The following is a description of the type of work that our Company undertakes:

Transcription

1 Health & Safety Introduction K9 Patrol is committed to providing a workplace that is healthy and safe for our employees and anyone who interacts with us e.g. customers and members of the public. Conformance with legal requirements and approved codes of practice will only be regarded as a minimum standard in order for us to achieve these objectives. We see Health and Safety as an integral part of the business and a key business indicator of our performance as a company just as we do finance, quality, production or any other business objective. The core purpose of our business in Security The following is a description of the type of work that our Company undertakes: Description of Work: Dog Handling Security Services Static Guarding Services PART 1 - General Statement of Policy The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWA) 1974 lays down the duty of every employer to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees. Under these duties K9 Patrol will pay committed attention to the following Ensuring: Safe plant and systems of work Safe use, handling, transport and storage of substances and articles We have essential provisions for information, instruction, training and supervision Safe place of work is maintained with safe access and egress A safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities A clear and understandable health and safety policy outlining arrangements and organisational duties K9 Patrol also recognises its other duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations as well as all the other regulations which make up the HASWA. K9 Patrol is fully committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of anyone employed by or involved or affected by the business and will ensure as so far is reasonable practicable that its work and business is done so in a way in a way which complies with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all Acts and Regulations thereafter This health and safety policy will be reviewed when it is deemed necessary following an incident, accident, change in legislation which may affect our business or any other activity which may highlight the effectiveness of this policy, however it will be reviewed as a management plan at intervals not exceeding 12 months. PART 2 Organisation and Responsibilities 2.1 Managing Director The Managing Director has overall responsibility for health and safety in the company, and will: -

2 Be responsible and accountable for health and safety performance within the organisation Ensure adequate resources are available for the health and safety requirements of the organisation Establish, implement and maintain a formal, written health and safety programme for the organisation, that encompasses all areas of health and safety risk Approve, introduce and monitor all site health and safety policies, rules procedures and safe working systems Review annually the effectiveness of its health and safety program and revise where necessary Provide a positive health and safety culture within the organisation Set a personal example when visiting site by wearing appropriate protective equipment Actively promote at all levels the company s commitment to effective health and safety management. Be an integral part of the office work environment and lead the company in terms of its objectives and goals, including health and safety within the office. This will include either undertaking workplace inspections and/or workstation risk assessments to ensure the work area is suitable and sufficient in terms of health and safety. 2.2 Departmental Managers Departmental Managers will report directly to the managing director all matters of a health and safety concern and will cascade important health and safety information regarding the persons they line manage relating to performance, incidents/accidents, and issues relating to ill health up to the managing director and will not keep any health and safety information from the director. Furthermore departmental managers will cascade down information, procedures or any other health and safety related topics as produced by the managing director to all other employees. Departmental Managers will: Be responsible and accountable for the health and safety performance of their department Ensure that any equipment, machinery & vehicles used in their department are inspected, tested & maintained in accordance with manufactures recommendations and all electrical installations and equipment is fit for purpose and meets health and safety regulations e.g. provisions and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) and all other required health and safety standards. Ensure copies of maintenance records and insurance inspections are maintained Develop and maintain a training plan that includes specific job instruction and for the use of work equipment needed, for new or existing employees, and maintain a supervisory status to ensure training and instruction is carried out by the employee and any shortcomings are quickly corrected and reported Personally investigate all cases of accident or incident or dangerous occurrences or illness as a result of work. Report all the above to the HSE if required and carry out a full investigation into causes and to report immediately all these instances to the managing director. Produce risk assessments and safe systems of work for all employees and undertake workplace inspections as required by health and safety law, report all discrepancies to the managing director and review all risk assessments annually or as and when required Enforce a positive health and safety culture to all supervisors and employees and encourage feedback relating to health and safety matters. Conduct regular health and safety meetings with supervisors and employees to discuss any new or changing issues within the company or by law. Provide all employees with safety equipment and personal protective equipment and work closely with managing director to identify any additional training needs and budgetary requirements needed for additional training or safety equipment supplies Monitoring the implementation of the health and safety policy throughout the company and reviewing its appropriateness by regular safety audits/inspections carried out in various workplaces. Investigating accidents and implementing corrective action. Reviewing health and safety legislation and implementing any new requirements pertaining to the company s undertaking including additional training where necessary. Liaising with managers, employees, sub-contractors and specialists as and when appropriate. Collating and reporting any accidents reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (R.I.D.D.O.R.) Supervisors

