Health & Safety Policy
Index
Responsibilities
3.1 Managing Director
3.2 Operatives
3.3 Contractors
Arrangements
3.4 Company safety rules
3.5 Consultation & training
3.6 Inspections
3.7 First aid
3.8 Accident reporting
3.9 Fire prevention
4.0 Risk assessment
4.1 COSHH
4.2 Manual handling
4.3 Noise
4.4 Personal protective equipment
4.5 Hand arm vibration
4.6 Machinery and work equipment safety
4.7 Maintenance and repair procedures on work equipment
4.8 Working at height
4.9 Asbestos
4.10 New hazards
4.11 Contractors
5. Annexes
a. Workplace inspection form
b. Accident investigation form
c. Risk assessment form
d. Method statement form
e. COSHH register
f. COSHH assessment form
g. PPE register
h. Not inserted
i. Not inserted
j. Not inserted
k. Manual handling assessment form
l. Competency indicator record
Health and safety responsibilities
3.1 Managing Director
a) The Managing Director will ensure that there is an effective health and safety policy and organisational structure, will periodically appraise the policy and will ensure that any necessary changes or improvements are made;
b) The Managing Director will support the policy and will ensure that it is properly implemented within all areas of their responsibility. This will include storage, transport and maintenance;
c) The Managing Director will provide adequate funds, staff and resources to meet the health and safety requirements of this policy;
d) The Managing Director will ensure that all contractors must have the correct training certification of their competence;
e) The Managing Director shall ensure that all risks in the company relating to accidents and health risks at work, loss or damage to company property and risks to the public through company activity shall be assessed;
f) The Managing Director shall review insurance and loss records periodically and advise when action is necessary to correct adverse trends;
g) The Managing Director shall create at all levels within the company a positive approach to accident prevention;
h) The Managing Director shall assist the company’s contractor persons at all levels, in their efforts to improve health and safety performance;
i) The Managing Director shall undertake investigations of reportable accidents, dangerous occurrences and/or near misses and make recommendations to prevent recurrence;
j) The Managing Director shall liaise with all outside agencies in connection with health and safety;
k) The Managing Director shall identify safety training requirements for operatives;
l) The Managing Director shall set a personal example by following all established health and safety rules;
3.2 Site operatives (Contractor Personnel)
a) Shall make themselves familiar with and conform to the company Health and Safety Policy at all times;
b) Shall carry out their work in accordance with safe systems of work that are issued and observe all appropriate safety rules at all times;
c) To use the correct tools and equipment for the job and keep such tools and equipment in good condition, reporting any defects;
d) Shall wear appropriate safety clothing and use such safety equipment or devices that the situation demands or as instructed;
e) Shall conform to all health and safety training and shall adhere to all procedures and instructions;
f) Shall conform to all instructions given by the Managing Director and/or the Company External Health and Safety Advisor and all others with the responsibility for health, safety and welfare;
g. Shall report all accidents and incidents to the Managing Director regardless of whether there is damage to company property and/or injury to persons.
h) Are encouraged to make suggestions to improve health and safety to the Managing Director and the Company External Health and Safety Advisor.
Note:
Contractors are reminded that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly misuse or interfere with anything the company provides for their health, safety and welfare. Refusal or failure to comply with its safety rules and policy will be considered a serious disciplinary offence.
3.3 Contractors
a) Shall ensure that they obtain, read and understand TV Aerial Installations LTD (TVAI) health and safety policy. Are welcome, and encouraged, to discuss safety matters with the Managing Director
b) Shall ensure that they received induction training for larger projects from TVAI. This training should include:
i) Identification of management and supervision.
ii) An explanation of their duties under the company’s health and safety policy.
iii) Site rules
c) Shall ensure that they comply with all conditions imposed by TVAI Ltd’s health and safety policy.
d) Shall record and report all accidents to TVAI Ltd, whether they are injured or not.
4. Health and Safety arrangements
3.4 Company safety rules
The following rules have been designed to ensure safe and healthy working conditions and must be complied with by all contractors. Compliance with the rules is a condition of contractors and disregard for the rules will result in disciplinary action and may seriously influence a claim for compensation, should an injury occur:
a) Contractors will not work when under the influence of alcohol or non prescribed drugs or prescribed drugs without doctor’s advice. If prescribed medicines are taken then the Managing Director must be informed if they affect your performance in the workplace.
b) A high standard of housekeeping will be adopted at all times.
c) A high standard of personal hygiene will be adopted at all times and particularly when working with Substances Hazardous to Health.
d) Smoking is prohibited in all areas.
e) Any spillage is to be reported or cleaned up immediately by the person responsible.
f) Practical jokes and horseplay are prohibited.
g) Suitable and appropriate PPE must be worn when identified in risk assessments and safe systems of work.
h) Loose clothing, hats, scarves, woollen garments and jewellery must be removed or secured by anyone working on a Hazard.
i) Places of work, walkways must be kept clear of obstructions at all times.
j).Workstations must be assessed and made safe for all who are involved.
k) Violence and bullying whether physical or verbal will not be tolerated.
l) A Risk Assessment detailing suitable and sufficient control measures must be raised when a significant hazard has been identified.
m) All work activities must be accompanied by a Method Statement which will be signed by all contractors prior to work commencing.
