform to EN or BS EN i.e. CE standards, with compatibility and ergonomic

assessments made prior to issue when appropriate.

Training will be provided with regards to fitting, use and maintenance.

Appropriate storage and maintenance facilities will be provided. Appropriate systems for inspection

and replacement of all PPE are in place.

All employees will be required to wear and maintain PPE issued to them as applicable to their training

and instructions and immediately report any loss or noticed defect of PPE to their line manager.

Abuse of PPE is an offence under the Health and safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and will not be

tolerated. The Managing Director and foreman shall be responsible for assessment review, issue and

supervision of PPE requirement conformity.

Safety Helmets

Safety helmets shall be worn wherever there is a foreseeable risk of head injury. Sufficient helmets

shall be provided to each site and site workers comply with the specific site rules laid down by the

Main Contractor and/or the Tradesman in charge of the site. Helmets which have been subjected to

a sharp blow, or where cracks or deep scratches are evident in the shell, are to be removed from use

and destroyed immediately. Any helmet more than 3 years old shall be removed from use and

disposed of. Helmets are to be to EN397 standards.

The duty to wear safety helmets applies to all sites where building or civil engineering operations are

taking place under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, except where

management issues instructions to the effect that there is no foreseeable head injury risk. In practice,

this will be restricted to situations such as internal finishing of a completed building or works of a

minor nature in buildings already occupied.

Employers have a duty to provide every employee with his own safety helmet and to maintain it in

good condition, or replace it when necessary. They also have a duty to ensure that all site workers

wear safety helmets while working under their control. This includes issuing instructions enforcing

the requirement, by disciplinary action if needed.


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Site operatives have a duty to wear their safety helmet at all times when working on-site; unless their

managers instruct them that there is ‘no foreseeable risk of head injury’ (they need not be worn in

site offices or mess rooms).The requirements for on-site operatives include a duty for them to wear

the safety helmet ‘properly’ and to inspect it regularly for damage.

Eye Protection

Eye protection shall be worn wherever there is a foreseeable risk of eye injury.

Suitable eye protection must be worn when carrying out any of the wide range of processes as

specified in Regulation 4 of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

Sufficient goggles and/or visors shall be provided to each site and site workers must comply with

the specific rules laid down. A system for inspection and replacement shall be established for each

site.

Eye protection against mechanical and chemical hazards must be BSEN166.1B.3 and protection

during welding must be EN169.

Ear Protection

Hearing defenders shall be supplied and worn in accordance with the detailed arrangements for

controlling noise see section 12 of this policy.

Gloves

Gloves shall be provided and worn to protect hands during the handling of abrasive, corrosive or

other harmful skin agents. A system for inspection and replacement shall be established for each

site and the requirement to wear gloves shall be subject to specific risk assessment for each task. It

is recognised that gloves may need to be changed on a regular basis to match the hazards presented

during differing working practices. PPE to the EN 388 standards.

Respiratory Protection

Dust is a health hazard and masks will be provided and must be worn when conditions dictate. The

needs for respirators or breathing apparatus will not normally arise, but suitable equipment will be

provided where necessary and instruction given in its use.

Respiratory protection shall be worn wherever there is a foreseeable risk of significant exposure to

airborne harmful agents or the absence of adequate oxygen. Suitable equipment to the relevant

British Standard shall be provided to each site, and workers must comply with the specific site rules.

Nuisance dust masks shall only be issued in the absence of toxic dusts, fumes or vapours. Employees

required to wear respiratory protection shall be trained in its use and have a face fit test.

For non-disposable items, a system for inspection and maintenance shall be established for each site.

RPE should be selected by the appropriate EN standards, of which there are many dependant on the

risks encountered. Guidance should be sought via a reputable PPE supplier.


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Footwear

Employees and contractors are required to wear suitable footwear, shoes or boots, as the wearing of

unprotected shoes can lead to serious injury. Safety trainers for work on construction sites are to be

discouraged. If in the event that soft shoes are required for the nature of the works, i.e. working in

completed areas, then such shoes must be taken to the place of work and changed into. Should the

nature of the work require safety footwear, it will be the responsibility of the employer to provide

these as appropriate. Footwear should be either EN345 or the newer standard of EN20345, with the

appropriate sub category selected to match the risks encountered.