3 The supervisor will report directly to the department manager and will be responsible for: Ensuring they are responsible and accountable for their teams health and safety performance Enforce all safe systems of work procedures and risk control measures as issued by their department manager Instruct employees in all relevant health and safety rules, make records of instruction and enforce all health and safety rules and procedures Enforce personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and carry out checks, make arrangements for damaged or non-workable PPE to be replaced as required. Enforce all safety standards as set out by the department manager and report any issues relating to health and safety direct to department manager without delay Employees All employees must: Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Cooperate fully with the employer and others to enable them to fulfil their legal obligations under the health and safety at work act Report any defects found with safety provisions, personal protective equipment, machinery or short comings in existing safety procedures direct to the line manager Not interfere or misuse any safety provisions or equipment which is in place to protect persons from accident/incident or ill health. (AKA No Horseplay or Fooling About) In order for all employees to comply with their legal duties, they will undertake and be responsible for: Reading and understanding the Company s health and safety policy and carry out their work safely and in accordance with it requirements. Ensuring that all protective equipment provided under a legal requirement is properly used in relation to any instruction / training given and in accordance with this health and safety policy. Reporting any defects to work equipment immediately to the Site Supervisor. Reporting to the management any incidents, which have led or might lead to injury or damage Reporting any accidents or near misses however minor to the Supervisor Using the correct tools and equipment for the job in hand and in accordance with training and instructions. Co-operating with any investigation, which may be undertaken with the objective of preventing reoccurrence of incidents. 2.5 Consultants and Advisors K9 Patrol will, from time to time request the advice and guidance from out sourced health and safety consultants, and in order to maintain our health and safety systems, will periodically request audits from these consultants as and when they see fit. 2.6 Total Employee Involvement K9 Patrol seeks to involve all members of its company in ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all persons involved with the company or who may be affected by its acts or omissions, It encourages all staff members to be health and safety vigilant and actively encourages all staff to report, promote and maintain any issues concerning health, safety and welfare. K9 Patrol fully understands the importance of health and safety at work and actively seeks support from its staff members and expects full cooperation with all health and safety systems and procedures it introduces and maintains. PART 3 Arrangements

4 3.1 Provisions for Health and Safety In order to meet our obligations to ensure provisions are in place for Information, instruction, training and supervision, K9 Patrol will commit to providing financial resources in all areas it is required following site or individual risk assessment. The company recognises that a financial commitment needs to be in place to ensure its work is carried out safely and will endeavour to provide financial support to key areas of health and safety as required by statutory regulations and the law. 3.2 Communication and Consultation In order to meet the legal requirements of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations, the company will communicate and consult with all employees on the following issues: The content of this policy and approved codes of practice Any rules specific to a site or job. Changes in legislation or working best practice. The planning of Health and Safety training. The introduction or alteration of new work equipment or technology. This communication and consultation will take place directly with the employees via regular safety meetings or 1 to 1 meetings, Staff newsletters, tool-box talks, s and memo s posted on the staff notice board. 3.3 Training All employees are given training appropriate to their responsibilities in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Training will be provided for the following situations: Induction training for new employees (Health and safety awareness, company procedures etc) A site specific Induction and introduction to their workplace A personal safety training session on what to do in the event of a security situation whilst at work and what is expected of them. A change in employee position/work activity or responsibility Any other training as identified during course of employment, appraisals or be change in legislation Training is also specifically provided for work with hazardous substances, use of PPE and manual handling. Any training provided by the company will be formally recorded with a hard copy kept on file. A programme of refresher training will be undertaken to keep employees up to date with legislation and industry best practice. 3.4 Risk Assessments The Department Manager will carry out and record formal risk assessments. In addition risk assessments are carried out continuously by employees throughout their work. Hazards are considered and work methods established to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others affected by the work. Where the employee does not have sufficient knowledge about a specific hazard, they will take further advice from the Department Manager if required. The Director of the Company ensures employees are provided with appropriate instruction and training on risk assessments. 3.5 Method Statements Formal method statements (safe working procedures) will be prepared in writing where the risk is particularly high. The method statements will provide site specific information on the task to be undertaken including site set up, chain of responsibility and will detail a clear sequence of work that would be followed in order to undertake the given task safely.

