Health and Safety PolicyStatement of IntentIt is the firm policy of Wrekin Products (herein after referred to as the Company) to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all its employees and any others who may be affected by its undertaking, in accordance with current legislation. The Company will provide such information, instruction and training as is necessary to ensure that all its employees are aware of their own duties and responsibilities under relevant legislation and to ensure implementation of this policy. Risks assessments will be undertaken / reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the identification of all significant hazards and corrective action required to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Sufficient resources will be provided to meet the requirements of Health and Safety legislation. Our general intentions are:
Organisational Individual ResponsibilitiesOverall and Final Responsibility for Health and SafetyDirector(s) - Stan Turner Responsibilities of the Director(s) of Health and Safety
Responsibilities of the Manager(s)
Responsibilities of Employees
Competent PersonTo assist with the ongoing health and safety of employees and to ensure compliance with Regulation 7 of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 the Company engages the services of Southall Associates Ltd. Southall Associates Ltd provide the following:
Arrangements for ImplementationInsuranceThe Managing Director(s) of the Company is responsible for insuring the activities of the organisation. Insurance certificates shall be displayed at the office and may also be made available to employees through the SafetyCloud system. Safety CloudSafetyCloud is a web-based system, providing a modern approach to Health and Safety. SafetyCloud is a well-honed system, designed to record, and store accident information and to produce hold and manage, risk assessments, clear due diligence trails and policy documentation. Safety Cloud monitors all work equipment and advises of impending checks and all employee training can be managed through SafetyCloud including the provision of e-learning tutorials. Risk assessmentIn line with the duty placed upon them by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Company will ensure risk assessments are carried out for all work activities which pose a risk to employees and others. The principle 5 steps to risk assessment will be followed. Risk assessments will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they remain effective and relevant to our work activities. We recognise that health and safety standards are moving targets and we aim to continually improve. Where the assessor is unable to minimise the risk to an acceptable level, the findings of the risk assessment will be reported to the Managing Director(s) of the Company. Consultation with employeesIn accordance with the Safety Representative and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 it is the intention of the Company to promote a culture whereby employees are encouraged to bring to the attention of their Manager and ultimately the Director(s) any issues relating to safety. Should employees wish to form a safety committee this would be facilitated. We acknowledge that employee involvement is a vital element in ensuring that all hazards are identified, and concerns addressed. All staff will have access to read this and other policies via the SafetyCloud Website and can raise concerns at any time with their manager. Monitoring and inspectionWe will undertake regular inspections and checks to monitor health and safety standards and ensure a healthy and safe workplace. Southall Associates will undertake 6 monthly site safety audits depended upon the assessed risk at each site. Responsibility for carrying out monthly Health and Safety inspections will be delegated to the designated manager(s) at each site. The manager will conduct this check on the SafetyCloud system and should report findings of the inspections to the Managing Director(s) as required. The Manager or other senior members of the management team will also do occasional health and safety spot checks. Information, instruction, training and supervisionThe Company will provide employees with adequate information, instruction, training and/or supervision to enable them to undertake their duties safely. A staff health and safety handbook will contain important information regarding any workplace hazards they may be exposed to and the safe working procedures and control measures to follow. Written records of training will be maintained, with all new starters given induction training relevant to their duties. Training will include instruction on the safe use of any equipment provided and other information that is relevant to their specific role and responsibilities. Specific training sessions will be arranged if there is a change to health and safety procedures; if it is agreed as part of a member of staff’s training and development plan or to inform staff of a specific health and safety concern. Any training and development needs should be reported to the relevant Manager. Note to employees - If you are required to undertake a task which you feel you are not competent and where your health and safety might be put at undue risk you are required to stop work and report this immediately so that appropriate remedial steps can be taken. Young workersPersons under the age of 18 years may be employed (or placed on work experience) but only after a risk assessment has been carried out to identify any potential risk to the young person in the place of work. Factors considered within the assessment are physical strength, possible smaller size, any health issues and any physical and learning difficulties. The assessment also takes into account their inexperience and lack of awareness. Induction training is provided, and clear instructions on the tasks young people should not be involved in. At all times a young person will be adequately supervised and will be given the appropriate training before being asked to undertake any given task. New and expectant mothersOnce the Company have been informed in writing that a worker is pregnant, a risk assessment will be carried out. The risk assessment will take into account the type of work normally undertaken and also the working environment. Pregnant workers / nursing mothers will not be allowed to come into contact with hazardous substances or process that could affect the health of the child. Job roles will be adjusted where the risk to the pregnant worker / nursing mother are considered unacceptable. The employee will be entitled to:
