Health, Safety and Welfare Policy
Contents Introduction Our objectives Health and Safety Policy Statement Health and safety organogram Responsibilities for health, safety and welfare 2 3 4 5 6 13 Arrangements for health and safety 14 2 16 20 Legal requirements Implementation and operation Measuring performance Reviewing performance 14 14 18 18 20 20 1
Introduction Viridor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pennon Group Plc and operates in accordance with the group s health and safety policies. The Pennon Group board periodically reviews the health, safety and welfare policies and arrangements of the whole group and requires each subsidiary board to establish and comply with all relevant statutory provisions and codes of practice relevant to health, safety and welfare issues. The Viridor board ensures that it is kept informed of and is alert to relevant health and safety risk management issues. The chief executive has overall responsibility for the executive management of health and safety and the operations director has been appointed as the health and safety director, in accordance with the recommendation of the Health and Safety Executive, to ensure that all relevant health and safety risk management issues are properly addressed, both by the board and throughout Viridor. Our objectives We recognise that health and safety has positive benefits to the organisation and that commitment to a high level of safety makes good business sense. We also recognise that health and safety is a business function and must, therefore, continually progress and adapt to change. The board of directors leads a positive culture on health, safety and welfare issues, which is actively supported by management and acted upon by every employee. This policy document provides a summary of Viridor s approach to health, safety and welfare management. Where more specific information is required, this can be provided on request. To achieve a level of health and safety performance equal to that of the best performers within the UK waste industry and to meet the objectives of the industry s Accident Reduction Charter. To prevent injury and ill health and to continually improve our health and safety performance. To develop a positive health and safety culture across the company, involving the workforce in the development process. To apply best practice across the company, to work with our regulators and to demonstrate Viridor s leadership within our industry as a best practice employer. To comply with and strive to exceed statutory requirements. The chief executive ensures that the operations director has the necessary competence, resources and support of every board member in carrying out his functions. In addition, every other executive board member has responsibility for specific areas of health and safety risk management within their own business area. Viridor provides essential waste management and recycling services to customers across the UK. We provide these services to the highest operational and environmental standards available. As with any leading company, our greatest asset is our workforce and the health, safety and welfare of our employees is of the utmost importance. Our aim is to provide a working environment that is free of accidents, ill health and loss to property and equipment. 2 3
Health and Safety Policy Statement Organisation and responsibilities for health and safety Performance Viridor is committed to continually improving health and safety standards and performance. To this end we endeavour to ensure that all relevant statutes, regulations and codes of practice are complied with. The minimum standards that are adopted by the company are those required by law, although we will always seek to exceed these where there is a demonstrable benefit. Communication and control The chief executive has overall responsibility for the executive management of health and safety. I am the health and safety director appointed by the Viridor board and have full responsibility for the implementation of this policy. It is the responsibility of all the directors and management teams to ensure that appropriate systems are developed and maintained for the effective communication of health and safety matters throughout the company, and to liaise and work with all necessary persons to ensure high standards of health and safety. The company also ensures so far as is reasonably practicable that adequate arrangements are in place for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of visitors and members of the public that come into contact with our operational activities. Responsibilities The chief executive has overall responsibility for the executive management of the operations director who has been appointed health and safety director in accordance with the recommendation of the Health and Safety Executive, to ensure that all relevant health and safety risk management issues are properly addressed both by the board and also throughout Viridor. Health and safety is an integral part of every manager s function and their performance is monitored on a regular basis. Managers have specific duties and responsibilities to comply with company policy. Furthermore, Viridor expects all employees to recognise that there is a clear duty on them to exercise self-discipline and accept responsibility to do everything they can to prevent injury to themselves and others and loss to the company, and to co-operate with management in achieving the standards required. This duty is additional to the employee s legal duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their acts or omissions. Monitoring and review Appropriate planning, monitoring and review of the implementation of the health and safety policy is carried out. An appropriate audit process forms part of the overall management system with the audit results being reviewed by the board of directors. The Health and Safety Policy is formally reviewed on an annual basis. However, amendments may be introduced at any time. Mark Burrows Smith Operations Director Viridor October 2011 Viridor Board MANAGING DIRECTOR/ OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS PENNON GROUP BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & REGULATORY DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTORS HEAD OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISORS REGIONAL AREA MANAGEMENT UNIT/SITE/DEPARTMENT MANAGERS REPRESENTATIVES FOR EMPLOYEE SAFETY (RES) EMPLOYEES 4 5