5 3.6 Co-operation with Clients Employees will always familiarise themselves with client procedures when first attending site, in particular general site access, emergency procedures, evacuation procedures and points. Clients site procedures and specific instructions will be followed at all times. 3.7 Welfare Facilities Wherever possible arrangements will be made with the Client and/or Principal Contractor for the use of Welfare facilities at sites under their management. As a minimum the following requirements will be adhered to: Toilet/washing facilities accessible on site Eating and resting facilities are available on site 3.8 Work Equipment All work equipment (including Electrical equipment) used at work, as part of the Company s undertaking will comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (P.U.W.E.R.). Before new equipment is introduced into the working environment, an assessment will be made by a senior member of staff in order to ascertain that the equipment is suitable for its intended use. No employee will use work equipment for which they have not received specific training. No employee will knowingly misuse work equipment or remove any guards that are in place to minimise a specified risk. All employees will undertake a basic visual inspection of all work equipment before use or operation, paying particular attention to portable electrical items such as heaters and kettles etc. An inspection of the power cord or flex should be undertaken along with a visual check of the overall condition of the item, including switches, leavers, timers, the case of the appliance, cracks to housings, securing s and fixings, feet and any instructions on the appliance which are no longer readable. Any defect of the above or similar must be reported immediately to the department manager and the appliance not used until it has been properly checked by a competent person. All work equipment will be maintained and inspected at suitable intervals either internally by a competent person or by specialist external companies. The frequency of work equipment maintenance or inspection will be based on manufacturer s guidance and industry best practice. Any maintenance / inspections undertaken on company equipment will be formally recorded with a hard copy left on file. If any faults or damage are found on any equipment, stop using the work equipment and report the fault to your Site Supervisor. 3.9 Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) Appropriate personal protective equipment will be issued to employees as and when necessary for work activities. Training will be provided for employees on the safe use, storage and maintenance of the relevant equipment before issue and a written record detailing what PPE has been issued will be signed by the employees on receipt of the equipment and the hard copy kept on file. Employees have a legal duty to wear PPE as specified in relevant site rules, risk assessments and method statements. Any defects or malfunction of PPE must be reported to the supervisor or department manager 3.10 Hazardous Substances

