Health & Safety
Policy
Preface
This Health & Safety policy is issued to all employees as a guide to the safe working practices and statutory requirements that must be followed. It also defines rules & procedures, which have been developed within the company to actively promote the highest standards of health, safety, welfare and environmental protection.
The most important asset to our industry is people, this Health & Safety policy has been developed with the purpose of helping people to work together safely.
Please read it carefully, always keep to the rules and procedures and follow the guidance that it gives.
The Directors of Drinkle & Mann Ltd. fully accept our responsibilities to our employees to ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, their health, safety and welfare and to:
The Directors of Drinkle & Mann Ltd. accept that Health & Safety are management responsibilities but we depend on the co-operation of all employees, who should be aware that they too have responsibilities under this legislation. To comply with the Health & Safety policy at all times is the duty of all employees who should act responsibly, work in a safe manner, and do everything they can so as to prevent accidents to both themselves and others.
We also accept that we have a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of others that may be affected by the business. Not only at our own premises, but also when contractually employed in the course of our service at premises or locations not owned by Drinkle & Mann Ltd., be they publicly or privately owned.
To ensure the success of our policy we will carefully monitor its effectiveness and review the content annually. Revisions to the policy will be implemented as a result of deficiencies highlighted by the review, by new legislation, or by business development.
The company is committed to the success of this policy.
| Douglas Mann | Colin Hulme | ||
| Managing Director | Company Secretary | April 2001 |
Managing Directors
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This is how the company shows that co-operation, good communication and consultation at all levels in the company will be implemented in order to discuss any Health & Safety matters from employees.
The Company will also keep employees up to date with amendments on Health & Safety requirements, where to obtain advice and adequate training. A record of recommendations, implementations and training will also be kept.
We endeavour to monitor the accident and ill health record of the business ensuring that we are complying with our statutory duties and those defined in our own Health & Safety policy.
To comply with statutory duties and also in accordance with our own Health & Safety Policy we need to regularly conduct inspections of our working environment to ensure that so far as is reasonably practicable we are maintaining conditions of safety and absence of risks to health. We need to identify hazards in order to define safe preventative and protective measures to eliminate or minimize risks to which we are exposed in our working environment. We also need to identify and minimise or eliminate risks to the health & safety of persons not in our employment arising from or in connection with our undertaking.
In compliance with current legislation for the purpose of identifying measures to be taken we must work through a three-stage process.
| Hazard | Anything with the potential to cause harm e.g. Materials, equipment, methods of work etc. |
| Assessment | Assess the hazard and potential risk |
| Risk | The likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realised and the consequences. |
| Minimisation | Actions to be taken to minimise or eliminate the risk |
This process is to be identified as a H.A.R.M. check and will be carried out bi-monthly at our own premises and recorded, identification of new hazards and instructions of action required will be distributed to all staff. The ledger recording the undertaking of these inspections will be posted on the Health & Safety notice board.
The process is required to be undertaken each time that we work at a location other than our own premises. We need to be aware of potential hazards in order to maintain in a condition to be safe and without risks to health, so far as is reasonably practical, any place of work under our control.
When conducting a H.A.R.M. check we must ensure the following points are taken into consideration.
Never negate a hazard by assuming that common sense will prevent harm from occurring. Always assume that if it can be done, sooner or later someone will do it!
A combination of control methods may be necessary. The most risk & cost effective methods should be chosen
"Eliminating the risk of an electric shock is better than wearing a pair of wellies!"
The following pages emphasise the H.A.R.M. initiative, include the preliminary inspection report for our own premises and a copy of our H.A.R.M. Inspection ledger, which is displayed on the Health & Safety notice board.