Responsibilities for health, safety and welfare Chief executive and Viridor board The chief executive has overall responsibility for the executive management of health and safety and ensures that the operations director, as the designated health and safety director, has the necessary competence, resources and support of the Viridor board to enable him to ensure that the company complies with all appropriate health and safety regulations and standards. Managing director and operations director In accordance with his responsibilities as the designated health and safety director, the operations director and the managing director determine the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy, ensure that there are sufficient resources (both financial and personnel) available and generally ensures that the required standards of health, safety and welfare are achieved. In fulfilling these roles, the managing director and the operations director will be advised and supported by the corporate responsibility and regulatory director, ensuring that all relevant matters are brought to the attention of and considered by the board. Executive directors Executive directors are accountable to the managing director, and while the corporate responsibility and regulatory director will lead on assuring the health and safety framework, executive directors must ensure that the company has an appropriate health, safety and welfare policy and that a structure and arrangements are in place to ensure the policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed adequate resources are made available to ensure the company can meet our legal obligations under The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other subordinate health and safety regulations all Viridor employees are aware of their health and safety responsibilities to themselves, their colleagues, and others who may be affected by the company s undertakings employees receive training appropriate to their work and responsibilities, which enables them to carry out their work in a safe manner appropriate recording and reporting mechanisms exist within the company to meet legislative requirements and assist the company in prioritising and targeting resources. This ensures the health, safety and welfare of our employees and those affected by our undertakings arrangements are in place to enable full consultation on health and safety issues and that employees representatives can carry out their duties. Corporate responsibility and regulatory director (Reporting to the managing director) The corporate responsibility and regulatory director oversees the health and safety function and is responsible for ensuring health and safety polices, procedures and arrangements are in place, kept up to date with new information and in line with company strategy. The corporate responsibility and regulatory director shall report to the board on any matters which require a change in the corporate policies for health and safety report on a regular basis on any aspects of health and safety performance ensure that the necessary resources for health and safety are planned into forward budgetary programmes ensure that the necessary resources of staff, facilities and finance are provided to implement the Health and Safety Policy Statement and any supplementary policies adopted by the board arrange for the necessary information, instruction and training to be made available to staff to fulfil their roles arrange for the provision of up-todate information to employees on health and safety matters, using the Employee Personal Information File and any necessary additional measures for this purpose make appropriate arrangements for the keeping of statutory records on health and safety and for the reporting, when necessary, of injuries, diseases or dangerous occurrences in accordance with statutory requirements ensure that appropriate arrangements are put into effect to consult with employees and to encourage their active participation on matters concerned with their health and safety at work ensure that the company reports on progress with regard to health and safety issues and meeting performance targets in the annual report in accordance with HSE guidance and the government s Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy. General responsibilities of all managers All managers are expected to actively support the board in the development and proper implementation of the company s Health and Safety Policy. All managers, regardless of management position are expected to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety by setting a good example themselves and by ensuring that health and safety ranks equal with other aspects of management activities within their own areas of control. Certain personnel have designated management responsibilities for implementation of the company s Health and Safety Policy. These responsibilities are summarised in the following sections. 6 7
Regional directors (This applies to regional, divisional and departmental directors) They must by leadership and personal example, foster positive attitudes towards health and safety throughout their region, division or department. Directors will ensure that health and safety is given the same priority and importance as any other corporate or business line objective consider the health and safety implications for employees and non-employees of decisions made at either a strategic or operational level and act accordingly ensure that their management team know, understand and are held accountable for their individual responsibilities under the company s Health and Safety Policy ensure that their management teams are provided with the appropriate resources in order to fulfil their health and safety responsibilities including the provision of information, instruction and training establish appropriate mechanisms to allow the dissemination of information, and communication and consultation on matters which affect the health and safety of employees within their region, division or department make the necessary arrangements to ensure that safe systems of work are implemented for all work activities and processes within their division, region or department and their effectiveness is monitored and reviewed at timely intervals where health and safety issues cannot be effectively dealt with at their level, ensure that the matter is drawn to the attention of the board. Regional and area managers (This applies equally to operations managers) Managers