Health & Safety Policy July 2014

Transcription

1 Organising for Health and Safety 1. Good management and positive leadership are necessary to realise a high standard of health and safety. To achieve this it is necessary to detail the organisation within which health and safety will be managed and specify the responsibilities for health and safety management that exist. This section of the safety policy details how Searson & Company will manage health and safety. Responsibilities: Managing Senior Partner. 2. The main person responsible for health and safety is the Managing Senior Partner, Mr A J Searson. He is to establish effective safety policies and procedures for the management of health and safety within all aspects of work that Searson & Company carry out. 3. He is to ensure that all staff complies with all effective Health & Safety systems that have been put in place. 4. To help meet these responsibilities he is to be assisted by the Administration Senior Partner, Mrs D J Searson Administration Senior Partner. 5. The Administration Senior Partner is responsible for ensuring that Searson & Company s general health and safety policy is followed, in the absence of the Managing Senior Partner. Mrs D J Searson is also responsible for providing site spot checks, assessments and reviews of current Health & Safety Policy procedures 6. Any recommendations for change or review to the general Health & Safety Policy are to be forwarded to the managing Senior Partner for final approval. 7. The Administration Senior Partner is responsible for ensuring a monthly Health & Safety meeting takes place, to review, assess and make recommendations for change or improvement to the general Health & Safety Policy. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 1

2 Operative Staff. 8. To ensure that the general Health & Safety Policy is adhered to at all levels, ALL staff will have an individual responsibility for ensuring full compliance. Each member of staff will be provided with a general Health & Safety Policy, and will be expected to familiarise themselves with all aspects of it s requirements. All staff will also be expected to work in full compliance of the general Health & Safety Policy, and will be answerable to any actions that prove detrimental to the Policy. 9. Operatives are to: a. Ensure safety arrangements and procedures are followed at all times. Operatives should also bring to the attention of their management any apparent deficiencies in systems of work or equipment provided that expose them to unnecessary danger or risks to their health and safety. b. Use all work equipment and personal protective equipment properly and in accordance with training received. c. Report any safety deficiencies, accidents, near misses and cases of ill health to their line manager, or if necessary their Managing Senior Partner. d. Assist the company during investigations of accidents and safety related incidents. e. Work safely at all times giving due consideration for the safety of others. f. Notify line management of safety training needs. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 2

3 Arrangements for carrying out the Health & Safety Policy 1. At Searson & Company the work that is undertaken can expose our employees and others to a wide variety of hazards and situations that may present a risk to their health and safety. The purpose of this section of the Policy is to identify the arrangements that are in place to manage those hazards and situations. 2. The arrangements will, as far as possible, ensure that we are compliant with current legal requirements for health, safety and welfare at work. 3. The arrangements will also protect the health and safety of other persons who can be affected by our work. 4. The requirements in this section will from time to time be supplemented by additional instructions or information to aid in their application. 5. All Searson & Company employees are required to be aware of the specific requirements that apply to their role and ensure, as far as possible, that they are followed. If for any reason it is not possible to follow the requirements, employees are responsible for advising their line manager who is to seek advice accordingly. Health and Safety Performance 6. In order to achieve continual improvement in our health and safety performance, the Managing Senior Partner will, on an annual basis, carry out a review of the overall safety performance of the company and set objectives for performance improvement. 7. All objectives need to be realistic and achievable and fit with the overall business plans. Base the objectives and targets on data generated from performance review and internal audit results. Performance Monitoring 8. On a quarterly basis, the Administration Senior Partner is to provide a report to the Managing Senior Partner with regard to their performance over the preceding 3 months. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 3

4 Risk Assessment 9. Safe working can only take place if all of the hazards that exist in a work task are identified and evaluated. This process is called Risk Assessment and seeks to quantify the level of risk to which people are exposed. Once the risk has been quantified, it is possible to then determine what actions are necessary to either remove or reduce the risk. Special attention is required for the following: a. Young Persons. Due to a lack of experience and occasionally a lack of maturity, young workers below the age of 18 represent an increased risk in the workplace. Therefore, where a young person is employed, a specific Risk Assessment is to be carried out to assess their needs. b. Employment of Children. It is the Policy of Searson & Company that under 16 s are not employed. The one exception is where an individual is on a recognised and approved work experience scheme. In which case a young person s risk assessment is to be carried out. The results of the Risk Assessment are to be communicated to the child s parents/guardians as well as the child and education authority. 10. All work tasks are to undergo an appropriate level of Risk Assessment prior to the task commencing. 11. Risk Assessment is a line management responsibility and whoever carries out Risk Assessment for a task should have received the appropriate training. 12. The significant risks should be identified and recorded on the appropriate form; the risks and the correct control measures should be communicated to the Operatives who will carry out the task. Where Operatives change over part way through a task, it is a line management responsibility to ensure that the Risk Assessment is appropriately communicated to the replacement personnel. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 4