Safety Harnesses

Where there is any risk of falling, even if it is at or below ground level, and it is not possible to erect

a working platform or provide edge or collective protection, safety harnesses must be worn and

attached to a secure and tested anchor or horizontal cable. Safety harnesses must conform to

BSEN358 and, depending on the circumstances, may be used in conjunction with a fall arrest device,

which will conform to BSEN360-365: 2000.

Protective Clothing

Suitable items of protective clothing, disposable overalls, overshoes etc will be provided as necessary.

The risks will be assessed and will consider hazards such as the weather, hours of darkness, proximity

of traffic, speed of traffic, electrical static hazards, explosive hazards etc. Clothing will also conform

to the requirements of the Personal Protection Equipment Regulations 1992 and EN 361 conformity.

Effectiveness of PPE & Work Equipment

While on site, all equipment shall be subject to inspection before use with defective equipment

removed for repair or service or replacement.

The Foreman / all contractors shall:

a) Ensure equipment is used only for operations for which, and under conditions for which,

it is suitable, and that equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in correct working

order and in good repair. He shall ensure that only trained operatives attempt repairs

and change consumables such as drill bits etc.

b) Take into account the working conditions, environment and hazards in the workplace

when selecting equipment.

c) Give adequate information, instruction and training or ensure it is or has been carried

out by others authorized to do so.

d) Make sure that work equipment is only used by authorized or trained personnel.

e) Carry out inspections and complete inspection registers for applicable equipment.

f) Ensure where applicable thorough test certification is available for plant in use.

Prior to purchasing new equipment we shall consider risks such as Noise / HAVS / safety devices

(such as braking / stopping capability / guarding where applicable) etc. and check for evidence of EC

product conformity.


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The Managing Director shall make such considerations prior to purchase.

Electrical and Services Safety

The Managing Director is responsible for electrical safety overall within the company including

ensuring all equipment is inspected, tested and maintained.

All electrical work (e.g. at our office and work shop) is to be undertaken and tested by a qualified

electrician and contractors employed shall belong to a regulating body such as the NICEIC. Evidence

of training and affiliation to such bodies shall be required and checked by the surveyors as part of

the competence checks. NO LIVE WORKING IS PERMITTED.

All fixed installations shall be tested every five years. All fixed electrical installations will satisfy the

standard specified in the 18th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations. (This includes site offices, mess,

cabins and stores etc).

Cable runs shall be monitored to reduce the risk of damage.

Portable equipment shall be regularly tested (earth integrity PAT). For site equipment regularly used

this shall be at three monthly periods and that used infrequently shall be six months to one year.

Equipment within the office shall be checked annually or up to every five years dependent upon

equipment type and use (and dependent upon service contract).

All operatives are requested to visually check equipment prior to use and to remove from service any

defective equipment by placing it in the care of the foreman who shall arrange for repairs or

replacement.

Contractors shall be requested to test and check their equipment in the same manner and our safety

advisors / foreman shall check this during inspections.

All on site shall be made aware of the hazards and control measures (e.g. through induction / tool-

box-talks and signage etc).

In order to comply with the statutory requirements of these regulations, the following policy will be

adopted within the company.

All temporary and site electrical supplies will meet the requirements of the relevant British Standards

for 110-volt centre tapped earth, construction site electrical equipment, components, tools and

wiring.

Regular maintenance inspections will be carried out on all electrical tools, extension leads,

transformers and generators etc to ensure that they remain in safe working conditions at all times.

The time period between such inspections will be dictated by the circumstances under which the

equipment is required to operate.


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Working at Height

By nature of our activities we create risks from work at height. All such works will be assessed in

relationg to the equipment selection for the activity, duration and environment. In particular,

working foremen shall monitor site wide elements and activities of thers (eg excavations) that may

create an additional work at height hazard. We follow the hierarchy of eliminating risks of work at

height, or reducing risks of work at height by by using appropriate work equipment to prevent falls

and ensuring correct training. Correct equipment will be selected to minimise the distance and

consequences of a fall should one occur. All work at height will be planned.

Our activities involve the daily use of towers, podiums and scaffolds. The Company Policy is to train

its staff to industry guidance to ensure its workforce is able to safely use working platforms. All our

staff have also undertaken the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) Training

Scheme.