If all control measures that are reasonably practicable have been taken and a risk still exists to an expectant or new mother then a hierarchy of steps will be followed: Step 1. temporarily adjust her working conditions and/or hours of work or if it is not reasonable to do so or would not avoid the risk: Step 2. offer her suitable alternative work if any is available, or if this is not feasible you must: Step 3. suspend her from work (give paid leave) for as long as necessary to protect her safety or health or that of her child. Incident reportingThe Company, through the implementation of this policy, is committed to preventing accidents and incidents of ill health to all persons affected by its undertaking. Although every effort will be made to prevent accidents at work, procedures are in place for the recording, reporting and investigation of any such occurrences. All accidents, incidents and near misses will be reported. An accident form available on safety cloud should be completed by the relevant first aider or manager. Upon completion of the form online Southall Associates will receive an email notifying them of the accident. They will then advise on further action required for example if an accident is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. They will report these on our behalf once we have notified them. The Company is committed to investigating all accidents and incidents and believes that this forms a fundamental part of improving safe working practices and raising awareness. Southall Associates will aid with major accident investigations and recommend remedial action where required. First AidThe company acknowledges that first aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming major ones. As a minimum all sites will have the provision of a suitable stocked first - aid container, there will be an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements and information will being provided for employees on the first aid arrangements at their location. Where a risk assessment determines it as necessary, the above minimum provisions with be supplemented by additional provisions. Managers are responsible for informing employees about accident reporting procedures, introducing them to first aiders and advising them on the location of first aid kits / eye wash stations during their initial induction. Violence and aggressionEmployees working face to face with members of the public and handling cash are at greatest risk from violence and aggression. The company will provide training and support to employees who may be at a specific and high risk from threats or violence. Any employee who feels that they may be at risk from verbal abuse, threats or actual violence should report this to their Manager immediately. In the event of a member of public/visitor/contractor becoming aggressive, they will be asked to leave the site in a calm and non-threatening way. If the person refuses to leave the police would be called. Staff should not try to physically remove the person or engage in arguments. Basic skills in identifying the warning signs of violence and aggression and conflict resolution training are provided in the Health and Safety handbook, which, are of particular importance to those who work off site. Employees are not to engage in situations which made risk their own or someone else’s safety. Lone workingIf employees are working alone on site after normal working hours they must:
All staff have a duty to ensure that priority is given to their own safety and to that of colleagues, service users, contractors and the public wherever possible. Workplace facilities and welfareIn line with the Workplace (Heath, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 the Company is committed to providing a suitable workplace conducive to productivity and the wellbeing of employees. Toilets and washing facilities will be maintained in good repair, suitable for the number of employees on site, along with access to a rest room with a potable water supply. Workplace stressThe Health and Safety Executive define stress as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them. The company recognises that workplace stress may at times be a health and safety issue and acknowledges the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. The hazard of workplace stress has been included within the Company risk assessments. This risk assessment has identified key workplace stressors and controls to eliminate stress or control the risks from stress. The Company ensures that employees are sufficiently trained to discharge their duties. Workloads and work hours are monitored to ensure that employees are not overloaded. Bullying and harassment is not tolerated in the workplace and the Company can, where necessary, provide confidential counselling for employees affected by stress caused by either work or external factors. SmokingSmoking is not permitted anywhere inside Company buildings or Company vehicles. Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking areas. Consideration should be given to the after smell of cigarettes when tending and speaking to service users. Alcohol and illegal drugsConsumption of alcohol or non-medically prescribed drugs is not permitted on the premises nor must employees be under their influence because of the adverse effects that they can have on conduct and machinery / equipment operation. Any employees thought to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be subject to the relevant policy and procedure. Mobile phonesThe Company considers the use of mobile phones a health and safety issue. Unless a mobile phone is a requirement of your job, you are not permitted to use a mobile phone, other than at recognised break times. If anyone needs to get an urgent message to you, they should do this through the main office. Anyone needing to make an urgent call should speak to their manager. HousekeepingThe Company will ensure that standards of cleanliness are maintained in all areas of the site. All floors and traffic routes will be maintained in good repair so as to reduce the health and safety risk to staff, customers and visitors. Traffic routes are fire escapes will be kept clear of obstructions. It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure the following:
Any concerns regarding cleanliness / hygiene should be reported to the Manger. Display screen equipmentThe Company will assess and control health risks from exposure to display screen equipment in accordance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. A suitable and sufficient analysis of workstations and environment will be undertaken for all employees defined as users, with provision of training / instruction regarding ergonomics and safe working practices. Employees classified as habitual display screen equipment users are entitled to free eye tests, and vision correction appliances where these are needed for work with display screen equipment. Manual handlingWe will take all reasonable steps to reduce and avoid hazardous manual handling activities where this is practical and reasonable. If this is not possible we are committed to undertaking a suitable risk assessment to identify practical controls that will reduce the risk of injury. Where employees are required to undertake manual handling duties, training will be provided to cover:
Hazardous SubstancesThe company will assess and control health risks from exposure to hazardous substances in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002. All staff exposed to such substances will be instructed in their appropriate use and advised to follow safe usage instructions. Personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazardous substance will be provided and supervisors will ensure usage on a day to day basis. Staff required to use certain substances / chemicals will be required to comply with the following procedures:
FireThe Company will assess and control the risks from fire in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The premises are equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment, fire detection and fire warning systems that are suitable and sufficient for the features of the premises, the activity carried on there and hazards present. Emergency routes and exits are maintained in good working order and unobstructed. Managers are responsible for checking fire safety hardware during monthly site safety audits. The Company has an emergency plan to follow in the event of fire or sounding of the alarm. Managers are responsible for giving new employees a basic fire safety induction, covering the risk of fire, control measures in place to protect them and location of the fire assembly point. In the event of fire or sounding of the alarm all employees should stop what they are doing, leave any personal belongings and walk to the nearest safe exit. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)PPE includes safety equipment such as protective footwear, gloves, high visibility vests / jackets and hard hats. The Company acknowledges that PPE forms the last level of protection within the hierarchy of controls and will ensure all other practicable controls are in place. It is however recognised that PPE is often required to bolster other controls. As such the company will:
Employees will be consulted at the selection stage to ensure equipment is suitable for their needs and to encourage usage. All employees sign a record of issue upon receipt of their PPE. All PPE is provided free of charge. Electrical SafetyThe Company will comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, with regard to electric shock, socket outlets and plug tops, switches, conduits and cables etc. Any portable appliances which are not double insulated shall be maintained and tested on a regular basis and a sticker affixed. The fixed electrical installation will be checked on a 5-yearly interval. Only trained or qualified staff are permitted to work with electrical equipment. Work on electrical equipment will not be allowed before the equipment has been properly isolated and disconnected from the source of supply. Compressed Air EquipmentCompressed air lines are used around the factory to power a range of hand tools. These tools are subject to daily visual examination by operatives and routine maintenance. The system is thoroughly examined in accordance with its written scheme and serviced periodically. LPGLPG cylinder storage on site is in accordance with the LPG Association Code of Practice no. 7. LPG cylinders are stored externally in a compound / cage, away from combustibles, lift truck / vehicle movements, open drains, openings to buildings and in a well-ventilated area. AsbestosTo meet the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and manage the risk from asbestos the Company will:
Furthermore, if an employee does identify any material which they believe has the potential to contain asbestos he/she will adopt the following procedure:
Once the above procedures have been executed, management will seek professional advice as to whether the material may contain asbestos / consult their asbestos register. If further suspicion remains, work will not resume in the area until a survey has been conducted by a qualified asbestos surveyor and the area deemed safe to continue work. Any removal of asbestos will always be undertaken following the relevant HSE guidance. Site Traffic ManagementOne of the most common causes of fatalities and serious injuries at work involve the operation of vehicles, including lorries and fork lift trucks. The main problems include collisions with pedestrians and between vehicles; reversing of vehicles; falls from vehicles and overloading and overturning of vehicles. The company will take all reasonable steps to segregate the risk of vehicle – pedestrian collision. Control measures in place are detailed in the ‘workplace transport’ risk assessment. Drivers are aware of pedestrian presence on site and this is reinforced through the staff health and safety handbook. Lift TrucksLift trucks are maintained in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. They receive an annual service and thorough examination of lifting chains in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Attachments receive 6 monthly thorough examinations. Where a man cage attachment is used, both the truck and attachment will have received a 6-monthly examination accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. During use the area will be cordoned off or supervised to prevent persons walking beneath a raised man cage. The man cage will only be used whilst the lift truck is stationary. Operators undertake a daily pre-use check of trucks and report any defects to management. Staff are only permitted to operate a lift truck if they present a certificate of training for the particular type of lift truck and if provided with written authorisation from management. Refresher training is provided if deemed necessary after observation of poor practices. Basic rules for lift truck operators are documented in the staff health and safety handbook. DrivingDrivers complete health questionnaires prior to driving company vehicles to ascertain medical fitness to drive. All drivers are issued with a company driving policy in the form of a driver’s handbook. Driving is restricted to staff with a valid current driving licence for the category of vehicle to be driven. All Company vehicles are serviced and maintained in a road worthy condition. Metalworking EquipmentBasic Job Training - It is Company policy that all machine operators will be trained in correct use of machinery. Employees are required to use machinery correctly / in accordance with their training and to report any faults to management for rectification. Guards and Interlocks- Appropriate guards on machines and push sticks are provided in order to make all operations as safe as possible. Employees must NEVER:
Only authorised personnel may remove a machine guard during maintenance or cleaning operations. During such operations all precautions must be taken to ensure that the equipment is de-energised by disconnecting the power source. Managers are responsible for visually checking the safety features of machinery during monthly site safety audits. Southall Associates undertake 6 monthly site safety audits which also includes visual checks on machinery safety. Working over seasOn occasion staff may be asked to work overseas. The company will, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that staff members have safe transportation a means of communicating with the company and reasonable sustenance and lodgings. On the occasion that business premises are visited, staff are to ensure that they behave in a responsible manner and have an understanding that safety standards in some parts of the world do not meet the high standards experienced in the UK. UK based staff are not to engage in hands on work in other countries. Wrekin will provide appropriate PPE to British Standards to all its employees travelling oversees. NoiseWhere it is suspected that the noise level emitted from machinery, averaged over the course of the working day or working week, exceeds the lower or higher action value levels (80dBA or 85dBA) a noise assessment will be undertaken, and any necessary protective measures put in place to reduce the risk of hearing damage. Hearing protection is provided for those at risk and hearing protection zones defined with signage. Workers will be instructed in the risks of noise exposure, the controls in place, hearing protection provided and safe working practices. Health surveillance (hearing checks) is provided for those at risk with results used to review controls and further protect individuals. Arrangements for the control of workplace noise will be reviewed whenever there is a substantial change in work practice, equipment or exposure e.g. purchase of new machinery, relocation of machinery, increased use of machinery etc. Working at HeightThe Work at Height Regulations 2005 require:
All work at height is risk assessed. This includes routine use of ladders. Safety rules for use of ladders are provided for staff to follow within the staff handbook. Aeroplane style steps with upper guard rails and hand rails or A-frame ladders are always used in preference to single section ladders. All ladders are maintained in good repair. Each ladder is individually identified, visually checked before use by staff and examined on a routine basis by management. Ladder stickers are used to record management checks. Defective ladders are labelled and removed from use. Employees are responsible for using work equipment provided for working at height in the correct manner and to report any safety hazard, fault or deficiency in the equipment promptly to their Supervisor. The edge of the mezzanine floor is guarded with perimeter rails to prevent persons falling from height. Toeboards / fencing / netting are provided where necessary to prevent goods falling from height. Any opening in the rails for stock transfer is fully risk assessed and safe working procedures put in place. A fixed means of access with handrail is provided for safe pedestrian access. EquipmentAll employees will be instructed in the safe use of equipment in their induction programme and as part of Health and Safety training. Employees should report any equipment failure to the appropriate Manager. Company machinery, devices and equipment are only to be used by qualified and authorised personnel. It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that any device or equipment they use is in a good and safe condition. Any device or equipment that is defective must be reported to the manager. In addition, new or second-hand equipment must be checked to ensure that it meets health and safety standards before it is purchased. No device or equipment should be used outside of the manufacturer’s guidance. Employees are prohibited from using any device or piece of equipment for any purpose other than its intended purpose. Approved personal protective equipment must be properly used where appropriate. Persons using machines or devices must not wear clothing, jewellery or long hair in such a way as might pose a risk to their own or anyone else’s safety. All devices and equipment must be properly and safely stored when not in use. The Registered Manager/Operations Director(s)/Chief Executive shall be the point of reference for queries regarding equipment testing. Along with the Senior Management Team he/she will identify all equipment that requires testing. It is the responsibility of the delegated manager to ensure that appropriate servicing/maintenance of equipment is carried out, to record the maintenance checks and inform the Registered Manager/Operations Director(s)/Chief Executive of the findings. Storage SystemsStorage systems within the Company consist primarily of stacked goods, stacks of covers and pipe sections in racking and a small amount of pallet racking. The majority of stock is free standing stacks of palletised covers. These are banded and stacked to minimise the risk of instability or toppling. The integrity of the racking is ensured by correct installation and maintenance of the racking. Management conduct routine visual checks on the condition of the racking and record such checks along with any damage and repair necessary. A safe stocking procedure is contained within the staff health and safety handbook. All staff adhere to ‘Maximum Safe Load’ notices affixed to racking. In the event of any damage to racking or if there is any uncertainty about the integrity of racking, Southall Associates will be contacted for advice. Where damage is identified that affects the safety of the racking system, the racking will be offloaded and removed from use until remedial repair work carried out. Pallets and wooden bearers are visually inspected before use and on monthly site safety audits to ensure fit for purpose. Any damaged pallets or bearers are removed from use immediately. There should be no tilting stacks - stacking of irregular shaped and unstable stock is prohibited. Ground surface conditions for stored materials are flat and maintained in good condition. Materials are stored so that they do not protrude into walkways and become a hazard to passers- by. Managing ContractorsThe competency of contractors is checked before services engaged. This includes qualifications, insurance, membership of professional bodies and previous experience. Prior to appointment, contractors undertaking high risk works (e.g. work at height, steel erection, demolition) will be requested to provide a method statement for any work they intend to undertake at the premises. This should include information on:
It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that work is carried out in accordance with the method statement. Employees and contractors will be advised of risks they may be exposed to (e.g. asbestos, live electrics etc.) and all site rules they must follow prior to commencing work. The Company will undertake regular checks on the contractor’s mode of operation and stop any work suspected to pose a risk to either our staff or the contractor. Working HoursThe Company complies with the EU Working Time Directive by keeping a record of hours worked by our employees. Employees at special riskThe Company recognises that some workers may from time to time be at increased risk of injury or ill-health resulting from work activities. All employees must advise their manager if they become aware of any change in their personal circumstances which could result in their being at increased risk. This could include medical conditions, permanent or temporary disability, taking medication and pregnancy. Where unprecedented situations arise (such as pandemics) the company will act in the following manner.
As an equal opportunity employer, the Company would ensure that they make reasonable adjustments of their employment arrangements or premises in order not to place disabled people at a substantial disadvantage compared with non-disabled people. Monitoring ComplianceThis policy will be reviewed to reflect changes in best practice guidance, techniques and legislation as required and as a minimum once every two years.
ReferencesProvision and use of Work Equipment Regulations Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L22 (2018) Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) Guidance on Regulations (2016) Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Approved Code of Practice 1992 L24 (2013) |