5 Risk Control, Reduction and Removal 13. Risk control is the process of designing, implementing and maintaining measures that will reduce a particular risk. The primary purpose of risk assessment is to identify the measures necessary to either remove the risk completely, or put in appropriate control measures to reduce the level of risk. 14. There are three possible ways to reduce the risk: a. Reduce the likelihood. b. Reduce the severity. c. Reduce the likelihood and severity. 15. Base the control measures on the hierarchy of control shown below: a. Eliminate the hazard at source. b. Reduce the hazard at source substitution. c. Remove the person from the hazard. d. Contain the hazard by an enclosure. e. Reduce employee exposure. f. Personal protective equipment (PPE). g. This is always to be used as a last resort. 16. Some control measures will be better than others for a given situation, when identifying the required control measures, consider the following areas. a. The number of people protected by the control measure it is better to use a control measure that will protect everyone, rather than relying on individuals to provide their own protection. i) It would be better to put a physical barrier around a roof edge to prevent falls, rather than rely on people to use individual fall arrest systems and a harness. b. The extent to which the continuing effectiveness of the control measure relies on human behaviour. Apart from routine maintenance, it is best to have a control measure that operates without human intervention. When a control measure relies on people, it is inevitable that on some occasions it will not be used, either deliberately or inadvertently. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 5

6 c. The extent to which the risk control measures require testing, maintenance, cleaning, replacement, etc. All of these require human intervention and therefore have the potential to fail. d. The cost of the control measure. This should be calculated over the lifetime of the control measure since some control measures have a low installation cost but are expensive to maintain, while in some cases the opposite can be true. This aspect, along with the final point, will allow us to identify if we have met the legal obligation of reasonably practicable. e. The extent to which the control measure reduces the risk. Ideally, the control measure will reduce the risk to near zero, often in practice this is not achievable and it will be necessary to devise a detailed safe system of work. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 17. Only provide PPE as a last resort when other control measures are impractical or not possible. The nature of some of our activities dictates that on occasions PPE is the only acceptable control measure; its use is to be justified on the risk assessment. 18. Selection of PPE. Prior to providing PPE to control a workplace hazard, line managers are responsible for its correct selection. The following points are to be considered when selecting PPE. a. Is it appropriate for the risks involved and the conditions at the workplace where exposure may occur? b. Does it take account of any ergonomic requirements and constraints? c. Consider the state of health of the person who will wear it. d. Is it capable of fitting the wearer correctly after adjustments? e. As far as possible it is to effectively prevent or adequately control the risks without increasing the overall risk. i) For example, this could cover the provision of ear defenders that would prevent audible warning sounds being heard. f. Is it legally compliant? Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 6

7 19. To assist line managers with the selection of the most appropriate PPE, Searson & Company has an arrangement with a PPE distributor who will advise on the selection of PPE as necessary. 20. Use of PPE. a. Prior to using PPE, all employees are to be provided with information, instruction and training in its use. b. Information is to cover the hazards that the PPE is designed to protect against and any limitations in its effectiveness. c. Instruction is to cover how to use the PPE correctly, how to test it, any maintenance that is required and how to report faults. d. Training is to cover the effective use of the PPE including its cleaning and maintenance. 21. Records of Issue. Record the issue of any item of PPE on the appropriate form. This is to record the type of PPE supplied, the date of issue, frequency of maintenance required, frequency of cartridge/filter changes, training provided and hazards protected against. Method Statements 22. Certain work tasks can be complex, or the risk associated with the tasks so significant that detailed instructions are required to manage the risk. Where this becomes apparent, prepare a detailed method statement that identifies the various procedures necessary to manage and control the risks and communicate it to the relevant operatives. 23. Disciplines are responsible for devising an appropriate format for the method statement to follow that meets their specific requirements. Additionally, personnel drafting method statements are to be competent to do so. Communication and Consultation 24. The development of a positive attitude to safety will only occur with the involvement of all Searson & Company employees. Critical to achieving this is the need to consult on all aspects of health and safety and communicate Searson & Company s current issues and how we intend managing them. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 7