falling within this category will also have line management responsibilities for staff and working practices directly under their control. They must by leadership and personal example, foster positive attitudes towards health and safety and demonstrate commitment not only in words but through visible action within their teams consider the health and safety implications for employees and non-employees of decisions made at either a strategic or operational level and act accordingly ensure that all individuals reporting to them know, understand and are held accountable for their responsibilities under the company s Health and Safety Policy and are provided with appropriate resources including training, information and instruction make the necessary arrangements to ensure that health and safety risk assessments are carried out for all work activities and processes within their area(s) of control, and ensure that safe systems of working are identified, recorded where appropriate, implemented, their effectiveness is monitored and reviewed at timely intervals establish mechanisms to ensure that safe working practices are at all times maintained to ensure the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected where managers have responsibility for buildings, plant and equipment, ensure that all statutory regulations and codes of practice are adhered to and that such plant and equipment is effectively maintained to a safe standard, including statutory inspections where required establish and maintain mechanisms to allow the dissemination of information and communication and consultation on health and safety issues where health and safety issues cannot be effectively dealt with at their level, ensure that the matter is drawn to the attention of their respective regional, divisional or departmental director make the necessary arrangements to ensure that representatives for employee safety are appointed and can effectively carry out their duties. Line managers (This applies to unit, site and departmental managers) Line managers are responsible for effective health and safety management in the areas falling within their area of control and for people that they supervise. They are responsible for the detailed implementation of the company s Health and Safety Policy at a local level. They must by leadership and personal example, foster positive attitudes towards health and safety and demonstrate commitment not only in words but through visible action within their sections or teams consider the health and safety implications for employees and non-employees of decisions made at an operational level and act accordingly ensure that all personnel under their control, including temporary and agency workers know and understand their responsibilities under t he company s Health and Safety Policy ensure that all personnel under their control are adequately trained and competent to perform the task required and are made fully aware of all known hazards associated with their work. This applies particularly to new employees, temporary workers, agency workers and contractors ensure that staff are provided with correct personal protective equipment and clothing for the task and work activities that they are expected to undertake ensure that new employees, temporary and agency workers are inducted for health and safety within their first week of starting work; and that contractors are fully inducted prior to them commencing work activity ensure that competent persons complete risk assessments for all work activities and processes falling within their areas of control which include employees and non-employees, and that safe operating procedures are put in place which incorporate the significant findings of risk assessment ensure that any health and safety measures introduced as a result of the risk assessments are monitored to ensure they are effective and that reviews are undertaken as and when necessary ensure that all accidents, incidents and near miss events falling within their areas of responsibility are reported and appropriately investigated where managers have responsibility for buildings, plant and equipment, ensure that all statutory regulations and codes of practice are adhered to and that such plant and equipment is effectively maintained to a safe standard, including statutory inspections where required ensure that any health and safety matter brought to their attention by an employee, representative for employee safety or other person, receives prompt and appropriate attention 8 9
ensure that any health and safety matter which cannot effectively be resolved at their own level is brought to the attention of senior management. Head of safety management (Reporting to the corporate responsibility and regulatory director) The head of safety management has functional responsibility for the health and safety team in addition to advising and supporting directors and management teams on all aspects of health and safety, in line with the company s health and safety strategy. The head of safety management s activities and key responsibilities will include interpreting new and existing UK and EC legislation relating to health and safety matters so far as they affect Viridor as an employer and construction, design and management (CDM) client preparing policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidance on health and safety matters for approval and adoption within Viridor monitoring the application of policies, procedures, codes of practice and guidance notes and updating them as and when appropriate providing support and advice to the board on health and safety, in particular assisting senior management teams in their duties to manage health and safety within their areas of responsibility maintaining statistical information on work related accidents and ill health and ensuring that statutory duties to report under the Reporting of Industrial Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) are complied with formulating and publishing the annual Corporate Health and Safety Plan identifying SMART objectives for health and safety assisting in the investigation of accidents and incidents with a view to identifying measures to prevent recurrence and liaison with the enforcement agencies on health and safety where necessary in consultation with the department heads, assisting in the identification of training needs and provision of health and safety training events developing and facilitating information flows relating to health