Health & Safety POLICY & PROCEDURE...Xxxx Policy/procedure: Issue date: Version No: 1.0 Status: Approved Review date: Page 6 of 18 1. Introduction This document sets out the policy

Xxxx Policy/procedure: Issue date: Version No: 1.0

Status: Approved Review date: Page 1 of 18

Health & Safety

POLICY & PROCEDURE



Policy Control/Monitoring

Version: 1.0

Approved by:

(Name/Position in Organisation)

Date:

Accountability:

(Name/Position in Organisation)

Chief Executive, Percy Hedley Foundation

Author of policy:

(Name/Position in organisation)

Barbara Bolam

Head of Residential Services

Date issued: 1.8.15

Revision Cycle: 12 annually

Revised (Date): 1.8.16

Target audience:

Barbara Bolam

Head of Residential Services

Amendments/additions

Replaces/supersedes:

All previous residential policies and procedures



Associated Policies:

(insert hyperlinks)

Associated National Guidance

The Quality and Purpose of Care Standard

Children’s Wishes and Feelings Standard

Education Standard

The Enjoyment and Achievement Standard

The Health and Well-being Standard

The Positive Relationships Standard

The Protection of Children Standard

The Leadership and Management Standard

The Care Planning Standard

The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations

2015

Promoting the Health and well-being of Looked

After Children

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015

The Children Act 1989 Guidance and

Regulations March 2010

Document status This document is controlled electronically and shall be deemed an uncontrolled documented if printed. The document can only be classed as ‘Live’ on the date of print. Please refer to the staff login section of the internet for the most up to date version.

Equality Impact Assessment

This document forms part of Percy Hedley’s commitment to create a positive culture

of respect for all staff and service users. The intention is to identify, remove or

minimise discriminatory practice in relation to the protected characteristics (race,

disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious or other belief, marriage and civil

partnership, gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity), as well as to

promote positive practice and value the diversity of all individuals and communities.

As part of its development this document and its impact on equality has been

analysed and no detriment identified.



Version Control Tracker

Version Number

Date Author/

Title Status

Comment/Reason for Issue/Approving Body

Roles & Responsibilities

Role

Responsibility

Chief Executive

Overall responsibility to ensure this policy conforms to current guidelines and best practice. Ensuring resources and infrastructure are available to allow its implementation. To achieve a safe working environment which includes Safe storage of medicines, correct documentation and safe administration.

Director of Human Resources Department

Ensure effective implementation of this policy. Ensure a current list of all policies is available to all staff. Review dates of policy reviews and notify accountable person of policy.

Head of Service/Head of department

Ensure effective implementation of this policy. Ensure a current list of all policies is available to all staff. Review dates of policy reviews and notify accountable person of policy.

Training Development Officer

Support line managers to develop training needs analysis and develop training plan for staff identified as requiring training. Procure and evaluate training and development to enable staff to provide safe care with medication. Provide an overview to the exec team on current position of training and development across the organisation.

Quality Manager Provide framework for audit of policy and compliance. Provide audit report to Board. Monitor effectiveness of this policy with senior management team. Raise awareness of non-compliance with Head of Service.

Health and Safety Manager Monitor incidents and complaints and near misses in relation to this policy. Report to audit committee. Provide risk assessment training to staff to support this policy



CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Purpose

3. Scope

4. Definitions/Abbreviations

5. Principles

6. Monitoring and Compliance

7. Risk Assessments for External Activities – procedure

7.1 Overnight trips

8. First Aid Accidents / Injuries

9. Staff Safety

9.1Violence / Aggression towards a staff member

9.2. Violence / Aggression child / child

10. Home Safety

10.1 Fire Safety

10.2 Testing Equipment

10.3 Fire Procedures

11. Areas of concern

11.1 Dealing with a Kitchen Fire

11.2 Pan Fire

11.3 Electrical Fire

11.4 Furniture

11.5 Areas of Concern

11.6 Electrics



1. Introduction

This document sets out the policy of Bradbury View in relation to the Health & Safety

and wellbeing of all persons entering the home or involved with activities relating to

the home and should be implemented to protect children/young people and staff

from injury or harm whenever that potential arises as well as to support staff in

decisions they must make. Current and appropriate risk assessments must be

undertaken for all potential hazards both in and out of the home. The registered

manager is responsible for compiling risk assessments pertaining to the daily

running of the home which will be kept in an accessible file and reviewed and

updated regularly (at least annually) to be used for reference or to be checked

through inspections as required.