8 25. The Managing Senior Partner is to ensure that all employees are kept aware of all initiatives and developments that affect their health and safety. He should also inform them of the results of any accident investigations that may directly affect them. Senior management is to ensure that when information regarding their employee s health and safety is requested, it is provided in a timely manner. Supervision and Management 26. Adequate and competent supervision and management is essential in the prevention of accidents and occupational ill-health. The majority of serious accidents occur where the management chain or supervision is inadequate. 27. The level of supervision required on any task is commensurate with the level of risk and the competence of the people employed to carry out the task. Company senior management is to ensure that an adequate level of supervision is provided within all contracts; additionally, they should ensure that the managers and supervisors are competent for their role, particularly with regard to health and safety Health and Safety Training 28. Job, and where appropriate, task specific training in the hazards present in the workplace and the reduction of the associated risks is critical to successful health and safety management. All Searson & Company staff are to receive relevant and timely training to ensure they are competent to carry out their role safely. The type and nature of the training will depend upon a person s prior knowledge, experience and any previous training they may have had, therefore there is a need to provide initial induction training, with periodic refresher and specialist training as appropriate 29. All training is to be provided by competent trainers and at the end of each training session the training is to be evaluated by the trainees for its value and effectiveness. Additionally, the trainees are to receive some form of testing appropriate to the training to validate it. 30. Records of all health and safety training received by an employee are to be maintained within their personnel file Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 8

9 Assessment of Sub-Contractor s Health and Safety 31. Poor management of health and safety on the part of sub-contractors employed by Searson & Company can have a significant negative effect on Searson & Company s safety performance and our reputation generally. In order to ensure that, as far as possible, we only engage contractors who can competently manage their own health and safety, all sub-contractors, prior to be being employed, will be assessed on their ability to comply with all aspects of Health & Safety. Occupational Health a. Management of Injuries. Where an employee has been injured through their work, an early occupational health intervention can increase the possibility of an early return to work and also reduce the possibility of a negligence claim. If, due to injury, an employee is likely to be absent from work for an extended period of time, advice should be sought by the Managing Senior Partner from the occupational health service regarding their management. b. Health Surveillance. Periodically there may be the need for employees to undergo health surveillance. This is usually likely in the following circumstances: i) where they are using hazardous substances that are sensitisers that can lead to skin or respiratory irritation, ii) high noise or vibration levels or, iii) Hazardous substances that can damage the lungs or other parts of the body. c. Determine the need for health surveillance from the information gained when the risk assessment is carried out. Additionally, conditions identified on the health declaration may also prompt the need for health surveillance. Where it is considered necessary for an employee to be placed under health surveillance, advice should be obtained from the Health & Safety Executive. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 9

10 First Aid 32. Occasionally accidents will happen to Searson & Company employees or persons on Searson & Company premises, if this does happen we need to ensure that appropriate first aid is readily available. 33. First aid provision is to be commensurate with the assessed level of risk anticipated. 34. Where Searson & Company employees are required to work in a high risk area, either due to our operations or a client s, the line manager is to ensure that there is an adequate number of first aiders available and that all staff are aware of how to contact them in an emergency. Additionally, sufficient readily accessible first aid kits are to be provided and staff made aware of their location. 35. Where we are reliant on a client s or another contractor s first aid facilities, managers are to ensure that a formal agreement exists between Searson & Company and the third party. Searson & Company is still responsible for ensuring the adequacy of these arrangements. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 10