When working at height, employees must take all necessary precautions to avoid the risk of falling.

Where possible we work behind a hand rail and if required we wear a harness. Protection from falls

should be provided by way of a continuous hand rail. Where no Protection can be provided (e.g.

loading out by removing hand rails) a separate risk assessment shall be carried out and adequate

safety measures implemented before any work commences. In addition when working at a height,

special care must be taken to avoid risk to the health and safety of persons below, equipment must

be secured where appropriate and ‘KEEP CLEAR’ or ‘FALLING ZONE’ notices must be posted.

Ladders and other access equipment must be inspected regularly, including before and after use. If

any defect is found, remedial action must be taken immediately and the ladder / access equipment

must not be used until such remedial action has been completed.

Wooden ladders / access equipment must not be painted. They must be checked for rot, decay,

mechanical damage, splintering and wear and tear of the stiles, head and foot of the stiles and rungs.

Metal ladders and access equipment must be checked for corrosion and excessive wear, oxidation,

distortion and twisting.

Ladders

Ladders must be in good condition, based on firm level ground, properly angled (1 unit out for every

4 units up), tied near to the top and extend 1.05m above the stepping off point less there is a suitable

handhold. Unsecured ladders must be footed. Ladders should be considered as means of access

and egress and not suitable places of work unless that work is light in nature and of a short duration

(nominally up to 30 minutes in duration). Care must be taken when carrying, moving or erecting a

ladder near overhead electrical cables which may not be insulated. Always carry ladders horizontally

to reduce the risk of electric shock from overhead cables and danger from any other overhead

obstruction.


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Scaffolds

Scaffolds must not be altered or interfered with by any sub-contractors unless authorized by suitably

qualified personnel.. All working platforms must be fully boarded out and must have guardrails,

toe-boards and brick guards fitted where necessary to prevent materials from falling. These types

of scaffold must not be excessively loaded.

All recently erected scaffolding must have a certificate of completion from the erection team and be

inspected by the Supervisor before anyone is allowed to work from it. Scaffolds will also be inspected

weekly and the results recorded on the appropriate form.

Where required we will design scaffolds and provide clients with details designs, we will also

complete pull tests where required and keep records of the results. Designs will be externally

sourced and the client should take into account wrapping and sheeting when providing us with

information on the project.

LOLER Regulation 1998

The Regulations require that lifting equipment provided for use at work is:

a) Strong and stable enough for the particular use and marked to indicate safe working loads;

b) Positioned and installed to minimise any risks;

c) Used safely, ie the work is planned, organised and performed by competent people; and

d) Subject to ongoing thorough examination and, where appropriate, inspection by competent

people (12 months for lifting equipment, every 6 months for lifting people).

Lifting equipment includes any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including

attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it. The Regulations cover a wide range of

equipment including, cranes, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle

inspection platform hoists. The definition also includes lifting accessories such as chains, slings,

eyebolts etc. LOLER

Lifting Activities

A competent person will be employed to inspect all lifting appliances in use every week and the

results recorded. All lifting appliances will be checked to ensure they are marked with a safe working

load and copies of current test and thorough examination certificates will be held on site.

Lifting assessments and plans shall be undertaken for lifting operations and competent persons

employed to act as banksman, slingers, signallers and lift supervisors / appointed persons.

We recognise and full endorse the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and

its ACOP and the approved BS 7121.

General Site Safety

The following details should be viewed as a guide only and not a definitive statement on the safe

working practice to adopt whilst utilising the equipment/work activity.


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Safe Access

All access routes must be kept free from obstruction and, where necessary, lit. Work areas must be

kept tidy and materials stored safely. Nails protruding from timber must be hammered down or

removed.

P.U.W.E.R. (Work Equipment) Regulation 1998

It is the policy of the company to comply with the law as set out in the Provision and Use of Work

Equipment Regulations 1998.

1. The company will endeavour to ensure that all equipment used in the workplace is safe and

suitable for the purpose for which it is used. All employees will be provided with adequate

information and training to enable them to use work equipment safely.

2. All work equipment will be maintained in good working order and repair. All employees will be

provided with such protection as is adequate to protect them from dangers occasioned by the

use of work equipment. All work equipment will be clearly marked with health and safety

warnings where appropriate.