|
HAZARD |
ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL HARM |
RISK IS IT ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED? |
MINIMISATION ACTION NECESSARY TO CONTROL RISK |
|
Obstructions in walkways to fire exits & between shelving |
Tripping, exit difficulty in emergency |
No |
Ensure exits & walkways are cleared and remain clear |
|
Storage of sets/flats excessive waste in area |
Fire hazard |
No |
Remove unnecessary packaging, ensure no naked flames or smoking allowed in the vicinity |
|
Dustpan & brooms laid around randomly |
Tripping, exit difficulty in emergency |
No |
Keep in safe designated area when not in use |
|
Obstruction to electric breakers |
Unable to isolate power in emergency |
No |
Clear obstruction & keep clear |
|
Obstructed access to Electric Drill |
Excessive reaching or potential for mistakes |
No |
Remove obstruction or relocate for use |
|
Loose hanging cables in microphone cupboard |
Obstruction |
No |
Secure cables to wall/ceiling |
|
Exit sign over main door obscured from view |
Non-compliance H & S Procedures |
No |
Replace with new regulation Text & Symbol (Running Man) sign required by law |
|
Fire Extinguishers not in designated areas |
Potential to be damaging in emergency situation |
No |
Replace to designated areas, 2 required on upper level |
|
Loose BNC cable over Cupboard door |
Obstruction, potential risk of tripping |
No |
Secure correctly |
|
First aid kit inaccessible |
Obstruction to anyone requiring First Aid |
No |
Relocate First aid kit or remove obstruction & keep clear |
|
Loose power socket on stairway (& plug) |
Tripping, Electrical hazard |
No |
Secure correctly |
|
Diesel storage obstruction/containment |
Potential Fire hazard |
No |
This should be in a special metal cupboard or bin up to a maximum of 50 litres. Review storage |
|
Full Rubbish bins |
Potential Fire Hazard |
No |
Empty Regularly |
|
Date of inspection |
Inspection completed by |
Is action required to minimise any risks |
Date required action fully completed |
|
February 2001 |
YES/NO |
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April 2001 |
YES/NO |
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June 2001 |
YES/NO |
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August 2001 |
YES/NO |
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October 2001 |
YES/NO |
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December 2001 |
YES/NO |
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February 2002 |
YES/NO |
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April 2002 |
YES/NO |
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June 2002 |
YES/NO |
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August 2002 |
YES/NO |
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October 2002 |
YES/NO |
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December 2002 |
YES/NO |
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February 2003 |
YES/NO |
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April 2003 |
YES/NO |
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June 2003 |
YES/NO |
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August 2003 |
YES/NO |
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October 2003 |
YES/NO |
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December 2003 |
YES/NO |
In compliance with the legislation of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 It is the duty of Drinkle & Mann Ltd. to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all our employees.
Drinkle & Mann Ltd. recognise that prevention of accidents depend on a committed attitude of mind to safety as well as design, operation and maintenance of equipment, therefore employees are encouraged to observe safe working practices. Employees are expected to recognise the importance of self-discipline and to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves and others and loss to the company.
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states that it shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care for the Health & Safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
As regards any duty or requirement imposed by their employer or any person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with them so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.
No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of Health, Safety or Welfare
Under the act we all have a legal duty, no matter what type of work we are undertaking from flying speakers to gaffing down cable, the very nature of the work means that we could be exposing ourselves to a variety of common workplace hazards. Many accidents are caused through trips and falls, knocking into objects, unsafe use of hand tools and the failure to wear protective equipment. By applying more forethought, care and attention we can prevent these accidents through an awareness of our working environment.
"Safety is no accident..."
Sub-Contractors will be subject to assessment and approval to determine their competency to carry out work safely. It will be an absolute condition of contract that all Sub-Contractors comply with all the relevant statutes concerned with health & safety, in particular the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and all relevant statutory provisions.
Sub-Contractors need to comply with all reasonable company requirements as to the measures that they should take to discharge their responsibility and be aware and adhere to the company policy on health & safety.
Self-employed labour and other temporary workers will be assessed to determine their competency to operate safely prior to commencing work under company supervision.
"Safety is everybody's business"
Far too many avoidable accidents occur both at business premises and during location projects. It is from reports of all accidents and incidents, including minor accidents, and ‘near misses’, that we can develop safer working methods.
The accident book is located in the hire department filing system, and is the responsibility of the resident first aider.
Any accidents occurring on location must be reported to the supervisor or location first aider whose responsibility it will be to keep a written record of the accident and update the company accident book at the next available convenience.
When on location we must make sure that we know the site Accident & Emergency procedures, this information is important to be established before you need it.
Reporting accidents and ill health at work is a legal requirement but it is common sense to make sure we and our employees are safe by notifying the Health & Safety Executive of hazards that could be of relevance to others.