11 Occupational Stress 36. Stress-related ill health is a growing problem. In many cases, the source of stress leading to ill health is not work related, but relates to issues away from work that affect an individual s capacity for work. In the main, stress related illness can be prevented by good management practices. 37. Occasionally, an employee can be exposed to a greater level of occupational stress due to an increased workload, taking on additional responsibility or promotion. It is incumbent on senior management to identify the potential for this before appointing an employee to the position. Additionally where employees believe they are suffering from increased levels of occupational stress, they have a responsibility to bring this to the attention of their line manager. Work equipment 38. Searson & Company use a wide variety of work equipment and is used on a daily basis. The equipment varies from the relatively simple to the complex, and all of them present their own hazards and risks that are to be assessed and controlled. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment 39. There are many areas of Searson & Co s operations that require the use of lifting equipment to carry out a lifting operation. For example, removing heavy household contents from properties, removal and transfer of deceased persons. In all of these operations there are many hazards present, and appropriate action must be taken to prevent personal injury, and reduce the risk to thers around you. Noise 40. Exposure to high noise levels has the potential to damage the hearing of those exposed. The extent of the damage is related to the noise level and the exposure time. There are occasions when the noise is instantly damaging; fortunately those cases are rare, if not non-existent in our work areas. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 11

12 41. Most of the noise to which our employees will be exposed is relatively lowlevel and therefore has limited potential to cause hearing damage. There are occasions when equipment we are using, or equipment in areas where we are working may cause exposure to noise that can lead to hearing damage. As with all other workplace hazards, it is necessary to carry out a risk assessment for all employees exposed to high noise levels, when carrying out any assessment, always remember to consider client s and other contractor s noise sources. Vibration 42. Many of the vibration sources will be hand held equipment that may lead to damage of the hands and arm. Additionally, we occasionally use various items of ride-on machinery that may lead to whole body vibration effects. More rarely, it is possible to suffer whole body effects due to vibration transmitted through the feet from vibrating surfaces on which people stand. Hazardous Substances 43. The use of and exposure to hazardous substances is relatively high due to the nature of our various types of work. Additionally, where hazardous substances are in use their hazardous properties are significant. In addition, we are often responsible for movement and management of clients hazardous raw materials and wastes, and interface with their processes that can expose our employees to hazardous substances. 44. Regardless of the hazard potential of the substance it is necessary to carry out a COSHH (Risk) assessment for all substances that our employees are exposed to in the workplace. The responsibility for this rests with line managers and they should ensure that all direct and indirect exposures are assessed. Working at Height 45. Work at height represents one of the more significant risk areas, if only in terms of the potential for serious injuries or death to occur because of a fall from height. We therefore manage all aspects of work at height in accordance with Health & Safety Executive guidelines. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 12

13 a. Follow the requirements in the policy before work at height is allowed and carry out a risk assessment for work at height beforehand. In all cases, follow the hierarchy of control: b. If it is not necessary to work at height do not! c. Prevent a fall by the provision of such things as guardrails and toe boards or work restraint systems. d. Mitigate the consequences of any remaining fall risks by the use of such things as air bags or a personal fall arrest system. e. Give collective safety measures priority over personal safety measures. Electrical Safety 46. The effects of electric shock can be significant and lead to fatal injuries. The hazards may arise from bad design, construction or installation of electrical equipment, or from inappropriate use or misuse of equipment. Actions to prevent electric shock and injury include the following. a. Periodic inspection of all electrical equipment, particularly portable hand-held tools. Determine the frequency of inspection and test by the nature of the equipment and its use. b. Ensure that suitable equipment is installed / provided for circuit protection. c. Periodic and recorded testing of circuit protection equipment. d. Regular inspection of equipment. e. Make daily checks of the integrity of cables, plugs and protective covers. f. Carry out periodic PAT testing depending on the type of equipment and nature of use. g. Avoid work near live conductors unless appropriately authorised to do so under the constraints of a permit to work system. h. Use proper systems and methods of working. i. Ensure those using or maintaining the equipment is competent to do so. j. Ensure that electrical equipment complies with relevant safety standards and is appropriately marked. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 13

14 Asbestos Awareness and Management 47. It is the policy of Searson & Company that no employee will knowingly work with asbestos containing materials. 48. In order to ensure, as far as possible, that employees are not accidentally exposed to asbestos an adequate investigation is to be carried out prior to any work where our work is likely to result in damage to the fabric of any building. Where asbestos is present, we are to identify if our work is likely to cause it to be damaged. If damage and fibre release is possible, the work is not to be undertaken until removed by a competent asbestos removal specialist. Fire Safety 49. Fire and the effects of fire is one of the areas that can potentially affect all employees, regardless of whether they are site or office based. Depending upon the seriousness and location of a fire it has the potential to kill if control and evacuation does not happen quickly. 50. To reduce the likelihood of fires occurring and to minimise their effects should they occur in the workplace, a fire risk assessment is to be carried out. 51. The purpose of the risk assessment is to: a. Identify potential fire hazards in the workplace. b. Decide who might be in danger in the event of a fire or while trying to escape from it. c. Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide if the existing fire precautions are adequate. d. Identify the adequacy and suitability of the fire detection and fire warning systems. e. Ensure that there are adequate and suitable means of escape from the building in the event of a fire. f. Identify the training needs of employees regarding evacuation and fire prevention. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 14