PAT testing of all electrical equipment used will be carried out as required and recorded.

Electricity - Construction Site Works

110v temporary electrical supply will normally be provided and 110v tools and equipment used

wherever practicable. All cables and connections must be checked to ensure that they are sound.

Waterproof fittings must be used for any external work. Trailing lead tripping hazards are to be

avoided. Electrical equipment and appliances shall be tested with a frequency determined by a

competent person, and the date and nature of the test recorded.

Other Work Areas

If 240v electrical supply is used then Residual Current Detectors (RCD’s) are to be fitted either to the

portable tool, the extension lead(s) or the wall-mounted socket. Regular operational checks are to

be made by the user on all protective devices to ensure safety.

The use of 110v is the preferred standard on construction/civil engineering sites and should, where

appropriate, be adopted and referred to in all relevant sections as being the standard for the

company.

Security

Sites must be secure at the end of each working day, and at any other time that the site is to be left

unattended. Where there is an enhanced risk of children using ladders or scaffolds to climb to high

levels, access at ground level should be prevented by a barrier at least 1.5m high securely fixed to

the base of the ladder or scaffold. All ladders giving access to elevated areas via scaffold etc should

be removed from site or stored in a secured compound.


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Hand Arm and Whole Body Vibration

We will assess the risks from (whole body) vibration through risk assessment. We remain aware of

this risk through forklift and plant use in particular, and will continue to monitor guidance issued on

the subject. The plant use is generally of short duration in respect of our activities and therefore the

risk, is believed to be reduced to an acceptable level – based on the information available currently.

We will use industry guidance and manufacturer’s guidance in determining exposure duration and

frequencies and whether job rotation is to be required.

Our activities may result in the use of hand held vibrating equipment such as drills, hand held ratchet

guns and impact drivers. Assessments shall be undertaken to determine the level of risk in relation

to action and limit levels and necessary control measures will be formed there from. As a general

rule we limit the maximum daily exposure to 2 hours for rotary equipment, and ½ hour for breakers.

We shall endeavour to only select equipment with low-level vibration emissions where possible.

Equipment will be subject to regular maintenance and servicing to keep it in good, serviceable

condition.

Emergency Procedures

While we recognise that many of our work activities are low risk some, however, may represent a

higher risk than would be acceptable. The severity of any incident could be high, however, the

likelihood of such a hazardous event occurring would be low. In this case we will develop and practice

emergency plans when identified as a requirement via the risk assessment process.

Examples where we anticipate the need for an emergency plans are:

a) Fire

b) First aid

c) Environmental damage / pollution and contamination

d) Road traffic incident

e) Falling in a harness

f) Any other reason that may come to our awareness from time to time that requires an

emergency plan

These emergency plans will form part of our site briefing packs and Supervisors are to conduct

regular tool box talks and ensure a full understanding by all employees prior to commencement of

works.


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Preventing Terrorism and Radicalisation Threats

The Company will monitor and review the current state of terrorism threat based on their activities

by utilising a range of sources such as news updates, government warnings, MI5 website and

information supplied by other agencies. Senior management will assess potential terrorism threats

to both staff and fixed premises and will complete a risk evaluation depending on works locations.

These assessments will also consider vehicles and plant used by the Company.

Procedures wil be developed for example when :-

A telephone bomb warning is received

A suspect package is discovered or delivered to the building

Search and check planning

Evacuation planning

Entry into the building by radical parties

Receipt of data threats

Online terrorism activity

The responsibility for ensuring safe measures are in place for all individuals and building(s) rests

with the most senior officer in the building concerned. Issues that must be considered include

bomb threats, armed person threats, identifying and dealing with unknown objects, mail and

deliveries, evacuations. In the event of an incident the most senior person must take charge of the

situation and make decisions based on available information at the time.