An employee or self employed person working on our premises or location under our control is killed or suffers a major injury (including as a result of physical violence).
A member of the public is killed or taken to hospital.
Reportable Major Injuries are:
An over 3 day injury is one which is not major but results in the injured person being away from work or unable to do the full range of their normal duties for more than 3 days. This includes any days they wouldn’t normally be expected to work such as weekends, rest days or holidays, not counting the day of injury itself.
A completed accident report form (F2508) must be sent to the enforcing authority within ten days of any reportable accidents occurring. F2508 report sheets are located in the hire department filing system and are available from the resident first aider.
If a doctor notifies us that an employee suffers from a reportable work related disease.
Reportable diseases include:
A completed disease report form (F2508A) must be sent to the enforcing authority within ten days of notification.
If something happens which does not result in a reportable injury, but which clearly could have done, it may be a dangerous occurrence that must be reported immediately (e.g. by telephone) to the enforcing authority. Within ten days this must be followed up with a completed accident report form (F2508).
Records of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous occurrence must be kept for three years from the date on which the event occurred including:
"If you break your legs don't come running to me"
Under Health & Safety regulations it is the responsibility of the employer to provide First Aid facilities appropriate to the number of people employed and the particular risks of the work being undertaken.
Make sure that you are aware of where and how to obtain First Aid, find out now while you don’t need it, and not when you have blood gushing from a major artery!
A trained First Aider or appointed person relief cover will be provided at all times when employees are at work, both on the business premises and on location assignments.
Their duties include:
If you require First Aid while at the Eccles premises please contact the resident First Aider whose details will be posted on the Health & Safety notice board situated at the foot of the stairs. The first aid box is located on the wall immediately to the right of the main exit from the warehouse.
If you require First Aid when on location assignments please refer to the location First Aider, they will have a First Aid Box and will have made themselves aware of site procedures regarding the provision of First Aid and Medical Emergencies.
"I'm Professionally Trained in Thirst Aid!"
When on location be sure to make yourself aware of site procedures regarding evacuation during a Fire or any other emergency situation before the need arises.
Remember Red water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires
If there is suspicion of a gas leak turn off the supply and notify your gas supplier immediately if gas continues to escape.
When on location be sure to notify the relevant persons if you suspect a gas leak, make yourself aware of site procedures regarding emergency situations.
"If it smells funny in the toilets try some air freshener!"
The safety of the workplace is the responsibility of everyone, we all have a part to play in helping to provide and maintain an accident free working environment.
In order to achieve this it is very important to follow the proper safety rules and common sense safety practices at all times.
When on location make sure you are aware of any additional site rules and procedures regarding Health & Safety.
Induction safety training will be given to every person at the commencement of employment and where entering locations for the first time. Job specific safety training in the use of equipment, hazard awareness and risk control measures will be provided to cater for identified needs.
Work activities will be properly supervised to ensure that employees at all levels are provided with appropriate information, materials tools/equipment and personal protective equipment to carry out the work safely.
Not only is horseplay a dangerous activity, it is also an offence under the Health & Safety at Work Act. Horseplay, skylarking, practical jokes or whatever else you may call it can result in serious disabling injuries.
So the message is quite clear - DON’T DO IT.
This is one of the most important items influencing safety. Cleaning up as you go must be the rule so that it doesn’t become a burden and a hazard.
"A clean site is a safe site"
Often in the course of our business here at Drinkle & Mann Ltd. people are sent into a working situation on their own. This would be when it is deemed that the job is of such a nature that a single person could competently and safely complete the tasks required.
We must ensure that lone workers are not placed at more risk that other employees so each individual assignment must be examined to assess all risks by considering certain points and guidelines:
If a job is not suitable for a lone worker then arrangements must be made for providing help. Safety must always be the first priority.
Electric shock is a major hazard; it can cause fires, physical injury and can KILL!
All electricity installations must comply with the Health & Safety requirements as outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
It is extremely important that our use of electricity is done in a safe, responsible manner, defective plugs, sockets and leads cause more electrical accidents than the appliances themselves.
Safe Installation & OperationWhen on location familiarise yourself with the electrical installation; ensure you are aware of the location of relevant breakers and isolation units.