15 52. Fire and Emergency Plans. The Managing Senior Partner is responsible for ensuring that fire risk assessments are completed, where appropriate, and that there is an effective and workable plan in place for all sites and or office. Violence at Work 53. Searson &Company recognises the potential for all employees and others working on our behalf to be exposed to violent behaviour. This type behaviour is considered intolerable by the organisation and every effort will be made to prevent such exposure. 54. The causes of violence are many and varied and it is difficult to identify all persons who may be potential assailants. Due to the complexity of the problem and the peripatetic nature of works undertaken, especially interaction with the general public, it is not possible to ensure that all employees are protected against all potentially violent behaviour However, it is possible, through good risk management to give employees the skills to identify potentially violent situations and implement control measures to ensure the safety of employees. Record Keeping 57. Record keeping is an essential aspect of health and safety as it serves to demonstrate internally and externally that we have met the requirements of our Policy. a. Implementation. This relates to risk assessments, method statements, health and safety contractual requirements, training needs analysis and training provided. b. Injuries, ill health. Accident and incident reports, RIDDOR reports, GP notes. c. Statutory requirements. Certain items of equipment require periodic tests and examinations; this includes all electrical and mechanical equipment. d. Health surveillance. Under extreme circumstances, monitoring and periodical checks for risk of respiratory and skin infections are to be carried out Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 15

16 e. Active monitoring. In order to ensure that we are managing health and safety adequately, periodic visits to site/contracts will be carried out. The records will provide statistical evidence regarding our performance improvements over time. f. Reactive monitoring. Records that result from accident/incident investigations, these will be critical to managing improvements that may be required. g. Record Keeping. All Assessments and Records are to be stored electronically and kept for an indefinite period of time. Reporting and Investigation of Accidents 58. All accidents involving Searson & Company employees are to be reported as soon as a possible after their occurrence and at least within 48 hours. It is the responsibility of all employees to report any accident involving them to their line manager: it is the line manager s responsibility to report the incident to either the Administration or managing Senior Partner Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 16

17 COSHH Policy STATEMENT OF INTENT 1.00 Introduction The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) lay down the essential requirements and a sensible approach for the control of hazardous substances and for protecting people exposed to them. The regulations set out essential measures the Company have to take in order to protect its employees, clients, general public and other authorised visitors from the effects of exposure to hazardous substances. The regulations cover all substances hazardous to health, used at work or arising from work activities, which could harm people s health COSHH Regulations Require Searson & Company to: Assess the risks to health arising from substances and processes carried out within the Company and the precautions required in order to control the risk. Introduce the appropriate measures to prevent or control the risk. Ensure that control measures are used, that equipment is properly maintained, and procedures are observed. Where necessary, monitor the exposure of the employee to the substance and carry out an appropriate form of health surveillance where there is significant exposure in the short or long term. Inform, instruct and train employees about the risks and the precautions to be undertaken. The Company acknowledges that no substance can be considered completely safe. All reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure that all exposure to staff, clients, general public and authorised visitors of substances hazardous to health is prevented or at least controlled within statutory limits. The Company undertakes to control exposure by means other than Personal Protective Equipment where reasonably practicable. All personnel at risk will be provided with information, instruction and training on the nature and likelihood of their exposure to hazardous substances Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 17