All employees are responsible for:

Understanding what terrorist/extremist activity and materials looks like and are confident to

share concerns through appropriate processes

Not participating in any terrorist/extremist activities, on-line or otherwise which leads to

terrorist activity

Ensuring they are aware of the Company whistle blowing policy and raise any concerns to

senior management immediately

Not putting themselves at further risk in any situation that may arise

Accident / incident & near miss reporting / recording / investigation

All accidents / incidents (e.g. dangerous occurrences, reportable diseases as notified by a registered

medical practitioner) are to be recorded in the office / site accident book. To comply with the Data

Protection Act, all recorded incidents shall be removed from the book (related reference number

applied to the form and remaining stub within the book) and incident details shall be retained within

the office.

All incidents in the office or on remote site works shall be reported directly back to the Managing

Director (or designated person in the absence of the Managing Director), who shall be considered


69

the responsible person for reporting, and in turn continue the reporting process in line with the

requirements of RIDDOR 2013 as deemed necessary. The Safety Advisors shall be informed by the

soonest possible means.

All fatalities, serious injury incidents and dangerous occurrences shall be reported by the quickest

practicable means to the HSE / RIDDOR reporting centre. Reports must be made by telephone for

fatal and major injuries only, and online for all other occurrences: www.hse.gov.uk/riddor.

All incidents relating to an absence from work for over seven days (not including the day of the

accident), or diseases that are required to be notified shall be reported within fifteen working days

from the date of the incident.

All incidents can be reported online www.hse.gov.uk but a telephone service is also provided for

reporting fatal and specified injuries only - call the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 9923

(opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm).

Following any incident relating to a reportable event, the Managing Director shall instigate an

investigation to determine the immediate, underlying and route causation. The external consultant

advisors will be notified and requested to assist in the investigation as deemed necessary.

The findings of the investigation shall be evaluated against current procedures and procedural

reviews undertaken to prevent further occurrences.

Accident trends and statistics shall be evaluated on an annual basis in line with a review of the health

and safety policy objectives and performance standards. Remedial action will be taken as considered

necessary, dependent upon the review outcome.

The Safety Advisor may conduct near miss investigations to allow the organisation to gather

information that may be used to better management systems. In addition to the emergency

arrangements detailed below the company will ensure it complies with the disciplines and protocols

detailed in the above standards and utilise the appropriate forms for recording and submitting

information.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor

http://www.hse.gov.uk/


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Accident Investigation Procedure

The scene of accidents/dangerous occurrences must be left undisturbed until all investigations

required by the Health and Safety Executive Inspector or its main contractor has been completed.

a) The company will keep records of all accidents including all reported accidents and will also

investigate and report on them as detailed in accident reporting.

b) The Directors may require a comprehensive report to be undertaken by a suitably qualified

person/organisation and the company shall have the responsibility to heed recommendations

which may be forthcoming as a result of accident investigation.

c) It shall be the responsibility of every employee to ensure that the health & safety consultant or

line management is given every co-operation when investigating a site or an accident

investigation.

d) As part of the ongoing accident investigation process undertake regular monitoring and

inspections.

NB: The insurance company/broker acting for the company may require additional Information.

Inspections

Safety inspections are seen as a critical element in monitoring our compliance with set safety

standards and as a method of consultation with contractors and general operatives to encourage

cooperation and maintain control.

Monitoring

With our ‘Safety Advisors’ we will, through regular site visiting, monitor the efficiency of the health

and safety policy. Working foremen will also monitor the efficiency of the policy and report to the

Managing Director. Meetings will be held at regular intervals to discuss all aspects of health & safety

and to update the policy as necessary.

Monitoring & inspections shall also be undertaken through incident statistic evaluation and reports.

In light of any identified omissions within our policy as may be raised through our monitoring, such

areas shall be reviewed to seek improved control and the policy adapted to suit, with all being made

aware of the changes.

The Managing Director shall be responsible for ensuring that regular monitoring & inspections are

undertaken, and will evaluate feedback and statistical information. Necessary changes will be

considered through the management and the safety representative meetings.

Audit & Management Review

Our Safety Advisors will be requested to carry out annual inspection with an audit of the activities

and management review of health and safety systems.

Office : The Commercial Director inspecting the office.


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Remote Sites: Working Foreman, Contracts Managers and periodically, ad-hoc, inspections by our

Safety Consultants will be carried out.

The Managing Director will evaluate written reports provided by our external advisors.

Disputes and disciplinary

In the event of any dispute regarding health and safety matters, these should be addressed to an

immediate supervisor and if not successfully resolved direct to the Managing Director in writing. We

shall endeavour to resolve any dispute quickly and fairly.

