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Midall & Stones
Electrical Services
443-445 Sheffield Road
CHESTERFIELD , S41 8LT


National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting - Approved Contractor

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4. Arrangements

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4.1 Information and Advice
4.2 Products and Articles
4.3 Consultation with Employees
4.4 Safety Policy Review
4.5 Policy on Training and Instruction
4.6 Risk Assessment
4.7 Occupational Health Support
4.8 Principle Safety Rules
4.9 Environment Impact

 

 

4.1 Information and Advice

In order to obtain specialist advice and up to date information on Health & Safety matters, we are in membership of the Electrical Contractors Association and receive regular information and advice through the Association and it's consultants on Health and Safety matters. The ECA Manuals covering Risk Assessment, COSHH Assessment and files of general Health and Safety information are maintained in the office at Chesterfield, and are available for all employees to use.

Peak Facilities Ltd have been initially appointed to provide Health and Safety assistance in compliance with Regulation 6 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992.

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4.2 Products and Articles

The Health and Safety Co-ordinator is to ensure that all users of products and articles supplied or hired for use at work shall be made aware of any relevant information and instructions which may be provided by a manufacturer/supplier.

Any employee who is in doubt about safe working practices and procedures should contact the Health and Safety Co-ordinator or the person in charge of the work at the site concerned for advice.

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4.3 Consultation with Employees

Any arrangements negotiated with recognised independent Trade Unions regarding Safety Representatives and/or Safety Committees will be added in the form of an Appendix attached to this Safety Policy where applicable.

In accordance with the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 the company will consult directly with all employees on matters concerning general Health and Safety, or on potential hazards or dangerous occurrences in the workplace.

Suggestions or comments on ways in which our Health and Safety performance can be improved will always be considered, they should be made to the Line Manager in the first instance.

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4.4 Safety Policy Review

The Company will monitor the effectiveness of this Policy in terms of the use made of it by both management and work force. Review or our safety performance and the functioning of the Policy is the task of the Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Annually, they will review the contents of the Policy Statement, and indicate ways in which safety performance can be improved.

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4.5 Policy on Training and Instruction

The Health and Safety at Work etc, act 1974 places an obligation on the Company to train, instruct and give information to employees and others who may be affected by the hazards and risks associated with their work activities to ensure their Health and Safety.

The Company recognises the importance of providing safety training for it's staff and to ensure this obligation is implemented, the company has nominated specific responsibilities and duties to all management, staff members and sub-contractors within the general policy to provide.

  • Safe working methods/procedures and the training necessary for implementation.
  • Information, instruction and training for all staff (and sub-contractors) who may be affected by the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances together with the results of the assessments and monitoring.
  • Where employees are transferred to any other work activity or equipment, appropriate 'job safety' training must be given.
  • Adequate Health and Safety training for all levels of management and supervisors.
  • Identification of hazards of activities where risks exist and the training necessary for their control eg. Noise, Display Screen Equipment, Manual Handling, Fire etc.
  • The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) consultants will offer advice on safety training needs and requirements. Safety training will be given to all employees as necessary.
  • The company shall keep a complete record of all Health and Safety training with this policy under Appendix 2.
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4.6 Risk Assessment

4.6.1 Risk Assessment
4.6.2 Details of Assessment
4.6.3 Preventative and Protective Measures
4.6.4 Health and Safety Arrangements (Risk Assessments)
4.6.5 Procedures for serious and imminent danger and for dangerous areas
4.6.6 Information for employees
4.6.7 Cooperation and coordination
4.6.8 Training
4.6.9 New and Young Employees

All work will be negotiated for, or tendered for, taking risk assessments into account.

All levels of Company management (Project Managers and Site Supervisors) are to be fully conversant with these requirements and to produce risk assessments for their specific areas for submission to the Health and Safety Co-ordinator.

A generic written assessment is available for each task wit significant risks normally carried out during work. This is to be varied as required by the Company management taking into account local risk factors where these are appropriate under the actual working conditions.

4.6.1 Risk Assessment
To assess the risks to Company employees and others who may be affected by our undertakings.

In particular management shall:
a) Ensure that all relevant risks or hazards are addressed:

  • To identify the significant risks in the workplace by not obscuring those risks with an excess of information or be concentrating on trivial risks.
  • To identify hazards, ie. those aspects of work (eg. Substances or equipment used, work processes or work organisation) which have the potential to cause harm.
  • Complying with specific Acts or Regulations in order to help identify hazards.
  • By assessing the risk from the identified hazards, if there are no hazards, there are no risks.
  • By systematically looking at hazards and risks eg. Machinery, transport, substances, electrical etc. and by operation eg., materials in production, dispatch, offices etc.
  • By ensuring all aspects of the work are reviewed.
b) Address what actually happens in the workplace or during the work activity within your area of responsibility:
  • Actual practice does not differ from the works procedure as this is frequently a route whereby risks creep in unnoticed.
  • Assess the non-routine operations eg., maintenance operations, loading and unloading, etc.
  • Assess interruptions to the work activity, which are frequent causes of accident. Look at the management of such incidents and the procedures followed.
c) Ensure that all groups of employees and others who might be affected are considered, do not forget office staff, cleaners, maintenance staff, visitor's etc.

d) Identify groups of workers who might be particularly at risk, for example, young or inexperienced workers, those who work alone, those that work in confined spaces, disabled staff etc.

e) Take account of existing preventative or precautionary measures:

  • They may already reduce the risk sufficiently in terms of what needs to be done to comply with relevant statutory provisions. But are they working properly? Does action need to be taken to ensure they are properly maintained?