All staff members will be responsible for compiling personalised risk assessments for

children/young people as well as outings, activities and trips undertaken and for

ensuring these are properly recorded and kept on file for other staff to be familiar

with. During the working day there will be many situations in which staff need to carry

out situational dynamic risk assessments relating to activities of children/young

people or situations arising within the home.

2. Purpose

Bradbury View operates to a high standard of health and safety with the intention of

reducing the opportunity for accidents and injuries within the workplace. It expects all

managers to pursue this policy with diligence to ensure safe operation and a safe

place of work.

3. Scope

This policy will apply to employees working within Children’s & Young People’s

Residential Services and employed by the Foundation under a contract of

employment.

This document will be made available to all employees who are engaged in

Residential Services who will then be expected to familiarise themselves with the

principles covered within this policy.



4. Definitions

The term ‘safety’ is defined as

- The prevention of all injuries - The promotion of occupational health and hygiene - The control of all situations likely to cause damage to property and equipment - The investigation of ‘near miss’ situations - Fire prevention and control

5. Principles

The guiding principles of the policy are:-

o Provide a safe and secure environment.

o Carry out and regularly review risk assessments to identify proportionate and

pragmatic solutions to reducing risks.

o Comply fully with all relevant legal requirements, codes of practice and

regulations.

o Provide adequate resources to control the health and safety risks arising from

our work activities.

o Provide adequate training and ensure that all employees within the home are

competent to do their identified tasks.

o Regularly monitor performance and revise policies and procedures to pursue

a programme of continuous improvement.

6. Monitoring and Compliance

Overall responsibility for the operation of the policy lies with the Registered Manager

/ Head of Residential Services. The effectiveness of the policy will be formally

reviewed and monitored as a minimum on a 12 basis to ensure that it continues to

meet the requirements of The Foundation, the specific service area and that it

reflects best practice and statutory legislation as appropriate.



7. RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES -

PROCEDURE

All activities are planned and any potential risk that may occur considered and taken

care of before the activity is carried out to keep risks at an acceptable level. Staff

should consider:

o The type of activity and the level to which it will be undertaken.

o Location and accommodation.

o Competence, experience and qualifications of staff

o Age, fitness competence and temperament of all children/young people

involved.

o Ratio of staff to children/young people, considering also experience and

competence.

o Quality and suitability of equipment available

o Seasonal conditions, weather timing.

o Arrangements for supervision: number of persons, ratio of staff to

children/young people, nature and form of supervision.

o Staff must take a Unit mobile telephone out with them and emergency

telephone numbers and leave exact details of the outing with staff remaining

at the unit.

IF THE RISK IS TOO GREAT AND CANNOT BE REASONABLY PLANNED FOR,

THE OUTING SHOULD NOT GO AHEAD

Some activities require the attention of a trained expert, for example rock climbing or

canoeing; where specific skills, knowledge or experience are needed staff should not

take responsibility for activities with danger for which they are not qualified. The duty

of care remains with staff when children/young people are on an outing and is never

transferred to a trainer or guide.

7.1 OVERNIGHT TRIPS - PROCEDURE

o Written permission must be granted from those with parental responsibility

o Information must be given to parents/carers about the type of activities and

the itinerary for the trip.

o Staff should ensure that they have sufficient medication for the duration of the

trip, medical history and emergency telephone numbers.

o Trip must be agreed with the registered manager.

o A detailed itinerary will always be necessary.



o Registered manger or other senior staff member must be contacted if

unforeseen circumstances occur.

o Correct procedure must be followed in the event of a child/young person

going missing.

o Staff must pay attention to gender balance of staff and children/young people

on overnight trips and a needs led risk assessment will consider the staff

required for supporting particular young people in each instance.

