Safety Policy & Handbook CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
The Company Health & Safety Policy Statement The Company Environmental Policy Health & Safety Organisation Responsibilities The Safety Advisor Consulting with employees Health & Safety Representatives Training Monitor, Audit & Review Risk Assessments Emergency Procedures & Fire Evacuation Accident, Incident & Near Miss Reporting Industrial Diseases First Aid Young Persons Pregnant Workers Electrical Equipment The Safe Use & Handling of Substances (COSHH) Safe Plant & Equipment Machine Guarding Lifting Equipment The Use of Chemicals P.P.E (Personal Protective Equipment) Working at Height Manual Handling Drug & Alcohol Policy
Employee Name: ……………………..…………….………….……….. Employee Signature: ………………….……...………………………… Induction Delivered by: ………………………………………………... Date Induction was Completed: ……………………………………
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 THE COMPANY HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT 1. It is MRS Ltd’s Policy: •
To provide adequate control of health and safety risks arising from the organisations work activities.
•
To consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety
•
To provide and maintain safe plant and equipment
•
To ensure safe handling and use of substances hazardous to health
•
To provide information, instruction and supervision to all employees
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To ensure all employees are competent to achieve their tasks, and to provide them with adequate training.
•
To prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health
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To maintain safe and healthy working conditions
•
To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals
The allocation of duties and responsibilities for safety matters, and the arrangements, by which the safety policy is to be implemented, are set out in the attached notes. A breach of the duty of care imposed by health and safety legislation by either the management of MRS Ltd or any of its employees, is a criminal offence, which can result in a custodial sentence in extreme cases. Signed:
_ _____ _____________________________ James Lord and Anthony Kenny – Joint Managing Directors (the original is signed by the Managing Directors, copy available on request) 2 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
Dated: 1st March 2011
THE COMPANY ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 2. It is the Policy of Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd to ensure that all our activities are, so far as is possible, sensitive to all issues relating to the protection of the environment. Environmental considerations are taken into account in all purchasing decisions. All plant equipment and materials used by Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd are to the best of our knowledge environmentally friendly. Good house keeping is the duty of all employees, waste material is deposed of responsibly. All company vehicles are regularly services to ensure that they meet the environmental standards. This policy is under constant review and whenever possible more environmentally friendly products or methods of work will be introduced. James Lord
Anthony Kenny
Joint Managing Directors Dated: 1st March 2011
3 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
3. Health & Safety Organisation In the Company Safety Organisation the Managing Directors are ultimately responsible for all matters relating to Health and Safety. The General Manager, Team Leaders and the Safety Advisor report to the MD’s. The Managing Directors, General Manager and the Safety Advisor as required shall meet as minimum on an annual basis to monitor the ongoing performance of the system. The meeting will ensure that changes are made as necessary to eliminate any system deficiencies that are detected. To ensure health and safety standards are maintained/improved, safety representatives have been appointed and trained and have responsibility in the following areas.
Director
Responsible For
Jim Lord
Auditing and reviewing HSE Policy
Anthony Kenny
Company Vehicles & Plant
Safety Solutions Ltd
Health & Safety Advisor
Anthony Leith
Health & Safety Site Inspections
4 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
4. Responsibilities The Directors’ endorse MRS Ltd’s Health & Safety Policy. Having developed this policy following with guidance within document HSG 65 the Managing Directors will ensure relevant arrangements and resources are available to enable policy implementation and monitoring within the company. The Managing Directors are responsible for ensuring the policy is put into practice on a day to day basis. THE MANAGING DIRECTORS The Managing Directors are responsible for the implementation of the Health and Safety Policy throughout the Company. The Managing Directors shall ensure that: •
Appropriate Company resources are allocated to meet the requirements of the Policy;
•
Specific responsibilities for implementation of the Policy are assigned to Operatives;
•
The policy is periodically assessed for its effectiveness to ensure that any necessary changes are made and subsequently re-assessed to check the effectiveness of any changes implemented. Such assessments will take account of past safety performance and current and future plans for safety and developments;
•
Ensure that all Company facilities and associated equipment are of such design and construction and are so maintained as to minimise the risk to the environmental health and safety of Operatives;
•
Ensure that procedures are established and implemented to provide Operatives with the necessary information, instruction and training to enable them to carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner.