All electrical equipment, wiring installations, generators or battery sets and everything connected to them, must be maintained to prevent danger. This means carrying out checks and inspections and repairing and testing as necessary.
This section covers equipment that has a lead and a plug and is usually moved around or can easily be moved from place to place. A lot of the equipment used by Drinkle & Mann Ltd. falls into this category.
Many accidents occur due to hand tools being poorly maintained or misused.
All equipment should be inspected before it leaves the premises to ensure that we are not sending out a potential hazard.
Ensure equipment is turned off; disconnect the plug and then look for the following:
In addition, formal inspection includes removal of the plug cover and checking that:
This does not apply to moulded plugs where only the fuse can be checked. Most of these checks also apply to extension leads and their plugs and sockets.
We encourage employees to look for external damage to the equipment before they use it and if necessary report damaged or faulty equipment.
Electricity can flash from overhead power lines even though plant and equipment may not touch them.
We have to be aware of the risk from power lines hidden in the ground, if we are probing anything below the visual surface then there are measures to be considered.
Ensure that you are aware of these safety precautions and keep vigilant on electrical safety because the consequences can lead to tragedy.
"To stay alive you have to stay alert!"
We must ensure that the equipment we are using is safe and suitable for the tasks in hand, including the environment in which it is to be used.
We need to regularly maintain our equipment to ensure that it is kept in a good safe working condition. We must also consider the risks involved in the maintenance of equipment and tools.
We must store our equipment & tools safely so as not to cause a hazard to our employees or anyone visiting our premises.
We must also ensure that equipment on location is stored safely and securely so as not to cause potential hazard or inconvenience to our clients, location staff (e.g. banquet staff) or members of the public.
The company has procedures for compliance with the requirements of current rules and regulations on all hazardous substances. You should always comply with these rules and follow the instructions of the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessment.
Use Substances SafelyBecause of the long term effects of exposure to asbestos, if during the course of your work you suspect that you may be exposed, do not disturb the asbestos and seek advice immediately. Remember you have a duty not to do anything that places yourself or others at risk. This is both a moral and legal duty.
Flammable LiquidsThe conditions under which highly flammable liquids, including gases, are stored and used are controlled by legal standards.
Plastic foams are a high fire risk and need careful control, both in storage and in the workroom; treat them like other flammable materials. Ensure that combustible solids are stored correctly to minimise potential fire hazard and that debris and waste are disposed of efficiently.
When on Location ensure you make yourself aware of the site procedures and legislation regarding the use and storage of all hazardous substances.
It is the policy of Drinkle & Mann Ltd. to provide a safe, healthy smoke free workplace. We recognise the needs of non-smokers who do not wish to breathe tobacco smoke risking damage to their health through passive smoking which can worsen asthma and cause lung cancer.
It is the policy of Drinkle & Mann Ltd. that all employees will be free from the effects of the following during working hours:
Company vehicle drivers are reminded that it is illegal to drive any vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. Any substance abuse or drug misuse/abuse could seriously affect your driving capability and, as such, is prohibited whenever you may be planning to /or are driving a company vehicle.
The quality of the workplace and the health of our employees, or anyone else who may be affected by our actions are always of paramount importance. Abuse of the above can impair judgement and alter perception creating hazardous risks, which are unnecessary and unacceptable.
Anyone found participating in, or attending work under the influence of the above, shall be suspended immediately and disciplined accordingly.
Nobody is allowed to drive a company vehicle of any type unless they are fully authorised to do so, and have a current driving licence. If you drive a company vehicle, always handle it with due consideration for the safety of yourself and other people.
Statistics show that a considerable proportion of time lost through sickness is because of strains, many of which are caused by faulty manual handling techniques.
As a company we need to consider the risks from manual handling to the health & safety of our employees and act accordingly to minimise these risks.
Employees also have duties they must adhere to in the process of manual handling.
How much someone can lift and carry depends on a number of factors- the fitness and robustness of the person and the awkwardness of the load being two of the most important. Before handling any object, it is sensible to ensure that there is adequate room, a clear path to the destination and adequate room to set down the load.
Here are some important points, using a basic lifting operation as an example.
