HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
1. OUR STATEMENT OF GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK POLICY IS TO:
2. RESPONSIBILITIES
The overall and final responsibility for health and safety sits with the Management Committee.
The person with day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is the leader of the group and the member of the management committee responsible for that group or activity. Health and Safety must be part of the volunteer induction from staff /group leader
All staff and volunteers must:
3. RISK ASSESSMENTS
It is the responsibility of project leaders to conduct and keep up to date risk assessments for all the activities undertaken by their group.
Risk assessment templates and advice on their completion are available in the Staff Handbook. Please give one copy of each risk assessment to the Management Committee and keep the other with you at all times.
If any action is recommended or required to remove or control a specific risk, please discuss this with the Management Committee as soon as the unacceptable risk becomes known. They are responsible for ensuring that any action required to remove or reduce the risk is implemented.
Assessments should be reviewed annually or when activities change or new methods or processes are introduced.
4. CONSULTATION
All staff and volunteers are encouraged to bring any health and safety concerns to the attention of the Management Committee.
5. SMOKING
CTI 2000 has a no-smoking policy. Staff and volunteers are not allowed to smoke within any of the premises we use for our activities. Staff and volunteers are not allowed to smoke in public whilst on duty.
6. SAFE EQUIPMENT
Problems found with any equipment should be reported to the Management Committee this applies whether equipment belongs to CTI 2000 or to a third party whose premises we use for our activities. If you think anything is unsafe, please alert us as soon as possible and take any necessary remedial action. New equipment and materials should comply with all safety requirements.
Equipment instructions should be readily available at the premises we use. If they are not, it is the responsibility of Group Leaders to ask for instructions to be provided It is our responsibility to check that hazards are labelled e.g. cookers, coffee makers, hot water boilers etc. Our service users are particularly vulnerable and must be adequately supervised at all times. It should be made clear to each individual what items of equipment they can and cannot use and they must be clearly told about the risks from equipment they are allowed to use.
7. SAFE HANDLING OF AND USE OF SUBSTANCES
By the nature of our work, we should not be handling hazardous substances. However, even common everyday substances pose a hazard to vulnerable adults. Vigilance is necessary to ensure they are always used under adequate supervision and never inappropriately (e.g. ingested, applied to the body).
All of the premises we use have designated storage areas for household substances that pose a risk (e.g. cleaning agents). Use these where it is permissible to do so. Any potentially harmful substances (e.g. glue) that are used by CTI 2000 during activities such as crafts should be safely stored after each activity and accounted for.
8. INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION
Our Health and Safety Law poster is displayed at the Baptist Church in the main hall.
9. HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING
At the present time, CTI 2000 does not require any mandatory health and safety training for staff or volunteers. However, anyone who wishes to undertake training, for example, attend a course on risk assessments, is encouraged to speak to the Management Committee. CTI 2000 will make every effort to support individuals who wish to increase their skills and knowledge in this area.
10. SAFETY OF PREMISES INCLUDING FIRE EVACUATION
It is the responsibility of Group Leaders to obtain the following information about premises used for their activities, either regularly or as a one off visit. Where necessary, provide details to all attendees and especially new attendees at premises that are used regularly.
11. ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID
There is a First Aid box in all of the premises we use regularly. Its location should be known to Group Leaders and checked. The owner of the premises is responsible for ensuring that its contents are complete and that it is accessible at all times. CTI 2000 is seeking to have one qualified First Aider on duty at all times.
All accidents and dangerous incidents are to be recorded on the appropriate forms, copies of which are kept in the Staff Handbook. There is one form for minor incidents and a longer one for those that are more serious. These forms should be completed and returned to the Management Committee within 5 days of the incident occurring or without delay for a reportable incident. Where necessary, the Mansgement Committee will enter the information into the HSE Accident Book from the details provided.
Project leaders should familiarise themselves with the contents of Appendix I which describes those work-related incidents and occurrences which are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The person responsible for reporting accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the HSE is a member of the Management Committee.
12. MONITORING
There will be an annual review of our Health and Safety Policy which may include checking that risk assessments are valid and up-to-date.