THE GENERAL MANAGER The General Manager is responsible for ensuring that all Operatives are advised that they are required at all times to adhere to the Policy and all supporting procedures. In addition the General Manager shall: •
Ensure that all risk assessments are completed;
•
Ensure that the arrangements for implementation described in Part II of this document are met; 5 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
Review all reports on accidents, incidents etc., in conjunction with Operatives to ensure that investigation is carried out and appropriate remedial action recommended to Company Management;
•
Arrange periodic safety audits and inspections as instructed by the Director to ensure that a safe place of work is being maintained, safe systems of work are being followed and adequate emergency facilities are available;
•
Maintain a register of reported potential hazards and results of actions thereon;
•
Ensure the safe operation of the Company’s vehicles including the maintenance of service records;
•
Ensure that employees have been issued with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and that the employee understands the consequences of not using the PPE and that the employee signs the PPE receipt form;
•
Ensure that employees are familiar with the accident and incident reporting procedures;
•
When appropriate, liaise with the Safety Advisor.
TEAM LEADERS Team Leaders are responsible for site working Health & Safety procedures to ensure that the Company policy is followed. Team Leaders shall: •
Read and understand the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and ensure that it brought to the notice of operatives under their control. Carry out all work in accordance with the Policy and its supporting systems;
•
Seek to understand the regulations applicable to the work on which their operatives are engaged and insist that these regulations are observed;
•
Ensure that risk assessments and method statements for the current project are followed;
•
Ensure that adequate supplies of protective clothing and equipment are maintained on site and that the equipment is suitable;
•
Check that all machinery and plant including power and hand tools are in good condition and that all temporary electrical equipment is not more than 110 volts;
6 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
Do not allow operatives to take unnecessary risks;
•
Ensure that all employees, particularly apprentices and young people, are given adequate instruction, information and supervision to enable them to undertake their duties in the correct manner;
•
Ensure that young employees (under 18 years) do not drive any items of plant or operate any type of tool or equipment except under direct supervision;
•
Commend operatives who by action or initiative eliminate hazards;
•
Not allow "horse play" or dangerous practical jokes and initiate disciplinary procedures against any staff who's conduct relates to gross negligence in failing to discharge satisfactorily the duties delegated to them and record the incident in the appropriate register;
•
Report immediately any defects of plant or equipment to the General Manager if the situation cannot be dealt with on site;
• Report any accident however minor immediately to the General Manager; •
Set a personal example.
Operatives It is the duty of all Operatives to take reasonable care of the safety and health of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. All Operatives shall: •
Familiarise themselves with the provision of the Policy and any specific rules or procedures relating to health and safety at work;
•
Comply with the Policy and supporting rules and procedures;
•
Co-operate with Company management on matters relating to health and safety;
•
Report all injuries to the First Aid appointed person or site supervisor;
•
Report promptly any near miss incidents, accidents not involving injury, dangerous occurrences to their supervisor;
7 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
Ensure that any Company equipment issued to them, or for which they may be responsible, is correctly used and properly maintained;
•
Wear protective equipment whenever instructed or if it is recommended to do so;
•
Use the correct tools and equipment for the job and keep tools in good condition;
•
Be responsible for good housekeeping in the area in which they are working;
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Refrain from horse play and the abuse of welfare facilities;
•
Report immediately any potential safety, health or environmental hazard and any defects in plant or equipment to their Works Supervisor/Team Leader;
•
Set a personal example and suggest ways of eliminating hazards.
The Company regards all potential hazards as important, and will provide prompt and firm support to any Operatives reporting potential hazards. Failure to comply with any of the above may result in disciplinary action. In the first instance, the subject should be discussed with and reported to their Supervisor who shall initiate action.
5. Health & Safety Advisor The Company Safety Advisor is available to advise on all matters relating to health and safety. The Safety Advisor shall on request: •
Assist Company Management in establishing the necessary standards of health and safety and to advise on changes to legislation;
•
Advise Company Management on, and where necessary, develop procedures to ensure the effective implementation of this Policy;
•
Provide assistance, information and advice to Company Management;
•
Consider methods of safe working arising from new developments;
•
Assist with training for all levels of employee; 8 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
When appropriate, assist the Director or designated personnel to carry out site surveys to see that only safe and healthy methods of work are in operation and that all regulations are being observed;
Additionally the Health & Safety Advisor shall: Keep up-to-date with relevant legislation, recommended codes of practice and new Health and Safety literature; circulate information to each relevant employee. 6. Consultation with Employee’s MRS Ltd will ensure that: •
Information is co-ordinated between MRS Ltd employees and other occupiers of the premises
•
Regular meetings are held, new legislation and information is relayed to all concerned in an understandable format.