8. FIRST AID - ACCIDENTS/INJURIES PROCEDURE

Where accidents or injuries do occur they should be dealt with quickly and effectively

or referred immediately to the emergency services. Staff must undertake the

following procedures:-

o Respond to the accident/injury.

o Complete Accident / treatment log giving factual information.

o Complete accident book.

o Depending on the severity staff should consider if a Significant Incident form

is to be completed. E.g. if it is a scratch or small bruise from a child bumping

into something etc this would not require a Significant Incident sheet to be

completed. However, if the accident/injury occurred using equipment etc. then

a Significant Incident Form would be required.

o A body chart is to be completed with factual information and distributed to

parents/carers and all professionals involved with the child. A copy to be held

on the child’s file. Also attach Accident slip to a body chart and file in Accident

File.

o If a child sustains an accident / injury and requires medical attention,

Management to be informed who will then contact the Local Safeguarding

Operations Manager/LADO. OFSTED Notification to be submitted. IRO,

Parents/carers and identified social worker should also be informed.

o Daily case notes to be completed and staff to cross reference them to other

documents e.g. Treatment log number, Significant Incident log number etc.

o Staff will need to carry out further checks at regular intervals to ensure that

there has been no further deterioration or visible marks evident on the child.



9. STAFF SAFETY - GUIDANCE

While some level of confrontation may be experienced within the home where staff

are trying to enforce boundaries, this should not result in the bullying, victimisation or

targeting of any child/young person or staff member. It will be staffs responsibility to

work together to plan appropriate strategies for dealing with a child young/person’s

behaviours where necessary and this can be discussed during team meetings and

incorporated if appropriate into the child/young person’s positive behaviour

management plan.

o Staff should receive advice and training regarding managing aggression and

violence in the workplace.

o Staff should warn each other of potentially dangerous situations.

o Staff should call for back up when alone and a potentially dangerous situation

arises.

o When staff go out with a child/young person or people, their time of leaving,

place of visit and expected return time should be known to staff and if possible

a mobile contact number.

o When working with a child/young person or adult such as a family member

with a known history of aggression, precautions should be taken to minimise

the risk, such as working in pairs or working in a room adjacent to the office or

other staff members.

o Individual staff are not responsible for managing potentially violent situations

rather the team as a whole and the Registered Manager in particular should

carry out rigorous risk assessment and implement risk management

strategies.

o Staff should avoid putting themselves in situations which may lead to

allegations.

o The home has a lone working risk assessment in place.

o Staff have the right to contact the police for any instance of unwarranted

assault.



9.1 VIOLENCE/AGGRESSION TOWARDS A STAFF MEMBER FROM A CHILD/YOUNG PERSON - PROCEDURE

If a staff member receives violence and aggression from a child the following

process is to be undertaken:-

Staff member to complete a violence and aggression form on line giving

factual information within 24 hours of the incident.

A Significant Incident form is to be completed with factual data If any other

form of documentation is completed in relation to the violence / aggression

incident then this must be cross referenced on the Significant Incident form,

e.g. Positive Intervention Log number etc.

If a restraint takes place during the Incident of violence / aggression the

Positive Physical Intervention Log must be completed within 24 hours with

factual data. Management to be informed, parents/carers and identified social

worker. Staff will also need to ask the child if they would like medical attention

using their preferred method of communication e.g. speech or their

personalised “Social Story” and their response documented on the Physical

Intervention Log. Staff will also need to seek medical attention or advice and

this information is to be accurately recorded on the Physical Intervention Log.

If a child receives bruising or sustains and injury from the Incident,

Management, the Local Safeguarding Operations Manager/LADO, IRO,

Parents/carers and identified social worker to be informed immediately.

OFSTED Notification is to be submitted.

A body chart to be completed and distributed to all professionals involved

with the child. A copy to be held on the child’s file.

Staff to complete factual daily case notes and cross reference to the relevant

document numbers that have been completed in relation to the Incident e.g.

Positive Intervention Log number, Significant Incident Log number, Violence

to staff number etc



9.2 VIOLENCE AGGRESSION CHILD TO CHILD

If a child targets another child using violence and aggression the following process is

to be undertaken:-

A Significant Incident form is to be completed with factual data. If any other

form of documentation is completed in relation to the incident then this must

be cross referenced on the Significant Incident form e.g. Positive Intervention

log number etc.