From time to time, we may carry out spot checks to ensure that our health and safety policies are being implemented. If a breach is reported by a member of CTI 2000 or by a third party, we have a duty to carry out an investigation and take any necessary remedial action.
3. GUIDELINES ON MANUAL HANDLING
There is some lifting and handling involved in many tasks. In order to reduce the risk of injury the following guidelines should be followed by all staff and volunteers:
This policy is due for review in October 2022
APPENDIX 1
Information on RIDDOR
(Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
What is reportable under RIDDOR?
As an employer, a person who is self-employed, or someone in control of work premises, you have legal duties under RIDDOR that require you to report and record some work-related accidents by the quickest means possible.
Reportable deaths and major injuries
Deaths
If there is an accident connected with work and your employee, or self-employed person working on the premises, or a member of the public is killed you must notify the enforcing authority without delay. You can either telephone the ICC on 0845 300 99 23 or complete the appropriate online form (F2508).
Major injuries
If there is an accident connected with work and your employee, or self-employed person working on the premises sustains a major injury, or a member of the public suffers an injury and is taken to hospital from the site of the accident, you must notify the enforcing authority without delay by telephoning the ICC or completing the appropriate online form (F2508).
Reportable major injuries are:
Reportable over-three-day injuries
If there is an accident connected with work (including an act of physical violence) and your employee, or a self-employed person working on your premises, suffers an over-three-day injury you must report it to the enforcing authority within ten days.
An over-3-day injury is one which is not "major" but results in the injured person being away from work OR unable to do their full range of their normal duties for more than three days. You must notify the enforcing authority by completing the appropriate online form (F2508).
Reportable disease
If a doctor notifies you that your employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease, then you must report it to the enforcing authority.
Reportable diseases include:
A full list is available on the HSE web site. You can notify the enforcing authority by completing the appropriate online form (F2508A).
Reportable dangerous occurrences (near misses)
If something happens which does not result in a reportable injury, but which clearly could have done, then it may be a dangerous occurrence which must be reported immediately. Just call the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 99 23 or complete the appropriate online form.
Reportable dangerous occurrences are:
Reportable gas incidents
If you are a distributor, filler, importer or supplier of flammable gas and you learn, either directly or indirectly that someone has died or suffered a 'major injury' in connection with the gas you distributed, filled, imported or supplied, then this must be reported immediately by completing the appropriate online form (F2508G1).
If you are an installer of gas appliances registered with the Council for Registered Installers (CORGI), you must provide details of any gas appliances or fittings that you consider to be dangerous, to such an extent that people could die or suffer a 'major injury', because the design, construction, installation, modification or servicing could result in:
(a) an accidental leakage of gas;
(b) inadequate combustion of gas or ;
(c) inadequate removal of products of the combustion of gas.
Complete the appropriate online form (F2508G2).
When do I need to make a report?
Although the Regulations specify varying timescales for reporting different types of incidents, it is advisable to report the incident as soon as possible using the appropriate online form.
In cases of death, major injury, or dangerous occurrences, you must notify the enforcing authority without delay, most easily by calling the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 99 23.
Cases of over-three day injuries must be notified within ten days of the incident occurring.
Cases of disease should be reported as soon as a doctor notifies you that your employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease.
What records do I need to keep?
You must keep a record of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous occurrence. This must include the date and method of reporting; the date, time and place of the event; personal details of those involved; and a brief description of the nature of the event or disease.
You can keep the record in any form you wish. You could, for example, choose to
keep your records by:
Once you have reported an incident , the ICC will send you a copy of the record held within their database. You will be able to request amendments to the record if you feel the report is not fully accurate.
What is the Incident Contact Centre (ICC)?
The ICC is a ‘one-stop’ reporting service for work-related health and safety incidents in the UK. It was established on 1 April 2001. Telephoning the ICC used to be the quickest way of reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Now it only receives reports of fatal or major injuries by telephone (0845 300 99 23, Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm). Everything else must be reported using the appropriate online form available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm#online .