MRS Ltd has established a safety committee, which will meet regularly and review safety performances within the company. The committee will consist of employers and employees and will be chaired by a person with executive powers who can act upon the decisions reached by the committee. Persons to Consult MRS Ltd will consult with employees directly, or with any elected or nominated representatives. 7. Functions of Health and Safety Representatives Representatives or nominated persons functions are to make representations of any potential hazards or dangerous occurrences within the workplace and on general matters pertaining to health and safety at work. 8. Training MRS Ltd will ensure that any representative or nominated person will be provided with training in respect of their functions. 9. Monitor, Audit & Review To check the organisations working conditions, and ensure safe working practices are being followed MRS Ltd will: 9 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
• • • •
Carry out regular safety inspections Review accident statistics and identify trends Investigate accidents to identify the root cause and prevent reoccurrence Carry out spot checks
The outcome of these inspections will be recorded and forwarded to their Manager. Any unresolved actions arising from these inspections can be discussed at the Health and Safety meetings.
10 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
10. Risk Assessments MRS Ltd will ensure: • •
Risk assessments are completed for all significant risks within the company. Only trained competent people will carry out and review risk assessments.
Risk Assessments have been completed for all MRS Ltd’s activities, which pose a significant risk. Copies are available if any employee wishes to view them. If you spot any hazards within your working area please bring them to the attention of their Supervisor/Manager immediately.
11. Emergency Procedures and Fire Evacuation MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • • • •
A reasonable number of fire wardens are trained and available. Fire wardens names and evacuation procedures are posted The fire alarm systems are maintained and tested in line with company procedures. Escape routes remain clear Employees are aware of the fire evacuation procedures A fire risk assessment is completed and reviewed when necessary
The company operates a shakedown system once the fire alarm system sounds, the way this works is once the fire alarm sounds fire wardens perform a sweep of the premises to ensure its clear and then relay this information on to the fire brigade. Therefore there is no roll call once outside. The fire alarm is tested weekly, every Monday at 9am Fire evacuation drills are completed twice a year. In the event of a fire follow the procedures below: 1.
Verbally raise the alarm
2.
Leave the building via the nearest exit
3.
Assemble at the front of the building adjacent to the gates.
4.
Do not return to the building until safe to do so. 11 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
See Fig 5 below for examples of extinguishers.
12. Accident, Incidents & Near Miss Reporting All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to the appropriate person. Accidents will be logged and MRS Ltd will notify the relevant enforcing authority using the approved form (F2508 (a)) within 10 days as required under R.I.D.D.O.R if necessary. Fig 1. Employees must report any accidents, incidents or near misses to their line manager/supervisor. All accidents, incidents & near misses are logged using the appropriate reporting system, i.e. accidents are reported in the accident book (see Fig 1). Definitions are explained below. Accidents, which result in injuries, are reported in the book.
accident
Accidents, which don’t result in injury but do cause damage to property are reported in the incident reporting book. Near misses are accidents, which had the potential to cause injury or damage to property but didn’t. 12 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
Heinrichs accident triangle below demonstrates the importance of reporting near miss incidents. Fatalities/Serious Injuries
1 30
Injuries (non disabling) First Aid and Near Miss
300 30,000
Unsafe Acts and Conditions
What the triangle implies is for every 300 near miss incidents there will be one fatality or serious injury. Therefore if near miss incidents are reported and control measures are implemented to prevent a recurrence a serious injury or fatality should not be realised. 13. Industrial Diseases All instances of industrial diseases/illnesses must be reported to the Manager. Examples of industrial diseases are: occupational dermatitis, asbestosis etc 14. First Aid MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • •
A reasonable number of trained first aiders are available within the organisation. First aiders names are posted First aid kits are available and well stocked First aid procedures are available
First aid kits (see examples Fig 2,3 & 4) are available in all operational areas.