Stop and think
"If in doubt ask for help"
Repeated or awkward movements which are too forceful, too fast or carried out for too long can lead to disorders of the arms, hands or neck. (E.g. gripping, squeezing, pressing, awkward hand or arm movements, repeated continuous movements which are too fast and unvaried or tied to the speed of a machine)
Every year many workers are killed or seriously injured as a result of falls from height. All employees must take particular care when working at heights and using equipment such as ladders, scaffolding and elevating platforms. When equipment is supplied by the client, Hire Company or another contractor, the individual user has a responsibility to inspect the equipment and to satisfy themselves that it conforms to the appropriate regulations and must be maintained to that standard.
Trestle scaffolds are only intended for light work of short duration, and are simply working platforms supported by ‘A’ frames or similar folding supports.
The erection of scaffold is a skilled task that should only be carried out by trained and competent persons.
System scaffolds must only be erected or altered by experienced persons under the supervision of a competent person.
Special scaffolds and the higher tube & fitting scaffolds must only be erected or altered by a suitably qualified scaffolder.
Prefabricated towers must only be erected or altered by those who have successfully completed a course of instruction appropriate to the particular tower in use.
Equipment of this nature should be operated only by people who are qualified in the safe use and operation of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).
Safe slinging and rigging operations can only be carried out if the right equipment is available and used.
Equipment used in lifting operations must be:
Above all, it must not be overloaded.
All lifting and rigging operations are to be carried out in a safe and professional manner; every care is to be taken to protect other personnel, clients, the public and other operatives.
The following precautions must be observed when using lifting & rigging equipment.
Safe slinging and rigging requires the correct lifting equipment to be used at all times.
In the nature of our business here at Drinkle & Mann Ltd. we are often involved in the erection of temporary structures of various type. This section outlines the main areas and procedures associated with their assembly and installation.
SetsWe must ensure that all sets and backdrops are erected correctly and safely.
Control areas must be set up so that they are safe and sturdy.
When working in areas where noise levels are abnormally high or prolonged it is advisable to wear adequate hearing protection. Cotton wool is not considered an adequate hearing protection.
Music concerts, car and motorcycle races, and other spectator events often produce sound levels that warrant hearing protection. Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound levels and should be used with care. Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at a high level.
Some stereo headphones are capable of producing hazardous exposures. Exercise special care in the use of personal headset listening devices, and learn to operate them at safe volume settings.
Young people in particular should get into a habit of avoiding noise exposure before their hearing is permanently damaged.
According to some existing rules and regulations, a noise level of 85 dB (A) for an 8-hour daily exposure is potentially damaging. If total sound energy were the important predictor, an equivalent exposure could be as high as 88 dB (A) if restricted to 4 hours. (A 3-dB increase is equivalent to doubling the sound intensity.) This relation, enshrined in some standards and regulations, is a theory based on a dose or exposure defined by total energy.
Hearing conservation must begin by providing each individual with basic information. Noise Induced Hearing Loss is insidious, permanent, and irreparable, causing communication interference that can substantially affect the quality of life. Ringing in the ears and muffling of sounds after sound exposure are indicators of potential hazard. Dangerous sound exposures can cause significant damage without pain, and hearing aids do not restore normal hearing. Individuals should become aware of loud noise situations and avoid them if possible or properly use hearing protection.
It is important to recognise that both the level of the noise and its duration (i.e., exposure) contributes to the overall risk. Certain noises, such as explosions, may cause immediate permanent damage.
Many sources, such as guns, power tools, chain saws, small aeroplanes, farm vehicles, firecrackers, some types of toys, and some medical and dental instruments may produce dangerous exposures.
If two people have difficulty speaking to one another over 2 metres the level is likely to be about 85 dB (A) or above and you should wear hearing protection.
There are many ways in which compressed air can be dangerous, for example it could enter body orifices such as the mouth and ears, causing severe and often fatal injuries and at a high pressure it is capable of penetrating the skin. Particles of oil carried in an air-jet can damage the eyes while explosions may occur if oil-coke deposits in a system spontaneously ignite. Vessels containing compressed air even at comparatively low pressure, can explode violently once their integrity is lost and dirty or wet air can cause a system to fail, e.g. by block