Failure to comply with the company health and safety policy or contravention of statutory

requirements, regulations, rules or procedures may result in the offender being temporarily or

permanently removed from a site. Persistent offenders may, at the discretion of their Managing

Director, be dismissed from the company, in accordance with company procedures.


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Appendix A

Duty Holders

Responsibility Description Name(s)

OH&S Objective Control

(Top Management)

Responsibility and authority for planning

and achieving OH&S Objectives, by the

provision and analysis of monthly input

data for evaluation against given targets

Managing Director

Co-coordinating H&S Issues

(Safety Managers)

Appointed persons for

co-coordinating health & safety

Safety Advisors

Investigating and Reporting

Accidents, Incidents and Near

Misses

Provision of management statistics,

Investigation reports, accident book

entries & RIDDOR Reports

Risk Assessment

Provision of suitable and sufficient

Common Hazard (CH)and Task Specific

(TS) Risk Assessments to identify, control

and eliminate any foreseeable harm

Manual Handling Assessment

Assessment of hazardous manual

handling activities to identify, control

and eliminate any foreseeable harm

Subcontractor/Sub-subcontractor

Review

To maintain and review the register of

approved subcontractors

Workplace Inspections

(Including Subcontractors)

To undertake planned safety tours and

safety inspections to provide input data

for management review

Site Supervisors

Hazardous Substances

COSHH Risk Assessments &

Control of Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS’s)

Site Supervisors

Training

H&S induction and task specific training

e.g. pressure washers, fork lift truck,

manual handling, PPE & hazardous

substances

Display Screen Equipment Work station assessment of DSE ‘users’

Fire and Evacuation

Arrangements

Fire Risk Assessment

Appointed competent person(s) to

ensure fire safety

Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE)

To control the allocation of PPE and to

provide information, instruction, training

and supervision.

Safety Representatives

To represent their members’ interests in

matters of health, safety and welfare and

to carry out statutory functions outlined

in Safety Representatives & Safety

Committee Regulations 1977

First Aid / Appointed Person

To administer first aid treatment,

contact the emergency services,

maintain first aid equipment

Work Equipment Inspections

To undertake planned & documented

“thorough” inspections of work, access

& lifting equipment and accessories

Site Supervisors


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Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) To thoroughly inspect

portable electrical appliances


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Appendix B

HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGAL REGISTER Company Name: Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd

Address of Premises: 5 Birch Way, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3TS

Undertaken by: Simple Safety Advice Ltd

Order Legislative Register

Significant

Applicable

Regulation

Yes No

1. 1 Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009

2. Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996

3. Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009

4. Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

5. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

6. Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

7. Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

8. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

9. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended)

10. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

11. Controlled Waste (Registration of Carrier and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 1991 (as amended 1998)

12. Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

13. Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002

14. Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (Refer to Equality Act 2010)

15. Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

16. Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

17. Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969

18. Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Regulations 1998

19. Environment Act 1995

20. Environmental Protection Act 1990

21. Equality Act 2010

22. Food Safety Act 1990

23. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998

24. Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005

25. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

26. Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

27. Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996

28. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended)

29. Health and Safety (Information for Employees) Regulations 1989


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Legislative Register

Significant

Applicable

Regulation

Yes No

30. Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

31. I.E.E. Wiring Regulations 17th Edition and Guidance

32. Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999

33. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

34. Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1989

35. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as amended

36. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

37. New Roads and Street Works Act 1991

38. Occupiers’ Liability Act(s) 1957 and 1984

39. Petroleum-Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982

40. Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

41. Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002

42. Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

43. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

44. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

45. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

46. Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977

47. Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (as amended 2011)

48. Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006

49. Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012

50. Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007

51. Special Waste Regulations 1996 (as amended 2001)

52. Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended 2007)

53. Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended)

54. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

55. OHSAS 18001:2007

56. ISO 9001:2015

57. ISO 14001:2015

Reference Publications

59. Health and Safety in Construction HSG 150

60. Managing Health and Safety in Construction L153

61. ACoP Leptospirosis

Documents

Health & Safety Policy · Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd Health and Safety Policy 2019 5 Company Overview Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd– Introduction Hailsham Scaffolding Ltd was formed