Several first aiders are available within MRS LTD, their names and contact details are posted on notice boards throughout the company. In the event of a first aid emergency follow the procedure below. 1. Contact a first aider 13 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
2. Determine severity of injury (if unsure go to step 4) 3. Minor injuries, treat if safe to do so 4. Anything else, phone ambulance (ensure you are familiar with the address and if possible any landmarks). Also please remember the ambulance is sent immediately, however you must remain on the line until the operator has all the details (dial 9 999 for an ambulance). 5. Send somebody outside to meet ambulance 15. Young Persons MRS Ltd will ensure no young person will be subjected to work: • •
• •
•
Which is beyond his/her physical or psychological capacity Involving harmful exposure to agents which are toxic or carcinogenic, cause heritable genetic damage or harm to an unborn child or which in any other way chronically affect human health Involving harmful exposure to radiation Involving the risk of accidents which it may be reasonably assumed cannot be recognised or avoided by young persons owing to their insufficient attention to safety or lack of experience or training. In which there is a risk to health from: 1. Extreme cold or heat 2. Noise 3. Vibration
MRS Ltd will complete a Young Persons risk assessment and provide instruction, information, training and supervision to the Young Person. A young persons risk assessment must be completed on any employee under the age of 18. The risk assessment should take into account: • • • •
Their physical and psychological capability Any exposure to chemicals or radiation Lack of awareness Exposure to Extreme cold or heat, Noise or Vibration
This list is not exhaustive. 16. Pregnant Workers MRS Ltd will ensure: •
Employee’s are made aware they must inform the company if they are pregnant. 14 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
Risk assessments are carried out on all pregnant workers and any recommendations are acted upon.
Pregnant workers must inform MRS Ltd of their condition so a risk assessment can be completed and any control measures highlighted within the assessment implemented. 17. Electrical Equipment MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • •
Electrical equipment is in good working order Electrical work is only carried out by a competent person Risk assessments are carried out and any control measures implemented before work commences on electrical equipment. Risk assessments are reviewed when necessary
All portable electrical equipment is tested annually; fixed electrical equipment is tested every 3 years. The mains wiring is tested every 5 years as required by statute. Any faulty electrical equipment must be reported to the Team Leader immediately. 18. Safe Handling and Use of Substances MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • • • •
Only competent persons handle hazardous substances Employees are aware of any hazardous substances they may come into contact with during the course of their work. Risk assessments are completed for all chemicals present on site and control measures are implemented. Procedures for handling hazardous substances are available and relayed to staff. Storage facilities are available Research is completed before purchasing new substances to ensure they can be used safely
19. Safe Plant, Equipment MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • •
Reporting procedures for defective equipment are available Work Equipment and Plant is maintained and in good working order Faulty equipment is identified and either repaired, replaced or removed from site. New plant and equipment meets health and safety standards before it is purchased.
15 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
Any faults with plant or equipment must be reported to the Supervisor/Manager. All plant and equipment is maintained in accordance with legislation. Only qualified, competent, named employees are allowed to use mobile plant, any violation of this will be deemed an act of gross misconduct. 20. Machinery Guarding MRS Ltd will ensure all machinery guards are: • • •
Robust and Securely Fixed Easily adjustable, where necessary Maintained and in good condition
Any employee found removing or tampering with guarding without authorisation will be subject to disciplinary procedures. 21. Lifting Equipment MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • •
Employees are trained in the safe use of lifting equipment. All lifting equipment is examined/inspected in accordance with statute law. Defective lifting equipment reporting procedures are implemented Damaged or faulty lifting equipment is quarantined until repaired or destroyed.
22. The Use of Chemicals Generally employees shouldn’t come into contact with any hazardous substances whilst on MRS Ltd’s premises. If you have any concerns about any of the substances located within MRS Ltd’s premises please bring them to the attention of the Supervisor/Manager. Examples of labels associated with hazardous substances are displayed below.
Corrosive
Harmful or Irritant
Poison
16 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
Any contact with hazardous substances must be reported to the Supervisor/Manager immediately. Risk assessments have been completed on all chemicals that pose a significant risk. COSHH Assessments and Safety Data Sheets are available for all hazardous substances used by Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd. 23. Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • •
Any P.P.E required for the job is available free of charge Safety spectacles, hard hats, steel toe capped boots, Hi Viz, Wet gear, face masks, goggles, ear defenders, safety gloves are enforced in line with company procedures. P.P.E. is available on request. Employees are trained in the safe use of P.P.E
The company provides and enforces steel toe capped boots, hi visibility jackets and hard hats, amongst other PPE. Failure to wear mandatory personal protective equipment will result in disciplinary action being taken. Operational areas where personal protective equipment is mandatory has signage posted as seen below.