If a restraint takes place during or following the Significant Incident then

Positive Physical Intervention Log must be completed within 24 hours with

factual data. Management to be informed, parents/carers and identified social

worker. Staff will also need to ask the child if they would like medical attention

using their preferred method of communication e.g. speech or their

personalised “Social Story” and their response documented on the Physical

Intervention Log. Staff will also need to seek medical attention or advice and

this information is to be recorded on the Physical Intervention Log.

If a child receives bruising or sustains an injury from the assault,

Management, the Local Safeguarding Operations Manager/LADO, IRO,

Parents/carers and identified social worker to be informed immediately.

OFSTED Notification to be submitted.

A body chart to be completed and distributed to all professionals involved with

the child. A copy to be held on the child’s file.

If the child requires any form of treatment following the incident the Accident/

Treatment log is to be completed.

Staff to complete factual daily case notes and cross reference to the relevant

document numbers that have been completed in relation to the incident e.g.

Positive Intervention Log number, Significant Incident form number,

Staff will need to carry out further checks at regular intervals to ensure that

there has been no further deterioration or visible marks evident on the child.



10. HOME SAFETY PROCEDURES

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

It is staff’s responsibility to always be vigilant in checking that electrical equipment or

fixtures are used appropriately and kept in good condition. All members of staff

should be aware of the location of the fuse box and how to access it in an

emergency. Under normal circumstances, access to this equipment should be

restricted to prevent accidents to children/young people

To ensure electrical safety, staff should check for:-

o Danger signs: hot plugs or sockets, fuses that blow for no apparent reason,

flickering lights, scorch marks on sockets and plugs, which are all signs of

loose wiring and other faults.

o Badly wired plugs: fix or remove all plugs where coloured wires are visible as

they could be pulled or come into contact with water or other debris.

o Fraying Power Leads: the outer covering

o Repaired power leads: do not tape over split or frayed power leads, always

purchase replacements.

o Overloaded sockets: this can lead to overheating; also check how secure the

socket is to the wall, that there are no cracks in the socket itself and that no

objects have been jammed into any part of it.

o Cables in Vulnerable Positions: these can be tripped over, come into contact

with water or heat. Always uncoil cables before using them.

o Fluids: keep all liquids and liquid sources away from electrical appliances or

fixtures.

o Overheating and Ventilation: Keep all ventilation gaps in appliances clear,

overheating can damage the equipment and lead to fire.

o Toasters: keep the toaster away from curtains and check it regularly for

lodged items on the elements.

o Maintenance: equipment should be serviced yearly and a PAT’s certificate to

be held on file.

o Safety Checks: all appliances should be checked annually and the results

recorded.

THE REGISTERED MANAGER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT

PAT TESTING IS CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE HOME ANNUALLY



10.1 FIRE SAFETY

The home has adequate fire and safety equipment which is serviced regularly with

appropriate training for staff regarding safety procedures and fire drills. The home is

inspected by the local fire authority and will display a copy of its own fire and

emergency procedure with which all staff, children/young people will be familiar.

The home is equipped with;-

o A fire alarm system incorporating trigger switches, smoke and heat detectors

and emergency lighting.

o Fire exits and evacuation routes are clearly marked

o Fire extinguishers and fire blankets in designated areas

o Torches in staff bedroom and staff office

o Emergency red box which contains space blankets, torches, high vis jackets,

emergency contact details of staff and children/young people.

All staff members will be familiar with operating the equipment.

10.2 TESTING EQUIPMENT

o Weekly testing of the fire alarm

o Weekly testing of emergency lighting

o Alarm systems checked annually by installers

10.3 FIRE PROCEDURES

If a fire is discovered, the primary consideration in all instances is to preserve life:

1. Raise the alarm to alert everyone in the vicinity to move to a safer place

(follow evacuation plan)

2. Evacuate the building into fresh air by the most direct route without stopping

to collect anything on the way; close all doors passed on the way

3. Dial 999 telling the operator that the Emergency Service required is the Fire

Brigade. State your name, the address of the building, the telephone number

and the nearest main road.