3.5 Consultation and training
a) TV Aerial Installations LTD shall arrange ladder safety training and risk assessment courses for all employees and contractors.
b) Other safety courses that are required must be arranged by the contractor themselves.
c) Ensure formal induction procedures exist for new contractors.
d) Contractors must create an effective system for maintaining health and safety training records.
3.6 Inspections
Contractors shall provide the following first aid arrangements: A safe and healthy environment will only be achieved if hazards are identified and eliminated. To facilitate this, safety reviews must be carried out by the contractor and early effective action is to be taken on the findings of these reviews. The review will be informal but any defects will be rectified as soon as is reasonably practicable. The review will cover the following matters: An inspection of all work areas will be carried out to ensure general tidiness, cleanliness and to ensure walkways are free from obstructions.
a) An inspection of all work equipment will be carried out to ensure that all guarding and safety arrangements are in order.
b) A check that all hazardous substances are handled and stored safely.
c) A check that protective clothing and equipment is in good condition and being worn when and where appropriate
b) A check that a high standard of personal hygiene is adopted.
c) Check that electrical safety is maintained with respect to PAT testing and use.
3.7 First aid
Contractors shall provide the following first aid arrangements:
a) First aid boxes and eyewash stations throughout the workplace.
b) Re-stocking of first aid boxes when required.
c) Medicines, creams and lotions MUST NOT be kept in first aid boxes.
3.8 Accident reporting
a) All accidents, including to visitors and contractors must be reported.
b) An account of an accident or near accident should be recorded by the injured or near injured person and passed onto TVAI Ltd.
c) The contractor is required to investigate all accidents or near accidents.
c) All accidents classified as reportable will be reported to TVAI Ltd.
3.9 Fire prevention and control procedures
a) Smoking is prohibited in all areas of work.
Fire control:
a) All contractors must be familiar with all means of escape from the premises.
4.0 Risk assessment & Method Statements
a) Risk assessments will be carried out by competent contractors who have completed the ladder safety training course for activities involving a significant hazard.
The risk assessment will include the following information:
1) A description of the activity.
2) Identification of significant hazards.
3) The number of people that may be affected and the extent of the risk.
4) The existing control measures.
5) Review date.
b) Recommendations will be made for actions such as additional control measures required to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.
c) All control measures will be continuously monitored by the contractor.
d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be selected and will be used when appropriate.
e) Appropriate safety signs if required shall be erected.
f) Contractors must be competent in the nature of the risks and the safe and effective use of control measures and PPE.
g) Risk assessments will be reviewed by the contractor on a regular basis or when process changes.
h) No new activity will be introduced without carrying out a risk assessment and method statement.
4.1 Control of substances hazardous to health
a) An inventory of all hazardous substances will be kept including the safety data sheets.
b) Risk assessments should be carried out for all operations.
c) COSHH assessment will be reviewed on a regular basis and when process changes occur.
d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be selected and worn.
e) Contractors must provide evidence in the nature of the hazardous substances in use, and the safe working methods employed to reduce risks from hazardous substances.
f) All changes to type of PPE will be assessed and no new substance will be introduced into the workplace without prior assessment.
4.2 Manual handling
a) Manual Handling assessments will be carried out, by a trained competent person, for all activities involving the movement of loads (Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling).
The Manual Handling assessment will consider the following factors:
1) The nature of the manual handling activity.
2) The nature of the load involved.
3) The capacity of the individual carrying out the manual handling activity.
4) The nature of the work environment.
5) Other factors (e.g. use of PPE).
b) Recommendations will be made for actions such as additional control measures (e.g. lifting devices) required to reduce the risk of a manual handling injury to an acceptable level.
c) All control measures will be properly maintained to ensure that adequate control is achieved.
d) Contractors must be trained in the nature of the risks and in the safe and effective use of control measures.
e) Contractors must provide evidence of training in correct manual handling techniques.
f) Manual handling assessments will be reviewed on a regular basis and when process changes occur.