Working At Height MRS Ltd will ensure: • • • • •
Working at height is avoided whenever possible Mechanical aids or scaffolding are made available whenever possible Working at height procedures are available and followed Any equipment used for working at height is inspected and maintained by a competent person in line with relevant legislation. Any defective equipment used for working at height is removed from site and scrapped. 17 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
•
A risk assessment is completed and any control measures are implemented.
Good ladder practice is described below: • • •
Always maintain 3 points of contact Never stand on the top step of the ladder Always check ladders for defects and environment for hazards
Any ladder defects must be reported immediately appropriate to the Supervisor or Manager. Were mechanical aids are deemed necessary (following a risk assessment) they will be provided. Fig 6 below is an example of the working at height hierarchy, which MRS LTD work to.
Any concerns with regards to working at height should be brought to the attention of the Supervisor or Manager.
25. Manual Handling MRS Ltd will ensure: • • •
Mechanical aids are available to assist with manual handling. Employee’s are trained in correct manual handling techniques. Risk assessments are completed for all manual handling tasks.
All identified employees’ will receive manual handling training provided by the company. Any member of staff suffering from an injury, which could be exacerbated by lifting/moving loads, should inform the company immediately so extra precautions can be taken. If (following a risk assessment) mechanical aids are deemed necessary they will be provided. 18 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
See Appendix A APPENDIX A KINETIC LIFTING PROCEDURE The correct posture in performing a task is essential. The most important points to remember are: a) Feet
Placed hip width apart with one foot ahead of the other in the direction of movement. This position provides good balance and a wide enough base to perform the lift.
b) Knees
The strength of any lift is influenced by the correct knees bent position, the purpose being to gain the most effective power from the thigh muscles.
c) Back
The spine must be kept rigid and straight but not necessarily vertical; this along with a bent knee position allows the centre line of gravity of the body to be over the weight so reducing strain.
d) Arms
Close to the body, the further the weight is away from the body, the greater the lifting strain. Get as close as possible to the weight and try to make it part of you.
e) Hands
Get a good hold, grasp with the roots of the finders, not just the tips.
f) Head
Any faulty head position will result in an incorrect spinal position. The chin should be drawn in and the head extended upwards to add to the rigidity of the spine.
g) Head
Every lift should begin with the placing of the head in the correct position for lifting.
H.S.E. Recommendations, the maximum weight for a fit person to lift is 20kgs for male and 10kgs for females.
19 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011
DRUG AND ALCOHL POLICY ALL EMPLOYEES, SUBCONTTACTORS AND/OR THEIR OPERATIVES ARE SUBJECT TO THE MANCHESTER ROAD SURFACING LTD’S DRUG AND ALOCOHOL POLICY AS SET OUT BELOW • • • • • •
• •
• •
• •
Employees must not present themselves for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs so that their ability to carry out their work is impaired. Consumption of alcohol during normal working hours or on company premises is prohibited. When representing the company outside normal working hours, employees are expected to take a responsible attitude to alcohol and drugs. The policy covers those driving any vehicle on behalf of the company in any capacity or at any location. Consumption, possession or sale of illegal drugs is prohibited. They are also criminal offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Prescribed and over the counter medications are covered by this policy as they may cause side effects that have potential safety implications. Employees should therefore take advice from their Pharmacist/General Practitioner when being prescribed mediation. Employees should not take or have present in their system any banned substance during the performance of their employment duties. Without prejudice to this policy, if any employee is known to be or is strongly suspected of being intoxicated during working hours’, then arrangements may be made for that person to be escorted from the premises immediately, where it is an appropriate response to do so. It is the responsibility of all managers to enforce the policy regardless of whether or not they are the line managers in a given situation. Employees are expected to be aware of and comply with the policy which includes the requirement to undergo random screening, to ensure that their performance is not impaired in anyway. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action being taken. In addition to employees other persons working on behalf of Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd are expected to be aware and comply with the policy. To assist in the implementation of the policy “for cause” screening , when determined by the responsible manager will be carried out. Unusual or abnormal behaviour of an individual may be related to the use of drugs and alcohol “for cause” screening, when determined by the responsible manager will be carried out. Unusual or abnormal behaviour of an individual may be related to the use of drugs and alcohol. For cause” screening witch leads to a positive result may lead to disciplinary action at intervals determined by the company, up to 10% of employees will be screened randomly in any one year. Again when a positive result is recorded it may lead to disciplinary action. 20 Manchester Road Surfacing Ltd, Guide Street, Salford. M50 1BX Reviewed 01/03/2011