This policy sets out clear guidelines for what is expected from all NAS employees in relation to health and safety responsibilities.

Transcription

1 Document Title Reference Number Health & Safety Responsibilities Version Number V1.6 Date of Issue 01/09/06 Latest Revision 01/09/12 Distribution Owner Policy Lead Department All Employees Head of SQE Safety Manager Operations Scope This policy shows the general health and safety responsibilities for all NAS employees. Specific Responsibilities are shown, where necessary, in individual polices, e.g. Risk Management Policy (HS-0301). Policy Summary This policy sets out clear guidelines for what is expected from all NAS employees in relation to health and safety responsibilities. Chief Executive Officer The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for: Setting the policy for Health and Safety and ensuring its annual review; Monitoring health and safety performance to ensure that delegated responsibilities are being managed effectively. Chief Operating Officer The Chief Operating Officer is responsible, with the Chief Executive Officer, for setting the direction for effective health and safety management so that its strategic importance is understood, taken seriously throughout the organisation, and so that it serves as an integral part of the organisation s culture, values and performance standards. V1.6 Page 1 of 6 NAS

2 Directors The Directors are accountable to the Chief Executive Officer for supervising the planning, control and monitoring processes required to implement the safety management system in their areas of responsibility. The matters they are required to address include: Promotion, endorsement and support of the Health and Safety policy through strong, visible leadership; Incorporating health and safety into the organisation s planning strategy; Provision of sufficient resources to effectively manage health and safety; Monitoring and reviewing safety as an ongoing agenda item; Ensuring that the arrangements made for health and safety and for securing the effectiveness of the health and safety policy are fully implemented; Resolution of any conflicts between safety practice and the operational goals of the NAS. Head of SQE (Safety, Quality and Environment) The Head of SQE plays a key co-ordinating and advisory role within the NAS approach to safety management. This includes advising on the achievement of policy requirements and the development of appropriate codes of good safety practice and training programmes. The Head of SQE also acts to assist Managers in the discharge of their safety responsibilities and in doing so will: Act as advisor on safety matters; Provide support in the fields of health and safety risk management, monitoring and control; Define, deliver and co-ordinate, as appropriate, operational safety training requirements; Communicate and facilitate the distribution of relevant safety information; Liaise with enforcing authorities; Co-ordinate safety policy and procedure formulation for approval by the Chief Executive Officer; V1.6 Page 2 of 6 NAS

3 Arbitrate on all matters of interpretation of the NAS Health and Safety Policy. Managers/Principals Managers are responsible for the local management of health and safety. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the NAS and as such the direct line-management responsibility for action on safety issues and will: Promote, endorse and support the Health and Safety policy through strong, visible leadership; Ensure that all employees are fully aware of their responsibilities in the management of safety and that such responsibilities are fulfilled; Act as the primary source of contact on all local safety matters; Ensure that the NAS complies fully with all the requirements of legislation in relation to the management of safety; Ensure that disciplinary action on safety matters is taken in accordance with NAS procedures; Ensure the proper conduct of periodic safety audits as detailed in the NAS Health and Safety Manual; Support and administer the local risk management programme; Define local safety information and training requirements via the risk assessment process; Ensure that adequate auditable records of risk assessments are kept; Ensure appropriate and timely action on the outcomes of local risk assessments; Inform their Director and the Safety Manager of any shortcomings in the organisation s safety provision; Inform their Director and the Safety Manager of any conflicts between safety practice and the operational goals of the Society; Ensure that Safety, Health and Environment Coordinators/Business Managers are carrying out their coordinating role effectively and support them as appropriate; Appoint Health and Safety Advisors to assist with their health and safety responsibilities where there is a demonstrable need to delegate to a dedicated member of staff rather than to more than one individual; V1.6 Page 3 of 6 NAS

4 Ensure that accidents are reported and properly recorded, using the RIDDOR process, where necessary; Monitor health and safety performance. Supervisors / Team Leaders Supervisors / Team Leaders are responsible for monitoring the working practices and conditions within the area under their direct control for which they will: Implement the requirements of the health and safety policy; Identify hazards associated with work activities and take steps to control them; Challenge complacency towards system failures and take effective measures to eliminate or improve unsafe acts; Enforce standards of safety; Ensure the co-operation and control of third parties e.g. contractors. Risk Assessors Risk Assessors act on behalf of Local Managers to assist in the risk management process. They carry no additional legal responsibilities to those of other employees. In all instances, therefore, it is vital that Managers retain direct monitoring control of any actions taken on their behalf by staff performing this function. Safety, Health and Environmental Coordinators/Business Managers The Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Coordinators/Business Managers report to their line managers but additionally have specific responsibility to assist the Head of SQE in the following: To coordinate the local Safety Action Group (SAG), and ensure that it operates as set out in the constitution; To act as Secretary for the local SAG, in order to administer the SAG and ensure meetings are properly conducted and documented; To conduct and manage the election of employee representatives who can act as Representatives of Employee Safety (RoES) ; V1.6 Page 4 of 6 NAS

5 To consult directly with employees if there are no RoES; To ensure that there is adequate management and employee representation from the local SAG, and Small Sites (refer to policy HS- 0414) as appropriate, attending the Regional Safety Committee meetings To ensure relevant actions set by the National Safety Committee are fulfilled; Carry out duties, and provide information, relating to Health, Safety and Environmental performance as requested by the SQE Team. To act as the link between the SQE Team and their local groups to facilitate improvements in environmental performance. Employees Employees are critical to the NAS achieving effective safety performance. Not only does the NAS performance depend upon each individual operating in a safe and sensible manner but also on team-working, or working with external contractors/visitors/clients. All activities must be conducted with due regard to safety procedures and practice. Whilst the aim of this policy is to promote a co-operative and constructive view of safety concerns in the NAS, all staff must be aware that a wilful or irresponsible disregard for safety matters may give rise to disciplinary proceedings in line with the NAS disciplinary procedure. Employees responsibilities are to: Take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions whilst undertaking tasks as an agent of the employer; Co-operate with the NAS and any persons involved in its undertaking to such an extent so as to enable the NAS and any other person to comply with any of the relevant statutory provisions; Use in such manner so as to provide the protection intended, any suitable appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment or other means or thing provided (whether for his/her use alone or for use by him/her in common with others) to achieve the NAS safety standards; Report to their immediate supervisor/manager, without delay, any defects in hardware assets, place of work, or systems of work, or risk assessment arrangements which might endanger safety; V1.6 Page 5 of 6 NAS

6 Not to misuse and/or intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided in the interests of safety; Report any conflicts between safety practice and operational goals to their manager or employee representative. If this is not possible then representation can be made to the Head of SQE. As a final resort the Whistle Blowing Procedure should be used. Key Management Actions Understand own Health and Safety responsibilities Ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities V1.6 Page 6 of 6 NAS