18 ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH 3.0 Organisation and Responsibility 3.01 Management The Company Partners should ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that in carrying out its work activity, staff and members of the public are not exposed to risks to their Health and Safety. This duty is implicit where substances hazardous to health are found in our use. The Company should ensure that when a risk is identified or notified that a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out. The assessment should identify any control measures needed to adequately control the level of risk by engineering methods. Where the level of risk cannot be effectively controlled in this way suitable PPE must be provided. Where a level of risk has been identified which is considered high, that area should be designated a high-risk area. Proper signage should be provided, to warn of the risk and that PPE must be worn. This is a specific requirement where carcinogens are found Partners Senior managers are responsible for ensuring proper delegation of clearly defined Health and Safety responsibilities to managers and supervisors who are competent and have the capacity to carry them out. Under the COSHH Regulations, the Senior Manager will be responsible for ensuring that; All persons within their area are informed of their duties with respect to the COSHH Regulations including the induction of new staff. Persons who are competent by virtue of their experience and knowledge in their area of work are nominated to carry out the Risk Assessment process That those persons are given suitable training to enable them to carry out their duties That persons nominated are given sufficient time and resources to carry out those duties. To ensure as far as is reasonably practicable that any control measures identified to control risk are put into place That those controls are maintained to a satisfactory standard and that records are maintained of all maintenance that is carried out. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 18

19 That any person who may be exposed to risk is given suitable information on that risk and access to the completed risk assessments. Where the level of risk is significant suitable instruction and training is provided on that risk and the use of any measures in place to control that risk and the controls in place to reduce that risk 3.03 Company COSHH Assessor The company Senior manager will be responsible for: Compiling a register of all substances used with the business With all the information on the substance and from expert knowledge decide on which substances pose a risk. Consult the suppliers relevant Material Safety Data Sheets. Using intimate knowledge of working practices and processes together with gathered information carry out a Risk Assessment for that substance and its use recording the assessment Review all risk assessments whenever there is a significant change with regard to hazardous substances or at least annually COSHH Inventory and Assessment Forms Copies of all inventories and assessment forms must be kept in the area to which they relate and to be made easily accessible for inspection purposes. Information from the completed assessments should be readily available to any person who may be exposed to risk Action Following Assessment of Priority Areas Where completion of a Risk Assessment Form is deemed necessary, the responsible manager must comply as quickly as possible. Implementation of improved control measures highlighted by an assessment will be the responsibility of the designated manager to ensure compliance with the COSHH Regulations. Where recommendations support the assistance of specialist advice (e.g. air monitoring) refer to the Health and Safety Executive. Personnel using substances will require training and instruction in the use of control measures and safe systems of handling where these are not already in place. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 19

20 3.06 Employee Responsibilities Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own Heath and Safety. All employees are required to use any control measures or supplied PPE in accordance with the instruction and training given. Employees must not enter designated areas unless they are using the specified PPE. Employees have a duty not to interfere with or misuse any equipment or item of PPE that has been supplied by the Company for the purpose of controlling or eliminating risk Micro Biological Agents The COSHH Regulations explicitly define substances as including micro biological agents accordingly within the Company, the circumstances in which micro biological agents may constitute a risk to the health of staff and clients have to be assessed and where a risk exists, preventative measures have to be taken Health Surveillance Under the COSHH Regulations (Regulation 11) health surveillance is required to be carried out where an adverse health effect (e.g. a specific test) can give an early warning of the development of ill health as a result of exposure to hazardous substances. Non-specific medicals are not appropriate. In any situation where it is considered that health surveillance may be appropriate, advice must be sought through the Health & Safety Executive. This should be undertaken before any offer of health surveillance is made to a group of staff Disposal of unwanted substances Where a substance needs to be disposed of as identified through the risk assessment process or is no longer needed, the disposal should be carried out through a registered contractor. A large number of identified substances and combinations of substances are now classified as specialist waste by the Environmental Agency and cannot be disposed of with general waste in skips or in any uncontrolled way. This also applies to contaminated containers where the weight of the substance remaining in the container is equal to or more than 1% of the overall weight. To ensure continuity and compliance, when substances need to be disposed of, this should be through a licensed waste disposal company approved by Searson & Co. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 20

21 Risk Assessment Policy STATEMENT OF INTENT 1 Policy Statement 1.1 Searson & Company is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all of its employees. We will therefore promote a positive workplace culture that: Complies with legal requirements and follows best practice, including guidance from the Health and Safety Executive Identifies the hazards and manages the risks associated with all county council activities. Enables staff to carry out risk assessments that are accurate, understandable and consistent. Identified risks with solutions that are reasonably practicable. Sees the provision of information and appropriate training as a core element Enables staff to address issues raised and anyone who is affected by our services. 1.2 The successful implementation of this policy can only be achieved by cooperative effort at all levels within the company. 2. Context 2.1 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty upon all employers to carry out suitable and sufficient assessments of the significant risks to their employees, service users, contractors and members of the public who may be at risk due to their activities. 2.2 A successful health and safety management system has risk assessment as a core element. Management of risks in the workplace reduces the chances and the costs arising from injuries, illness, property and equipment damage / repair. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 21