and safety throughout the company, through the production of briefing notes, bulletins and training monitoring the effectiveness of arrangements for any external specialist health and safety support used by the company ensuring that appropriate arrangements are put into effect to consult with employees and to encourage their participation on matters concerned with health and safety at work maintaining liaison with external professional contacts, the Health and Safety Executive, external authorities, and other relevant bodies on health and safety matters, and communicating relevant information internally. Health and safety advisors (operating in each region reporting to the head of safety management) Health and safety advisors are responsible for advising and supporting regional management teams on all aspects of health and safety, including risk assessment, accident prevention and the implementation of health and safety legislation, statutory regulations and codes of practice. The health and safety advisors activities and key responsibilities will include interpreting new and existing UK and EC legislation relating to health and safety matters so far as they affect Viridor as an employer and construction client providing support and advice to regional management on health and safety, in particular supporting unit management in their duties to manage health and safety within their areas of responsibility participating in the investigation of accidents and incidents with a view to identifying measures to prevent recurrence and liaising with the enforcement agencies on health and safety where necessary collating information on work related accidents and ill health and ensuring that statutory duties to report under the Reporting of Industrial Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) are complied with conducting periodic inspections of the workplaces and work activities in conjunction with line management with a view to identifying and advising on the elimination or control of the risks to health and safety providing assistance and guidance to line management in the production of risk assessments, safe operating procedures and safe systems of work monitoring and appraising safe working practices and making recommendations to regional management for their consideration conducting health and safety audits encompassing physical conditions and management systems in accordance with the audit plan organising and conducting quarterly representative for employee safety (RES) meetings. Maintaining liaison with external professional contacts, the Health and Safety Executive, external authorities, and other relevant bodies on health and safety matters, and communicating relevant information internally. 10 11
All employees All employees carry a legal obligation to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and for that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. This duty of care extends to everyone who could be at risk from his or her actions. Specific responsibilities include complying with safe working methods, instructions and training given reporting hazards found in premises or work sites under the company s control reporting any accidents or other potentially serious incidents in which they are involved or that they become aware of complying with guidelines on the proper use of equipment and personal protective equipment complying with local health and safety procedures while on premises or sites under the control of someone else remaining alert to health, safety and security risks while at work and acting accordingly drawing attention to the need for additional health and safety procedures (or for the improvement of existing ones) not interfering with or misusing any article provided in the interest of health and safety. Are fit to work safely and not affected by alcohol, drugs or medicines which could affect the safety of themselves or others. Representatives for employee safety (RES) and union appointed safety representatives The company recognises the benefit to the business as a whole of communicating the importance of health and safety to its employees. Representatives for employee safety report to their respective line managers, but are appointed by the workforce to represent them in discussions with management on matters concerned with health and safety. Arrangements for trade union appointed safety representatives are in principle similar to those for representatives for employee safety. Both have a valuable contribution to make to on-going improvements in health and safety and their active participation is encouraged. However, they act as representatives of the staff and do not have executive responsibilities. Their responsibilities include representing their fellow employees on health and safety matters communicating regularly with their fellow employees and the manager responsible for health and safety in the area where they work, to bring any concerns to the attention of management conducting regular inspections (independently or jointly with their manager) to ensure compliance with legislation, policy and procedures and identify risks to the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors and visitors, and to communicate any findings with their manager checking that local procedures for evacuation in an emergency are adequate, with appropriate signs, and that their fellow employees understand these participation in the investigation of accidents and near misses attending and participating in regular meetings with fellow safety representatives, to provide these meetings with information on health and safety matters from their areas of responsibility, and to communicate any relevant content of these meetings to their manager and fellow employees. First aiders First aiders are responsible for administering first aid in the event of an accident and reporting incidents in accordance with the company accident reporting procedures ensuring that the first aid boxes are maintained, and the content replenished as necessary first aiders must hold a valid First Aid Certificate and are required to undergo external refresher training every three years. Regional operational systems controllers (operating within each region) Operational systems controllers are responsible for ensuring appropriate health, safety and environmental compliance control systems are in place at all units throughout the company. The operational systems controllers activities and key responsibilities will include by