1. OUR STATEMENT OF GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK POLICY IS TO:
- provide adequate control of the Health and Safety risks arising from our activities,
- consult with staff and volunteers on matters affecting their Health and Safety and the Health and Safety of those we care for,
- provide and maintain a safe environment,
- ensure safe handling, use and storage of substances that pose a risk,
- provide information, instruction and supervision for staff and volunteers,
- ensure that all staff and volunteers are competent to carry out their tasks and, where necessary, to provide them with adequate training,
- review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES
The overall and final responsibility for health and safety sits with the Management Committee.
The person with day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is the leader of the group and the member of the management committee responsible for that group or activity. Health and Safety must be part of the volunteer induction from staff /group leader
All staff and volunteers must:
- co-operate with line managers on health and safety matters;
- not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety;
- take reasonable care of their own health and safety;
- report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person (as detailed in this policy).
3. RISK ASSESSMENTS
It is the responsibility of project leaders to conduct and keep up to date risk assessments for all the activities undertaken by their group.
Risk assessment templates and advice on their completion are available in the Staff Handbook. Please give one copy of each risk assessment to the Management Committee and keep the other with you at all times.
If any action is recommended or required to remove or control a specific risk, please discuss this with the Management Committee as soon as the unacceptable risk becomes known. They are responsible for ensuring that any action required to remove or reduce the risk is implemented.
Assessments should be reviewed annually or when activities change or new methods or processes are introduced.
4. CONSULTATION
All staff and volunteers are encouraged to bring any health and safety concerns to the attention of the Management Committee.
5. SMOKING
CTI 2000 has a no-smoking policy. Staff and volunteers are not allowed to smoke within any of the premises we use for our activities. Staff and volunteers are not allowed to smoke in public whilst on duty.
6. SAFE EQUIPMENT
Problems found with any equipment should be reported to the Management Committee this applies whether equipment belongs to CTI 2000 or to a third party whose premises we use for our activities. If you think anything is unsafe, please alert us as soon as possible and take any necessary remedial action. New equipment and materials should comply with all safety requirements.
Equipment instructions should be readily available at the premises we use. If they are not, it is the responsibility of Group Leaders to ask for instructions to be provided It is our responsibility to check that hazards are labelled e.g. cookers, coffee makers, hot water boilers etc. Our service users are particularly vulnerable and must be adequately supervised at all times. It should be made clear to each individual what items of equipment they can and cannot use and they must be clearly told about the risks from equipment they are allowed to use.
7. SAFE HANDLING OF AND USE OF SUBSTANCES
By the nature of our work, we should not be handling hazardous substances. However, even common everyday substances pose a hazard to vulnerable adults. Vigilance is necessary to ensure they are always used under adequate supervision and never inappropriately (e.g. ingested, applied to the body).
All of the premises we use have designated storage areas for household substances that pose a risk (e.g. cleaning agents). Use these where it is permissible to do so. Any potentially harmful substances (e.g. glue) that are used by CTI 2000 during activities such as crafts should be safely stored after each activity and accounted for.
8. INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION
Our Health and Safety Law poster is displayed at the Baptist Church in the main hall.
9. HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING
At the present time, CTI 2000 does not require any mandatory health and safety training for staff or volunteers. However, anyone who wishes to undertake training, for example, attend a course on risk assessments, is encouraged to speak to the Management Committee. CTI 2000 will make every effort to support individuals who wish to increase their skills and knowledge in this area.
10. SAFETY OF PREMISES INCLUDING FIRE EVACUATION
It is the responsibility of Group Leaders to obtain the following information about premises used for their activities, either regularly or as a one off visit. Where necessary, provide details to all attendees and especially new attendees at premises that are used regularly.
- Location of fire exits, alarms and extinguishers
- Details of the emergency evacuation procedure
- Location of first aid box
- Information about appointed first aiders
- In the event of accidental damage or an identified risk requiring attention, details of how to report it to the owner of the premises
11. ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID
There is a First Aid box in all of the premises we use regularly. Its location should be known to Group Leaders and checked. The owner of the premises is responsible for ensuring that its contents are complete and that it is accessible at all times. CTI 2000 is seeking to have one qualified First Aider on duty at all times.