6 The risks associated with hazardous substances are considered for all work activities. Alternative less harmful substances are used wherever possible. In case of risks to health, PPE is provided and used by employees, and health surveillance undertaken where necessary. Before any hazardous substances are used during a work process, a material safety data sheet (MSDS) will be requested from the supplier and an appropriate assessment made of the risks from that substance undertaken by the Health and Safety Co-coordinator / Representative, in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). An inventory of all substances and materials hazardous to health is held at head office. K9 Patrol does not in its normal course of work use Hazardous Substance, however we acknowledge the risks associated with hazardous substances and should it be deemed necessary to use such substances we will complete the necessary control measures. If an employee s feels the need to use such hazardous substances then they must first consult with the departmental manager before attempting to use anything of a hazardous nature First Aid & Accident Reporting & Investigation Adequate first aid provision will be made at every place of work occupied by the Company. Each first aid box shall be suitably marked and be easily accessible to all employees at all times when they are at work. Monthly employee site meetings will determine if the provisions are still suitable and the departmental manager will ensure provisions correct and fit for purpose. On Work Sites wherever possible arrangements are made with clients/principle contractors to use their first aid facilities and appointed persons. All accidents MUST be reported to your Site Supervisor and the details recorded in the accident book (held at our office). Serious accidents where hospital treatment is required must be reported to the department manager or managing director as soon as possible after the incident. For certain categories of injury or dangerous occurrences a nominated department manager or the managing director will contact Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (R.I.D.D.O.R.) accordingly and within the time frames set by RIDDOR All accidents / incidents will be investigated by senior management and any action taken as a result of an investigation will be formally recorded Asbestos Due to the nature of our work, there is a very low risk of coming into contact with asbestos related materials, however we acknowledge the fact that as a company, we cannot limit or control the actions or omissions of the clients we work for, therefore our procedure to control the contact of employees with asbestos is a follows: If, during patrols or surveillance, you see a fibrous material that you think may be asbestos, you should: Step away from the materials immediately Prevent any dust/fibres being released by not touching the material Evacuate the immediate area and prevent access by others e.g. the public. Inform those responsible for the premises and the department manager, so that the necessary sampling can be arranged. Do not return to that area until informed that it is safe to do so Remember, if you are uncertain as to the content of the material, stop patrol and seek advice Manual Handling

7 Manual handling risks are considered prior to each work activity. The method of work is adapted to minimise manual handling risks wherever possible, including use of alternative lifting and carrying methods. Our employees are advised not to manually handle loads which they feel incapable of moving safely Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures It is the Company s policy to take account of fire hazards in the workplace. All employees have a duty to conduct their operations in such a way as to minimize the risk of fire. This involves compliance with the sites no smoking policy, keeping combustible materials separate from sources of ignition and avoiding unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials. Site Supervisors are responsible for keeping their operating areas safe from fire, ensuring that their staff are trained in proper fire prevention practices and emergency procedures. In the event of the fire alarm being activated, or in any other emergency situation (e.g. bomb scare), all employees must leave the building or site by the nearest available exit and assemble at the designated assembly point. The main business location is within a domestic building and the company looks after fire precautions and procedures and partakes in regular fire drills and provides appropriate training. Employees work at different site locations and as part of the site risk assessment, a copy of the specific site fire risk assessment is sought and during the risk assessment and site survey fire precautions are noted and logged with the information going to the managing director and employee alike Sub-Contractors K9 Patrol has a service agreement procedure in place should we ever require the use of sub-contractors Workstations and Display Screen Equipment K9 Patrol understands the obligations it has to meet in relation to the Display Screen Equipment Regulations and will undertake workstation risk assessments for each employee who is subject to using DSE as part of their work. The departmental managers will undertake such reviews and any control measures implemented accordingly. Provisions for eye sight testing are available upon request of employees or as part of a control measure as identified in the risk assessment. All employees that use DSE as part of their work will be given information, instruction and guidance in the form of HSE documents Public safety The safety of members of the public and other contractors is considered at all times whilst onsite. Any work area that could place others at risk due to the Company s activities will be closed off by appropriate means (e.g. safety signage, bollards, tape, hoarding) in order to restrict access Definitions K9 Patrol understands the Health and Safety Terms used in this policy as follows: Health The protection of bodies and minds from illness Safety The protection of people from physical injury Welfare The provisions of facilities to maintain the health and well-being of individuals in the workplace Accident An unplanned event that results in injury or ill health of people, damage or loss to property, plant, materials or the environment or loss of business opportunity Near Miss An incident that could have resulted in an accident Dangerous Occurrence This is a near miss that could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life Hazard The potential of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm Risk The likelihood of a substance, person, activity or process to cause harm