22 2.3 Searson & Company is committed to provide a safe environment that is free from all reasonably foreseeable and significant risks to its employees and those affected by our activities. This policy supports the Health & Safety Policy with information enabling the effective management of workplace risks. 3. Implementation 3.1 This policy applies to all those working within Searson & Company. 3.2 Management should ensure that those with responsibilities under this policy: Are trained to an appropriate level Have access to competent advice and support 4. Responsibilities 4.1 The Partners are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and managed effectively in accordance with the Health and Safety Policy, within their services. 4.2 The Health and Safety Management are responsible for the development and review of this policy and for monitoring its implementation. 4.3 Managers and staff at all levels are directly responsible for following and implementing this policy. This accountability cannot be discharged by delegation. 4.4 All managers must promote a positive workplace culture and are responsible for ensuring that: Hazards in the workplace are identified People at risk are identified. All risks at work have a valid and appropriate risk assessment carried out Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 22

23 A record of risk assessments are kept All risk assessments are reviewed annually, following an incident or when circumstances change. 4.5 As a result, all managers must ensure that: The results of risk assessments are effectively communicated to those affected. Safe systems of work and other precautions are adhered to. Staff are appropriately trained, and records of the training are kept Checks are carried out and records kept by all levels of management, to ensure that risk assessment controls are operating effectively 4.6 All staff must: Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who maybe affected by what they do, or fail to do, at work. Follow safe systems of work and other precautions identified in the risk assessment Report any changes to personal circumstances that may affect their ability to work safely. Report incidents and near misses to their line manager / supervisor. Inform their line manager / supervisor of potential health and safety training needs. Attend health and safety training agreed with line manager / supervisor 6. Compliance Standards 6.1 The Partners of Searson & Company have reviewed existing arrangements and carried out steps for implementation where necessary. 7. Review of the Policy 7.1 The Policy will be reviewed by the Partners of Searson & Company every year or as changes are made to current legislation and guidance by the Health and Safety Executive. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 23

24 PPE Policy STATEMENT OF INTENT INTRODUCTION Where risk assessments identify that there are risks that cannot be eliminated or effectively controlled Searson & Company will supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support other controls to reduce the risk. What is Personal Protective Equipment? Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is defined in the Regulations as all equipment (including clothing for or in protection against weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety, e.g. safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. Waterproof, weatherproof or insulated clothing is subject to the Regulations only if its use is necessary to protect employees against adverse climatic conditions that would otherwise adversely affect their health and safety. A few types of equipment are not covered by the Regulations, mainly ordinary working clothes and uniforms that do not specifically protect against risks to health and safety, and protective equipment worn by professional sports people during competition. Provision and Use of Personal Protective Equipment The main requirement of PPE is that personal protective equipment should be supplied and used at work whenever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. It should always be considered as a last resort and used only where other precautions cannot adequately reduce the risk of injury. Where PPE is the only effective means of controlling risks to injury or ill health then the company is obliged to ensure that it is available for use at work free of charge. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 24

25 Assessing Suitable Personal Protective Equipment To allow the right type of PPE to be chosen the different hazards in the workplace need to be considered carefully (see Risk Assessment). This will enable an assessment to be made of which types of PPE are suitable to protect against the hazards and for the job to be carried out. The following factors should be considered when assessing the suitability of PPE:- Is it appropriate for the risks involved and the conditions at the place where exposure to risk may occur? For example, eye protection design for providing protection against chemicals will not offer adequate face protection for someone using an angle grinder to cut steel or stone. Does it prevent or adequately control the risks involved without increasing the overall level of risk? Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly? Has the state of health of those who will be wearing it been taken into account? What are the needs of the job and demands it places on the wearer? For example the length of time the PPE needs to be worn, the physical effort required to do the job, and the requirements for visibility and communication. If more than one item of PPE is being worn, are they compatible? For example, does the use of a particular type of respirator make it difficult to get eye protection to fit properly? Training When PPE is needed and provided there is a requirement to instruct, train and supervise its use. Because PPE is a last resort after other methods of protection have been considered, it is important that users wear it all the time they are exposed to the risk. Safety signs should be used as useful reminders to wear PPE. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 25

