HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY Everybody who works in Fosters Bakery (from new starter on the shop floor, contractor, visitor to the Managing Director) has the responsibility to make sure that whatever we do, it is done safely and healthily. In some areas of our work there are obvious or hidden dangers and so there are special rules to control them or that say how the job needs to be done. In everything you do there is a requirement to take care and to use your good judgement at all times That care starts with you understanding our health & safety policy statement. GROUP HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Fosters Bakery (Staincross) Limited and subsidiary companies (Fosters) recognise and accept our legal duties to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of our employees whilst at work, and the health and safety of members of the public, contractors, and visitors who might be affected by what we do or don t do. It is the policy of Fosters to ensure, so far, as is reasonably practicable: The provision and maintenance of plant, machinery, equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health; The provision and maintenance of arrangements for the handling, storage, transport, use and disposal of articles and substances that are safe and without risks to health; The provision of information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to secure the health safety and welfare of all employees whilst at work; The working environment of all employees is safe and without risk to health and adequate facilities and arrangements are made for their welfare at work; and Effective communication channels are established and maintained throughout the organisation to promote all aspects of health, safety and welfare. To achieve these aims we will ensure that responsibilities for health and safety are properly assigned, accepted and fulfilled. In particular we will ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out, and any additional risk control measures identified as necessary are effectively implemented. Whilst management will ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of its employees, it also recognises that to achieve the aims set out in this statement, the assistance and co-operation of our employees is essential. Specifically it is the duty of every employee at work to: Take care of their own health and safety and the health and safety of other persons who might be affected by their acts or omissions; To co-operate with management as far as is necessary to enable health and safety requirements to be complied with; and Not to misuse or intentionally damage any item provided in the interests of health and safety. This policy will be reviewed annually from the date of first issue, or when significant changes have occurred. Signed: John Foster, Managing Director Date: 11th March 2004
HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY CHART John Foster Managing Director 01226 215904 07971 597410 Garage & Vehicle Bay Area Terry Swift Bakery & Canteen Michael Adams Workshop & Services (incl. boiler house, silo & maintenance works) Dennis Briggs Yard (incl. external freezers) Mark Widdowson Stores Ian Taylor Loading Bay and Transport inc off site deliveries Craig Finnerty Offices & Reception steps Sara Beaumont Tray Wash, Changing Rooms & landing area Sandra Gough Shops Shop Manager (managed by Veronica Finnerty) Test Bakery & Laboratory Elaine Foster Safety is the responsibility of every member of staff. The shift managers, supervisors and line leaders are responsible for their own areas, being automatic deputy s to the above people who are in overall control. No-one knows your job better than you - so you are responsible for your own safety and that of your colleagues.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY The MANAGING DIRECTOR is ultimately responsible for implementation of the Health and Safety Policy. In particular he will: Arrange for the provision of adequate resources to ensure the objectives set out in this policy are achieved; Ensure the objectives of the policy are communicated and observed throughout the organisation; and Ensure that appropriate arrangements are implemented to facilitate consultation with employees with regard to health and safety matters. In addition to the above the Managing Director will also Ensure that management under their control understand the objectives and requirements of this policy; Ensure that this policy is implemented in all areas of the Company by effective delegation to management; Promote good health and safety practice in all parts of the Group; Monitor implementation of the Policy and safety Plans Take appropriate action when a breach of this policy or health and safety legislation is identified or brought to his/her attention. The HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT TEAM will: Ensure they are fully aware of and implement the Company s health and safety procedures; Undertake risk assessments as and when needed; Compile and implement an area Safety Improvement Action Plan; Carry out regular health and safety inspections of their areas; Ensure all reported hazards, accidents and dangerous occurrences are investigated and rectified as soon as is reasonably practicable; Ensure all reported hazards, accidents and dangerous occurrences are recorded Report injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995; Ensure that all employees receive appropriate information, instruction and training to enable them to carry out the work assigned to them without risk to their own, or any other persons health and safety; Lead by example in their day to day work. All EMPLOYEES will: Take reasonable steps for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who might be affected by the acts or omissions; Not misuse or intentionally damage any item provided in the interests of health and safety; Take reasonable steps for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who might be affected by the acts or omissions; Use work equipment in accordance with their training; Report all accidents and incidents which may or did result in injury or damage to property to their Line Manager; Suggest ways of eliminating or reducing hazards/risks; Co-operate with management to enable the company to implement the Health and Safety Policy.
The HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE comprising of management and employee representatives, has been established to facilitate consultation between management and employees in respect of the following issues: Any changes which may substantially affect their health and safety at work, for example in procedures, equipment, and ways of working; The information employees need on the likely risks and dangers arising from their work, measures to reduce or eliminate these risks, and what they should do if they have to deal with a risk or danger; The planning of health and safety training; and The health and safety consequences of introducing new technology The Health and Safety Committee shall meet at periodic intervals. An agenda for each meeting will be set, and circulated in advance. Minutes will be taken at each meeting and circulated to all employees through posting on Company notice boards. The Managing Director shall ensure that the minutes are made available to all staff and will ensure that the names of employee representatives and their contact details are listed on the Health and Safety Law Poster displayed in each branch. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Health and safety rules are mandatory throughout the company and anyone failing to discharge their duties or acting in a way that puts the health and safety of themselves and/or others at risk will be subject to disciplinary action and for serious offences summary dismissal.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENTS Risk assessments will be carried out in all parts of our organisation and will form the basis for deciding on what action we need to take to eliminate or minimise all health and safety risks. Management and employees will conduct our risk assessments and we will use the information to decide on what action we take to eliminate or control the occurrence of accidents. Our risk assessment process is not a one off exercise, it is an ongoing process, which we will continually review to ensure we keep our work place safe and free from accidents. ACCIDENT/HAZARD REPORTING All accidents must be reported to a trained first aider who will ensure that you receive the correct treatment and true record of the accident and also to the senior manager in charge of the area. Any major accidents or accidents that result in three or more days absence will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive by the Managing Director. All hazards should be reported to your supervisor and under no circumstances should work be carried out in dangerous condition or using defective or dangerous equipment. Reporting an accident, hazard or near miss could prevent someone getting hurt in the future. TRAINING Fosters Bakery will provide every employee with the training needed to ensure they can undertake their job in a safe and proper manner. Specifically training will be provided on: Use of machinery and baking plant Use of hazardous substances Manual handling Use of personal protective equipment Use of forklift trucks and other vehicles Risk assessment findings No employee should ever use equipment or undertake any job for which they have not received sufficient training. CONTRACTORS AND VISITORS All visitors to the site must be accompanied by one or more Fosters Bakery staff at all times No contractors can be employed without the approval of the Managing Director. Under no circumstances should contractors or visitors be allowed onto the site unaccompanied unless special permission has been granted by the Maintenance Engineer.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES HOUSEKEEPING Poor housekeeping standards account for thousands of accidents, some serious even fatal, every year. These accidents, however, can be easily avoided by practising good housekeeping. Employees can help reduce this risk by:- Keeping their work areas clear and free from obstruction Keeping gangways and walkways clear and free from obstruction Keeping fire points and emergency exits clear and free from obstruction Ensuring spillages are cleaned up immediately Providing warning markers/cones when cleaning is being carried out and the floors are wet. Good housekeeping is important for hygiene reasons it can also significantly reduce a major cause of accident occurrences. ELECTRICITY Every year many people are seriously injured, even killed at work by electric shock. Improperly maintained and installed electrical equipment is the second most common cause of fire outbreak in the UK. Employees can help reduce this risk by:- Not attempting to repair or modify any electrical equipment unless specifically authorised to do so. Reporting any damaged or unlabelled electrical appliance immediately to the Maintenance Engineer. Not using socket adapters unless approved by the Maintenance Engineer. Only using electrical equipment that carries an inspection label. Electricity can cause serious even fatal injuries and requires specialist knowledge and skills. MACHINERY Machines are vital to our operations and undertake tasks which we as humans could not do. Unfortunately machines can t think and if used incorrectly can inflict horrific injuries. Employees can help reduce this risk by:- Never tampering with or removing machine safety guards. Reporting any damaged, loose or ill-fitting guarding immediately to the Maintenance Engineer Not using any machinery that is not guarded or for which they have not received training. Accidents with machinery are often very serious and under no circumstances should employees use machines that are not suitably safe guarded. TRANSPORT It is often the case that the risks associated with transport (forklift trucks, vans and lorries) is underestimated. Accidents involving transport occur on a regular basis and are more often than not very serious. Employees can help reduce this risk by:- Taking care and being extra vigilant when accessing areas used by forklift trucks, vans and lorries. Reporting dangerous driving to supervision. Keeping clear of moving vehicles. Wearing high visibility clothing during dark hours. Always keep to designated pedestrian routes and avoid taking short cuts through vehicle operation areas.
Drivers can help reduce this risk by:- Observing safety rules and speed limits at all times. Avoiding driving without a clear view. Giving way to pedestrians at all times. Being extra vigilant in the factory yard. Ensuring that they are in full control of their faculties when driving. Only authorised personnel are permitted to use company vehicles (forklift trucks, vans and lorries). HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Failure to follow the safety instructions when using hazardous substances can lead to accidents and the development of ill health. Employees can help reduce this risk by:- Understanding the health hazards associated with the substances you use. Following instructions as to the safe use of such substances Wearing the personal protective equipment provided to ensure your safety. Making sure you know of any emergency procedures needed in the event of exposure. Making sure you dispose of any waste product in the correct manner. Making you understand and follow any clean-up procedures in the event of a spill or leak. Observing the correct hygiene practice. Never work with hazardous substances you know nothing about, if in doubt be prepared to ask questions and ensure you know how to use the substance safely. MANUAL HANDLING We carry out manual handling operations all the time, at home, at work and often in the leisure interests we pursue. There is always the possibility of injury occurring if we don t do it right. Safe lifting is not just about strength and is more about technique and common-sense. Employees can reduce the risk of manual handling injuries by:- Using the correct lifting technique i.e. bending your knees and not your back. Making judgements about loads and seeking assistance where appropriate. Making sure that when carrying items they can see where they are going. Avoiding lifting operations above head height. Avoiding unnecessary twisting, stooping or unnatural movements when lifting or carrying loads. Most important is that employees know their limitations and don t over do it, get help if you need it. FIRE SAFETY Fire is one of the most serious hazards present within the workplace and has potentially enormous effects in terms of loss of life and damage to property. It is therefore essential that employees know exactly what action they must take in the event of a fire situation. Employees can help reduce this risk by: On hearing the alarm evacuating the premises in a safe and orderly fashion. Not stopping to search for or collect personal belongings. Not stopping to search for other people. Assembling at designated fire points for roll call. Do not at any time try to re-enter the building unless told to do so by the fire brigade.