personal example, fostering positive attitudes towards health, safety and environmental compliance; demonstrating commitment not only in words but through visible actions ensuring full and relevant control systems, as set out in the company s management system, are in place at all units giving practical help and assistance to unit managers in addressing health, safety and environmental compliance assisting unit managers in maintaining accurate health, safety and environmental compliance documentation ensuring that action plans are formulated to address areas of system non-compliance as a result of site audits, inspections or regulatory visits. Temporary and agency workers Line management has a responsibility to ensure that only temporary and agency workers who are suitably qualified or skilled are employed before temporary employees commence their duties, they are informed of any health and safety issues, correct working practices and safe operating procedures they shall be issued with appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE), personal protective equipment (PPE), clothing/tools etc as required and instructed in the safe and correct use of such items whilst working for Viridor temporary and agency workers have the same responsibilities as any permanent employee. External specialist support in health and safety The company may, from time to time, appoint competent external specialist support to assist with the adequate discharge of our responsibilities for health and safety. The health and safety manager shall be provided with details of any such arrangements made by individual departments, in order that they may undertake their monitoring role under this policy. 12 13
Arrangements for health and safety Legal requirements The company maintains a Register of Legal Requirements that identifies the various health and safety regulations that affect the company s operational activities. Risk assessment The company assesses the risk to the health and safety of anyone who might be affected by our operations. These assessments are carried out by competent personnel with significant findings recorded and appropriate action taken to eliminate or reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Risk assessments are reviewed and updated periodically or when changes occur in the work activity or working environment, particularly significant staff changes when an accident/incident has occurred connected with the activity or process where there have been significant changes to the activity or process when new or different equipment is being used when a 2-year period has elapsed. Implementation and operation Health and Safety Assistance (Regulation 7 - MHSWR) The company has appointed an internal team of qualified health and safety professionals to assist in applying the provision of health and safety law and, in particular, devising and implementing measures to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation. Training Viridor is committed to investing in people, and recognises the importance of an informed, competent and motivated workforce. The skills, knowledge and professionalism of employees are highly valued. Training needs are assessed using risk assessment and subsequent reviews for each type of work. These include basic skills training, specific on-the-job training and training in health and safety procedures. In addition and as directed by the employees specific role profile or as part of the development of supervisors and managers, other specific health and safety training is provided including the NEBOSH General Certificate and Construction Certificate; the SHEA Passport scheme, IOSH Managing Safely and other recognised external qualifications. All new employees receive health and safety training as part of our induction programme, including arrangements for first aid, fire evacuation and other role/ task specific training requirements. Communication and consultation The company recognises the need for effective communications, and takes steps to ensure that all personnel are well informed on health and safety matters. In pursuit of continual improvement of health and safety performance, the company has various formal methods of ensuring two way communication reaches employees at all levels in good time. These are board meetings (monthly) health and safety director and corporate responsibility and regulatory director health and safety committee meeting (six monthly) health and safety team meetings (quarterly) regional health and safety meetings (quarterly) area operational meetings (bi-monthly) unit/site/department meetings (monthly) representative for employee safety (RES) meetings (quarterly). Health and safety committee The health and safety committee is chaired by the operations director with attendance from all members of the board and the health and safety manager; this committee acts as the central policy making body and directs company strategy with regard to health, safety and welfare matters. Representatives for employee safety (RES) The value of day-to-day communications with employees and their representatives is recognised by the company. Appropriate training is provided for all representatives for employee safety throughout the company. The RES contribute to risk assessment, safety inspections and incident investigations in addition to representing fellow workers at RES meetings. Managing contractors All contractors working on company premises or subcontractors engaged to work on the company s behalf are given a suitable induction and issued with our Contractors Code of Practice that states what is expected of them when working for Viridor. In addition, appropriate site specific information, guidance, rules and procedures relating to health and safety and any specific hazards are provided. Visitors All visitors are made aware of safety rules and procedures that affect their health and safety on arrival at a Viridor facility or work site, and are restricted from entering hazardous areas. Management system The company management system is documented and structured in line with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001 specification. 14 15