26 Maintenance Equipment needs to be well looked after and be properly accommodated when not in use, for example stored in a dry clean cupboard or in the case of smaller items such as eye protection in a box or case. New Personal Protective Equipment From 1st July 1995 new PPE needed to be CE marked in accordance with the requirements of the amended Personal Protective Equipment (EC) Directive Regulations The CE mark signifies that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in most cases will have been tested and certified by an independent body. Existing non-ce marked PPE can continue to be used after 30th June 1995 provided it still offers adequate protection. Other Regulations The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 do not apply where PPE is provided under six sets of existing Regulations. These Regulations already require the use of some types of PPE to protect against certain risks, for example the Noise at Work Regulations require the use of hearing protection when necessary. The six sets of Regulations are:- The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980 The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 The COSHH Regulations 1988 The Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989 The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 Sites for Consideration Eyes Hazards: chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas vapour, radiation. Choices: spectacles, goggles, face screens. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 26

27 Head and neck Hazards: Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of bumping head, hair entanglement. Choices: helmets, bump caps, hats, souwesters, cape hoods, skull caps. Breathing Hazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen deficient atmospheres. Choices: disposable filtering face piece or respirator, half/full face respirator, airfed helmets, breathing apparatus. Protecting the body Hazards: temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing. Choices: conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, donkey jackets, speciality protective clothing, e.g. high visibility clothing. Hands and arms Hazards: Abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination, vibration. Choices: gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrists, cuffs, armlets. Feet and legs Hazards: Wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion. Choices: safety boots and shoes with steel toecaps (and steel midsoles), gaiters, leggings, spats. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 27

28 When should Personal Protective Clothing be Worn The need for the provision of personal protective clothing will be determined as a result of risk assessment. Normally, if a risk can be avoided by other methods, for example engineering controls, then that course of action should in general be taken. If it is not, check that: PPE is provided It offers adequate protection for its intended use. Those using it are adequately trained in its safe use It is properly maintained and defects reported It is returned to its proper accommodation after use. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 28

29 Manual Handling Policy STATEMENT OF INTENT Guidelines for Lifting and Lowering The guidelines for lifting and lowering operations assume that the load is easy to grasp with both hands and that the operation takes place in reasonable working conditions with the handler in a stable body position. They take into consideration the vertical and horizontal position of the hands as they move the load during the handling operation, as well as the height and reach of the individual handler. For example, if a load is held at arm s length or the hands pass above shoulder height, the capability to lift or lower is reduced significantly. The basic guideline figures for identifying when manual handling lifting and lowering operations may not need a detailed assessment are set out in Figure 1. If the handler s hands enter more than one of the box zones, then the smallest weight figures apply. When lifting or lowering with the hands beyond the box zones is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment should always be made. Figure 1 Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 29

30 There are basic guideline figures for lifting and lowering for relatively infrequent operations. The guideline figures will have to be reduced if the operation is repeated often (eg more than 30 per hour). Even if the above conditions are satisfied, a more detailed risk assessment should be made where:- The worker does not control the pace of work; Pauses for rest are inadequate or there is no change of activity which provides an opportunity to use different muscles; The handler must support the load for any length of time. Guidelines for Carrying Similar guideline figures (Figure 1) apply to carrying operations where the load is held against the body and is carried no further than about 10m without resting. If the load is carried over a longer distance without resting or the hands are held below knuckle height then a more detailed risk assessment should be made. Guidelines for Pushing and Pulling For pushing and pulling operations (whether the load is slid, rolled or supported on wheels) the guideline figures assume the force is applied with the hands between knuckle and shoulder height. The guideline figure for starting or stopping the load is a force of about 25 kg (ie about 250 Newtons) for men and about 16 KG (ie about 160 Newtons) for women. The guideline figure for keeping the load in motion is a force of about 10 kg (ie about 100 Newtons) for men and about 7 kg (ie about 70 Newtons) for women. There is no specific limit to the distance over which the load is pushed or pulled provided there are adequate opportunities for rest or recovery. Copyright The Searson Family Funeral Service 2014 All rights reserved 30