4. Be aware that other emergency services such as an ambulance may be

needed.

5. Get everyone together for a roll call.

6. Be prepared to pass any information to the fire officer, particularly if anyone is

missing.

7. Do not return to the building.



Staff should only attempt to put out the fire if you feel you have the skill, knowledge

and equipment and that nobody is in danger of injury from the attempt. Never return

to the building in an attempt to put out the fire. Never return to the building in an

attempt to find a missing person, this is the role of the fire brigade; the role of the

staff is to ensure those present are adequately supported and supervised. Return

only when clearance is given by the attending fire officer.

It is the responsibility of all staff on duty to ensure that these procedures are

followed. If a fire requires any part of the building to be evacuated, it must be

considered as a significant incident and reported immediately.

All children/young people will be introduced to the fire procedures on admission and

staff will be introduced on induction. Regular visitors to the home will have the

procedures explained to them. Fire drills will be carried out with staff and

children/young people involved. During drills certain parts of the building should be

blocked off creating the kind of situations that may occur in an actual fire.

11. AREAS OF CONCERN

KITCHEN SAFETY- PROCEDURE

It is all staff members’ responsibility to ensure that they do not become distracted

and leave things unattended: this is particularly important within the home where

children/young people may be at risk. The following steps can help to reduce risks:

o If you are called away from the kitchen by the telephone, visitors or other

disturbances remove pans from the heat so they cannot be forgotten about.

o Try not to be distracted whilst cooking.

o Turn saucepan handles so that they don’t stick out and not over another ring.

o Keep the oven door shut

o Don’t put oven gloves or tea towels on the cooker after using them

o Always clean the grill pan after use

o Double check that the oven or grill is switched after use

o Ensure sharp knives are locked away when not in use

o Follow food handling procedures when in contact with food

o Ensure food is stored correctly and disposed of when out of date

o Ensure all surfaces and floors are kept clean



11.1DEALING WITH A FIRE IN THE KITCHEN - PROCEDURE

o Safety is of primary importance – try to get everyone out!

o Assess whether the fire can be safely handled or emergency services should

be contacted.

o Follow fire procedures for call emergency services, if necessary, closing the

door on leaving the kitchen.

11.2 A PAN FIRE

o If a pan catches fire, do not move it.

o Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so – never lean over the pan to reach the

controls

o Do not throw water over it

o Run a cloth under the tap, wring it out carefully and cover the flaming pan

o If you have a fire blanket, use it to cover the pan

o Do not use a fire extinguisher in a pan containing oil

o Leave the pan to cool completely

11.3 AN ELECTRICAL FIRE

o Pull the plug out or switch off the power at the fuse box; this may stop the fire

immediately

o Smother the fore with a fire blanket or use a dry powder carbon dioxide

extinguisher

o Never use water on an electrical fire

11.4 FURNITURE

o Ensure wall units are wardrobes are secured to walls

o Ensure that all furniture is in good condition

o Dispose of broken furniture

o When lifting follow good lifting procedures

o Do not lift heavy furniture

o Get help when needed



11.5 AREAS OF CONCERN

It is all staff members’ responsibility to be vigilant about checking for hazards at all

times and in all places. All potentially dangerous situations should be reported to the

Registered Manager / Management Team immediately. It is the responsibility of the

Registered Manager/Management Team to identify and risk assess any potential

hazards.

11.6 ELECTRICS

o Ensure all electric equipment has serviceable cables

o Ensure that correct fuses are fitted to plugs

o Do not leave electric cables trailing across walkways

o Do not overload electric sockets

o Do not use multi plugs

o Use fuse



Monitoring & Compliance

The below table outlines the monitoring and compliance requirements of the

procedure:

Element Monitored

Lead Person

Tool Frequency Reporting Arrangement

Lead Person - Act on

Recommendation

Lead Person – Dissemination

of Lessons Learned

E.g Adherence to policy

Policy Author

Audit

Annually Policy Author Policy Author

Documents

Health & Safety POLICY & PROCEDURE...Xxxx Policy/procedure: Issue date: Version No: 1.0 Status: Approved Review date: Page 6 of 18 1. Introduction This document sets out the policy