A system of document control, amendment and update is used to ensure that all documentation is kept up-to-date. Workplace safety All company premises and work sites are required to meet certain standards. Workplace inspection/site audit checklists are used by management teams to monitor health and safety conditions and performance. In addition, there is a system in place for reporting workplace hazards defective plant/equipment accident/incidents and near misses monitoring/reviewing progress. Personal protective equipment (PPE) Suitable PPE is provided by the company where risks cannot be controlled by other means. Requirements are identified by risk assessment and PPE is routinely inspected to ensure that it is suitable for the purpose and in good condition. Work equipment safety The company has implemented standards and procedures to ensure that work equipment is suitable for the intended purpose and complies with all relevant regulations work equipment is regularly inspected by a competent person where necessary faulty equipment is identified and repair effected records of all inspections and repairs are maintained only appropriately trained and competent persons operate work equipment. Lifting operation and lifting operations The company has implemented procedures that ensure lifting equipment is suitable for the intended purpose is marked with a safe working load (SWL) is inspected and thoroughly examined by a competent person at installation and at appropriate intervals during its working life is used by appropriately trained and competent persons inspection records are maintained. Permit to work and lock-off systems The company has identified certain types of activity involving hot work, electricity, mechanical maintenance, working over water, work in confined spaces and exposure to dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres that are particularly hazardous, and controls these using a permit to work system and/ or an appropriate lock-off procedure as required by the risk assessment. Working in confined spaces The company has identified certain operations that require employees to enter and work in a confined space. Controls and procedures have been implemented to minimise the risks involved. These only allow such activities to be undertaken by employees or contractors who are competent and trained in accordance with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) NC1 4 for working in confined spaces. Electricity at work The company has implemented procedures to ensure that all fixed, portable and transportable electrical equipment and hard wired installations are correctly inspected and maintained by competent and approved external contractors. All equipment is inspected/tested at appropriate intervals. Procedures are in place for the isolation, reporting and repair/replacement of faulty equipment. Workplace transport Transport plays a key role in the company s operations, and the hazards from moving vehicles and plant can be significant. The company will ensure that risks are effectively controlled by selection of equipment training to recognised standards management of transport activities segregation of people from mobile equipment and vehicles. Good risk assessment, effective policies and the implementation of appropriate controls will ensure risks are managed and controlled to a reasonable level. Noise at work Where risk assessment has identified areas of excessive noise, appropriate noise monitoring is conducted. Where high noise levels cannot be eliminated using reasonably practicable measures, appropriate PPE is provided and ear protection zones are designated with appropriate signage prominently displayed. Musculoskeletal disorders from manual handling, etc Where practicable, the company has eliminated the need for manual handling by using various lifting aids. Manual handling assessments are conducted and take into account task being performed individual capabilities load being handled environmental conditions. Where manual handling is unavoidable, employees are adequately trained in safe lifting techniques. Slips and trips Slips and trips account for a significant number of injuries and the company recognises that slips and trips can happen for a number of reasons including contamination and obstacles the working environment footwear, flooring and people. The nature of waste handling and collection and the location of work is extremely variable and often on premises not controlled by the company. Good risk assessment, information, equipment and training will assist to minimise risks from slips and trips. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) The company has implemented procedures to ensure that substances potentially hazardous to health used in the workplace have been identified, assessed and that exposure is controlled. Where use of the substance cannot be eliminated or a less harmful substance substituted, then the company implements safe working practices to reduce the risk. An inventory of all substances potentially hazardous to health is held on site, in addition to the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)/Internal Substance Summary Sheet. Appropriate information, instruction and training is given with PPE provided and used. 16 17
Occupational stress Stress is not in itself an illness but can result in psychological illness and may contribute to physical illnesses. It can be considered as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them. The company is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its employees and recognise that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and acknowledge the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. Display screen equipment (DSE) The company has implemented procedures to ensure that DSE workstation assessments are carried out. Where the findings of the assessment identify employees who use DSE as a significant part of their normal work, the company bears the cost of VDU eyesight tests and contributes to the cost of corrective appliances where required. The workstation assessment also takes into account: furniture (chairs, desks etc) posture of the DSE user lighting levels (maximising natural light). Health and safety signage and signals The company has posted adequate and appropriate warning signs that comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations to warn of hazards at all Viridor premises and work sites and, where appropriate, on work equipment. Emergency procedures Where risk assessments have identified significant risk, the company has implemented Unit Emergency Plans (UEP) and associated procedures. Employees have received adequate training in the actions to be taken in the event of on-site emergency situations. Measuring performance Health surveillance programme The company has