4.6.2 Details of Assessment
The level of detail in a risk assessment should be broadly proportionate to the risk. The purpose is not to catalogue every trivial hazard, nor is management expected to be able to anticipate hazards beyond the limits of current knowledge. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment will reflect what it is reasonably practicable to expect the Company to know about the hazards in the workplace. The format of all such risk assessments is provided within this policy.

4.6.3 Preventative and Protective Measures
These depend upon the relevant legislation - covering particular hazards or sectors of work - and the risk assessment. In deciding upon the measures, the Company shall apply the following principles:

a) It is always best if possible to avoid a risk altogether, eg. By not using or stocking a particular dangerous substance or article it is not crucial to the business.

b) Combat risks at source, rather than palliative measures. Thus if the steps are slippery, treating or replacing them is better than providing a warning sign.

c) Wherever possible, adapt work to the individual especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of work equipment and the choice of working and production methods, with a view in particular to alleviating monotonous work and work at a pre-determined work rate. This helps reduce possible adverse effects on Health and Safety.

d) Take advantage of technological and technical progress, which often offers opportunities for improving working methods and making them safer.

e) Risk prevention measures need to form part of a coherent policy and approach having the effect of progressively reducing those risks that cannot be prevented or avoided altogether, and which will take into account of the way work is to be organised, working conditions, the working environment and any relevant social factors.

f) Give a priority to those measures which protect the whole workplace and all who work there, and so yield the greatest benefit overall, ie. give collective protective measures priority over individual measures.

g) Communication - employees need to understand what they are required to do.

h) The avoidance, prevention and reduction of risks at work needs to be an accepted part of the approach and attitudes at all levels of the organisation and to apply to all it's activities, ie. the existence of an active Health and Safety culture affecting the organisation as a whole needs to be assured.

Any necessary plant, equipment, monitoring, hygiene and welfare facilities, medical examinations, health surveillance and protective clothing and equipment specified in the risk assessment must be present at the relevant location before the task is carried out.

4.6.4 Health and Safety Arrangements (Risk Assessments)
The senior Health and Safety personnel (Directors and the Health and Safety Co-ordinator) are responsible for:-

a) Planning: Adopting a systematic approach that identifies priorities and sets objectives. Whenever possible risk are eliminated by the careful selection and design of facilities, equipment and processes or minimised by the use of physical control measures.

b) Organisation: Putting in place the necessary structure with the aim of ensuring that there is a progressive improvement in Health and Safety performance.

c) Control: Ensuring that the decisions for ensuring and promoting Health and Safety are being implemented as planned.

d) Monitoring and Review: Progressive improvement in health and Safety can only be achieved through constant development of policies, approaches to implementation and techniques of risk control.

4.6.5 Procedures for Serious and Imminent Danger and for Dangerous Areas
The Company will establish procedures to be followed by any worker if situations presenting serious and imminent danger arise. The aim is to set out clear guidance on when employees and others at work should stop work and how they should move to a place of safety. In some cases this will require full evacuation of the workplace. In other cases it might mean some or all of the workforce moving to a safer part of the workplace.

The procedures will take account of responsibilities of specific employees. Some employees or groups of employees will have specific tasks to perform in the event of emergencies.

4.6.6 Information for Employees
The risk assessment will help identify information that has to be provided to employees under specific regulations, as well as any further information relevant to risks to employees health and safety. Relevant information on risks and on preventative and protective measures will be limited to what employees need to know to ensure their Health and Safety.

To be comprehensible, information must be capable of being understood by the employees to whom it is addressed. This should take account of their level of training, knowledge and experience. Special consideration should be given to any employees with language difficulties or with disabilities which may impede their receipt of information. For employees with little or no understanding of English, or who cannot read English, the Company may need to make special arrangements.

4.6.7 Co-operation and Co-ordination
The Company's obligation under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is towards any person that may be put at risk by our activities. Where our activities and that of other employers and self-employed people interact co-operation is required to ensure that our respective obligations are met. This will be achieved on site through communication channels in place as required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994, and in the office by agreement with the Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Such arrangements are required to meet compliance prior to co-habitation or works commencing on site.

4.6.8 Training
Training is an important way of achieving competence and helps convert information into safe working practices. It contributes to the Company's Health and Safety culture and is needed at all levels, including the Company's Senior Management. The risk assessment and the training co-ordinator will determine the level of training need for each type of work as part of the preventative and protective measures. This may include basic skills training, specific on-the-job training and training in health and safety or emergency procedures.