All accidents and dangerous incidents are to be recorded on the appropriate forms, copies of which are kept in the Staff Handbook. There is one form for minor incidents and a longer one for those that are more serious. These forms should be completed and returned to the Management Committee within 5 days of the incident occurring or without delay for a reportable incident. Where necessary, the Mansgement Committee will enter the information into the HSE Accident Book from the details provided.
Project leaders should familiarise themselves with the contents of Appendix I which describes those work-related incidents and occurrences which are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The person responsible for reporting accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the HSE is a member of the Management Committee.
12. MONITORING
There will be an annual review of our Health and Safety Policy which may include checking that risk assessments are valid and up-to-date.
From time to time, we may carry out spot checks to ensure that our health and safety policies are being implemented. If a breach is reported by a member of CTI 2000 or by a third party, we have a duty to carry out an investigation and take any necessary remedial action.
3. GUIDELINES ON MANUAL HANDLING
There is some lifting and handling involved in many tasks. In order to reduce the risk of injury the following guidelines should be followed by all staff and volunteers:
- Do not lift or handle any object which you perceive may put you at risk of injury. Assistance or guidance should be sought from another member of staff or volunteer.
- Never let individuals in our care lift heavy or dangerous objects without appropriate assistance or supervision. You must decide whether it is safe or appropriate, not them.
- Where possible use mechanical lifting aids.
- Use common sense to minimise risk, e.g. carry the minimum weight possible, minimise the amount of time you spend walking with the load by involving other people in a “human chain”.
- Follow the good handling techniques as advised.
- If in doubt, don’t lift the object and ask for guidance.
This policy is due for review in October 2022
APPENDIX 1
Information on RIDDOR
(Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)
What is reportable under RIDDOR?
As an employer, a person who is self-employed, or someone in control of work premises, you have legal duties under RIDDOR that require you to report and record some work-related accidents by the quickest means possible.
Reportable deaths and major injuries
Deaths
If there is an accident connected with work and your employee, or self-employed person working on the premises, or a member of the public is killed you must notify the enforcing authority without delay. You can either telephone the ICC on 0845 300 99 23 or complete the appropriate online form (F2508).
Major injuries
If there is an accident connected with work and your employee, or self-employed person working on the premises sustains a major injury, or a member of the public suffers an injury and is taken to hospital from the site of the accident, you must notify the enforcing authority without delay by telephoning the ICC or completing the appropriate online form (F2508).
Reportable major injuries are:
- Fracture, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes;
- Amputation;
- Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine;
- Loss of sight (temporary or permanent);
- Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye;
- Injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness, or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours;
- Any other injury: leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or unconsciousness; or requiring resuscitation; or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours;
- Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to harmful substance or biological agent;
- Acute illness requiring medical treatment, or loss of consciousness arising from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin;
- Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agent or its toxins or infected material.
Reportable over-three-day injuries
If there is an accident connected with work (including an act of physical violence) and your employee, or a self-employed person working on your premises, suffers an over-three-day injury you must report it to the enforcing authority within ten days.
An over-3-day injury is one which is not "major" but results in the injured person being away from work OR unable to do their full range of their normal duties for more than three days. You must notify the enforcing authority by completing the appropriate online form (F2508).
Reportable disease
If a doctor notifies you that your employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease, then you must report it to the enforcing authority.
Reportable diseases include:
- Certain poisonings;
- Some skin diseases such as occupational dermatitis, skin cancer, chrome ulcer, oil folliculitis/acne;
- Lung diseases including: occupational asthma, farmer's lung, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma;
- Infections such as: leptospirosis; hepatitis; tuberculosis; anthrax; legionellosis and tetanus;
- Other conditions such as: occupational cancer; certain musculoskeletal disorders; decompression illness and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
A full list is available on the HSE web site. You can notify the enforcing authority by completing the appropriate online form (F2508A).