implemented a health surveillance programme to monitor the health of all employees who might be exposed to hazardous substances, noise or occupational disease at work as identified by risk assessment. The company has appointed external occupational health professionals to operate the company s health surveillance programme, screening employees who have been identified by their job role as being at risk of exposure and enabling any adverse health effects to be identified at an early stage so that appropriate action can be taken. Accidents and incident reporting The company has implemented procedures to ensure all accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are reported, reviewed and the results analysed to identify trends and areas for further action. Procedures have also been implemented for the reporting, recording and investigation of accidents and near miss incidents, and the reporting of accidents required under RIDDOR. Working at height The company has implemented standards and procedures to ensure that where work at height cannot be avoided a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is carried out and a safe operating procedure is written for the task. A permit to work at height will be required where access is to be gained to any roof area. In addition, where planned work involves sheeting of loads, maintaining vehicle mounted equipment at height, and access to and egress from cabs, the use of cradles or cherry pickers or other mechanical means of working at height, appropriate training is given to operators on the correct use of the equipment. Carriage of dangerous goods To ensure compliance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (the Carriage Regulations), the company maintains a number of staff who are fully qualified as dangerous goods safety advisers (DGSA), and has adopted procedures to ensure that all dangerous goods are documented and transported in compliance with the Carriage Regulations. Construction, design and management projects (CDM) The company has implemented project management procedures to provide a control framework for all construction work. HSE will be notified when construction projects are expected to last for more than 30 days or involve more than 500 person-days of work, or include any demolition work. Asbestos regulations duty to manage The company acknowledges the health hazards arising from exposure to asbestos and protects employees and other persons potentially exposed as far as is reasonably practicable. to prevent work being undertaken unless adequate control measures are in place to prevent fibres being released from ACM. Acquisitions and integration Viridor is an acquisitive company and continual expansion forms part of its stated businesses plans. In acquiring business and contracts, Viridor is mindful of different or lower standards of health and safety performance within the target organisation. Consequently Viridor has made and will continue to make significant investment in hardware, systems and people to effect the changes required to bring new organisations and their employees to the standards that Viridor require. The focus shall always be on reducing risks and potential harm both during the transition stage and in the on-going operation of the acquired organisation. This is particularly so when new or complex technologies are employed. Fire safety The company takes all reasonable steps to prevent fire on its premises. A programme of inspection and maintenance of fire fighting equipment and means of escape has been implemented. Employees are given adequate training in the use of fire fighting equipment. Fire evacuation drills are practiced and reviewed at appropriate intervals (according to site operations). Unit emergency plans (UEP) are established at each location. First aid provision The company maintains a number of employees suitably trained and equipped to assist with on-site situations where first aid is required. Suitable first aid provision (first aid kits, emergency showers, eye wash facilities etc) is appropriately located on all Viridor premises and work sites, in addition a suitable first aid kit is located in all light goods vehicles (LGV). Visitors and contractors who are working on or visiting a site receive information and instruction on what to do in the event of an emergency situation as part of their site induction. Surveys have been undertaken on all Viridor premises which have identified the locations of asbestos containing materials (ACM) and an asbestos register is maintained. In addition, procedures have been established 18 19
All accident/incident data is collated and reviewed for trends at unit/ site, regional and company level. Health and safety auditing The company has implemented an audit programme and has established auditing procedures that are used to verify that the health and safety management system is operated correctly at all levels of management. The audit examines physical conditions and health and safety systems against established standards. Audit procedures ensure that corrective actions are implemented and recommendations for improvements are made. Reviewing performance Management review The health and safety committee formally reviews the Health, Safety and Welfare Management System to ensure its effectiveness, and compliance with current health and safety legislation on an annual basis. However, amendments may be introduced at any time. 20 Partnerships The company recognises the benefits of working with other external bodies in the furtherance of raising health and safety standards. To this end, it is supportive of and contributes to the work of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environmental Services Association (ESA), Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) forum and Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills). Suggestions The company seeks to set the highest standards of safe working for its employees and for anyone who may be affected by its operational activities nationwide and is happy to discuss health and safety issues at site and company level. The company operates an open door policy and welcomes suggestions from stakeholders on ways to further improve standards of health and safety.
South East 0800 206 1998 South West 01823 728 800 North East 01142 414 140 North West 0161 872 0976 Scotland 0141 7819 151 Website www.viridor.co.uk Email enquiries@viridor.co.uk Facebook facebook.com/viridor Twitter @ViridorUK YouTube youtube.com/viridortv