4.3 In accordance with the Noise Regulations and with respect to contractors.
Where any doubt exists as to whether any machinery owned or used by a contractor has a noise output in excess of over 85 dB or where the personal daily or weekly level is more than 85 dB, then a noise survey will be carried out by a competent person to ascertain the actual levels.
a) Should the survey reveal levels of over 85 dB(A), and/or peak levels of over 140 dB then the contractor shall do all that is possible to reduce these levels, as far as is reasonably practicable, and the wearing of hearing protection is mandatory in these areas.
b) Contractor must be trained and provide evidence in the hazards of noise and in the safe and effective use of hearing protection.
c) Contractors will also be informed of their duty under the above regulations to wear hearing protection when it is provided.
d) Records will be kept of all noise surveys and subsequent action taken
4.4 Protective clothing and equipment
Clothing and equipment to protect individuals, and as having been identified on the task risk assessment must be worn.
a) PPE as required and adequate supplies must be maintained.
b) Contractors are required to wear protective clothing and to use PPE when the nature of the work demands it.
c) Contractors must provide evidence that they have been trained in the correct use, storage and maintenance of PPE.
d) All protective clothing and equipment must fit the wearer and must be compatible with other types of PPE worn. The PPE must be kept clean, properly adjusted and in good repair.
e) Contractors have a duty to ensure that lost or damaged protective clothing or equipment is to be replaced.
4.5 Hand arm vibration (syndrome)
The following rules are designed to reduce the effects of vibration.
a) All machinery that causes a vibration such etc must be assessed prior to use to ascertain the level of control that must be afforded to the user
b) All users must be trained in the safe use of the equipment including the effects of HAVS and how to mitigate those effects.
4.6 Machinery and work equipment safety
In accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations the Company will undertake the following:
a) Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all contractors working on machinery, as well as ensuring the safety of others who may be affected by the machinery.
b) Seek to provide adequate information and training to all contractors.
c) Carry out Risk Assessments for all activities involving machinery or work equipment. These risk assessments will be reviewed on a regular basis and when process changes occur.
d) The measures will either prevent access to the dangerous part, or stop the movement of the dangerous part before any part of a person can reach it.
e) Carry out risk assessments which identify specific hazards to do with equipment failure.
f) Provide suitable means to isolate all machinery from all its sources of energy.
g) Steps will be taken to ensure that mobile equipment is used within the limits of its stability at any given time.
h) Ensure that suitable and sufficient lighting, which takes account of the operations to be carried out, is provided at any place where a person uses work equipment.
i) Ensure that work equipment is marked in a clearly visible manner with any marking appropriate for reasons of health and safety.
j) All work equipment will comply with any relevant EC Directive and so bear a “CE” mark or have an EC Declaration of Conformity.
k) Ensure the equipment is suitable for the job and well maintained and that maintenance records are kept for all work equipment.
l) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be selected and worn whilst operating machinery and equipment, identified in the appropriate risk assessment.
m) Appropriate mandatory safety signs shall be erected in the work area.
n) All fixed and portable electrical equipment will be tested on a regular basis and records kept.
4.7 Maintenance and repair procedures on work equipment
Personnel carrying out maintenance and repair work can be at greater risk than others.
The following rules recognise the risks, and are designed to eliminate them.
All personnel carrying out maintenance work must comply with safe systems of work and the following:
a) Before general maintenance work starts a full risk assessment will be carried out.
b) All tools and equipment are to be maintained in good condition. Portable electric tools should be identified, inspected regularly, marked with inspection dates, and records are to be kept of these inspections.
c) Maintenance personnel are to take particular care when dealing with plant, equipment and systems with which they are not familiar.
4.8 Working at height (including below ground level)
a) All contractors are to must follow all safety guidance on any access equipment they are using.
b) All activities involving working at height must be risk assessed and appropriate controls put in place.
c) All ladders, steps must conform to the latest standards and other access equipment are to be identified and inspected regularly. A record of these inspections is to be kept available for those with the responsibility of inspection.
d) All working platforms with a risk of falls from height must have a guard rail.
e) Ladders must not be used as working platforms in situations where the work requires the use of both hands, unless a safety harness is worn and no other means of access is available.
f) Ladders must only be used on firm level base, and where they can be erected at a safe angle.
g) Tower scaffolds must always be properly constructed and fitted with the appropriate guard rails and boards.
h) Ladders and steps must not be used on tower scaffolds.
4.9 Asbestos
Although staff will not be exposed to asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) during their normal working operations they may be in an environment that the presence of ACM’s need confirmation. All contractors must provide evidence that they have had Asbestos Awareness training and if during the course of work activities suspected asbestos material is found the area will be immediately evacuated and cordoned off until such time as a registered specialist contractor attends the site to confirm if asbestos is present.
4.10 New hazards
The following rules are designed to prevent new items introducing hazards into the company which are unknown and unsuspected. They apply to equipment, machine tools, whether they are new or second-hand, referred to in these rules as `items’.
* A full risk assessment will be carried out, for all new hazards.
a) Before any `item’ is introduced into the Company it is to be fully appraised and any health or safety hazards found taken into account by the contractor.
b) The person ordering the `item’ is responsible for sufficient information to be obtained from the supplier to enable the `item’ to be installed, used, maintained and stored safely and without risk to health.
c) The contractor is to ensure that those concerned receive sufficient instruction and supervision and where necessary training to install, use, maintain and store the ‘item’ safely and without risk to health and to comply with any statutory requirement that applies.
4.11 Contractors
All Contractors must provide their own public liability insurance, their own tools, van, stock and other equipment including ladders.