Reportable dangerous occurrences (near misses)
If something happens which does not result in a reportable injury, but which clearly could have done, then it may be a dangerous occurrence which must be reported immediately. Just call the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 99 23 or complete the appropriate online form.
Reportable dangerous occurrences are:
- Collapse, overturning or failure of load-bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment;
- Explosion, collapse or bursting of any closed vessel or associated pipework;
- Failure of any freight container in any of its load-bearing parts;
- Plant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines;
- Electrical short circuit or overload causing fire or explosion;
- Any unintentional explosion, misfire, failure of demolition to cause the intended collapse, projection of material beyond a site boundary, injury caused by an explosion;
- Accidental release of a biological agent likely to cause severe human illness;
- Failure of industrial radiography or irradiation equipment to de-energise or return to its safe position after the intended exposure period;
- Malfunction of breathing apparatus while in use or during testing immediately before use;
- Failure or endangering of diving equipment, the trapping of a diver, an explosion near a diver, or an uncontrolled ascent;
- Collapse or partial collapse of a scaffold over five metres high, or erected near water where there could be a risk of drowning after a fall;
- Unintended collision of a train with any vehicle;
- Dangerous occurrence at a well (other than a water well);
- Dangerous occurrence at a pipeline;
- Failure of any load-bearing fairground equipment, or derailment or unintended collision of cars or trains;
- A road tanker carrying a dangerous substance overturns, suffers serious damage, catches fire or the substance is released;
- A dangerous substance being conveyed by road is involved in a fire or released;
- The following dangerous occurrences are reportable except in relation to offshore workplaces: unintended collapse of: any building or structure under construction, alteration or demolition where over five tonnes of material falls; a wall or floor in a place of work; any false-work;
- Explosion or fire causing suspension of normal work for over 24 hours;
- Sudden, uncontrolled release in a building of: 100 kg or more of flammable liquid; 10 kg of flammable liquid above its boiling point; 10 kg or more of flammable gas; or of 500 kg of these substances if the release is in the open air;
- Accidental release of any substance which may damage health.
Reportable gas incidents
If you are a distributor, filler, importer or supplier of flammable gas and you learn, either directly or indirectly that someone has died or suffered a 'major injury' in connection with the gas you distributed, filled, imported or supplied, then this must be reported immediately by completing the appropriate online form (F2508G1).
If you are an installer of gas appliances registered with the Council for Registered Installers (CORGI), you must provide details of any gas appliances or fittings that you consider to be dangerous, to such an extent that people could die or suffer a 'major injury', because the design, construction, installation, modification or servicing could result in:
(a) an accidental leakage of gas;
(b) inadequate combustion of gas or ;
(c) inadequate removal of products of the combustion of gas.
Complete the appropriate online form (F2508G2).
When do I need to make a report?
Although the Regulations specify varying timescales for reporting different types of incidents, it is advisable to report the incident as soon as possible using the appropriate online form.
In cases of death, major injury, or dangerous occurrences, you must notify the enforcing authority without delay, most easily by calling the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 99 23.
Cases of over-three day injuries must be notified within ten days of the incident occurring.
Cases of disease should be reported as soon as a doctor notifies you that your employee suffers from a reportable work-related disease.
What records do I need to keep?
You must keep a record of any reportable injury, disease or dangerous occurrence. This must include the date and method of reporting; the date, time and place of the event; personal details of those involved; and a brief description of the nature of the event or disease.
You can keep the record in any form you wish. You could, for example, choose to
keep your records by:
- keeping copies of report forms in a file;
- recording the details on a computer;
- using your Accident Book entry;
- maintaining a written log.
Once you have reported an incident , the ICC will send you a copy of the record held within their database. You will be able to request amendments to the record if you feel the report is not fully accurate.
What is the Incident Contact Centre (ICC)?
The ICC is a ‘one-stop’ reporting service for work-related health and safety incidents in the UK. It was established on 1 April 2001. Telephoning the ICC used to be the quickest way of reporting injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences. Now it only receives reports of fatal or major injuries by telephone (0845 300 99 23, Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5 pm). Everything else must be reported using the appropriate online form available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm#online .