4.6.9 New and Young Employees
New employees will receive basic induction training on health and Safety, including arrangements for first aid, fire and evacuation, particular attention will be given to young employees. The risk assessment should indicate further specific training needs. In some cases, training may be required even though an employee already holds a formal qualification.

Changes in an employee's work environment may cause them to be exposed to new or increased risks requiring further training. The need for further training should be considered when:-

a) Employees transfer or take on new responsibilities. There may be a change in the work activity or in the environment.

b) There is a change in the work equipment of systems of work in use. A significant change is likely to need a review and re-assessment of risks, which may indicate additional training needs. If the change includes introducing completely new technology, it may bring with it new and unfamiliar risks. Competent outside advice may also be needed.

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4.7 Occupational Health Support

4.7.1 The Prevention of Occupational Disease
4.7.2 Fitness for work: placement and rehabilitation
4.7.3 Information, instruction and training
4.7.4 Health Surveillance Records

The Company has appointed the Health and Safety Co-ordinator to investigate, plan and co-ordinate our Occupational Health requirements.

4.7.1 The Prevention of Occupational Disease
The Health and Safety At Work etc, Act 1974, requires the Company to maintain conditions of work which are without risk to health, 'so far as is reasonably practicable'.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1988 require employers to prevent or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately control the exposure of our employees to hazardous substances. We are therefore responsible for preventing work-related ill health.

Employees' health may be put at risk by exposure to hazardous substances or agents (eg. Toxic chemicals, skin irritants, handling of excessive weights or repetitive movements of particular muscles, causing strains).

The Company via the Health and Safety Co-ordinator will take pro-active measures to identify potential health risks within our workplace, without waiting until employees complain of ill health.

Many health risks can be eliminated or controlled by improved engineering or changed work practices. Where control measures are necessary the Health and Safety Co-ordinator will monitor their effectiveness.

4.7.2 Fitness for Work: Placement and Rehabilitation
The Company recognises that physical status, ill health and disability can influence an individual's ability to perform safely and effectively at work and in some circumstances can put the individual, other employees or even the public at increased risk of injury or illness.

Some jobs require certain standards of fitness or health. In such cases the standards shall be set in advance and applied consistently in assessing candidates for recruitment, transfer or return to work after illness.

4.7.3 Information, Instruction and Training
Information, instruction and training come into all aspects of occupational health but they are sufficiently important to be considered in their own right. The Company recognises that proper instruction and training in working practices can go a long way towards solving some occupational health problems, and are now a legal requirement under the COSHH Regulations.

4.7.4 Health Surveillance Records
Records of any health surveillance, medical and other individual health records, which may be required, will be kept securely in personnel files, and will be kept for 40 years after the date of the last entry as required by law.

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4.8 Principal Safety Rules

4.8.1 Personal Protective Equipment
4.8.2 Fire Precautions
4.8.3 Access Equipment
4.8.4 Accident Reporting
4.8.5 Housekeeping
4.8.6 Temporary Physical Impairment
4.8.7 Standards of Behaviour
4.8.8 Plant and Equipment
4.8.9 Smoking
4.8.10 Company Vehicles
4.8.11 General arrangements for significant hazards identified

Statutory requirements are viewed as being the minimum acceptable standards, rather than the ideal maximum. In addition to statutory requirements, the following safe operating practices and procedures in our policy and must be strictly adhered to by all employees regardless of the nature of their specific duties.

Wilful disregard by any employee of any of these safety rules may be considered sufficient cause for immediate dismissal. Some of these rules are statutory requirements and are included as reminders.

These principal safety rules are highlighted here for quick reference.

4.8.1 Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment shall be worn without exception wherever necessary, as identified by risk assessments. The person in charge of the site where these rules apply will give instructions to operatives.

Safety helmets will be worn on sites or in work areas that are designated as "hard hat" sites or areas or wherever there are risks of head injury.

Safety boots or shoes must be worn at all times. No person may wear plimsolls, trainers or other soft-soled footwear.

4.8.2 Fire Precautions
Fire-fighting equipment is provided in or near all places of work. All employees must be aware of the location of fire extinguishers and of their method of operation.

Means of escape must be kept clear at all times.

Employees should be familiar with and recognise the sound of the fire warning system, sounders, hooters, whistles or the like.

4.8.3 Access Equipment
All access equipment including ladders must be kept in good repair. Mobile towers must only be erected by those trained to do so, and in accordance with the makers or suppliers instructions.

4.8.4 Accident Reporting
All injuries, no matter how slight, must be reported immediately.

4.8.5 Housekeeping
Untidy areas and methods of working create unacceptable risks and must be avoided at all times.

4.8.6 Temporary Physical Impairment
Anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job or to drive vehicles while in that condition. Persons found to be displaying the symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse will be dismissed immediately.

No one shall knowingly be permitted or required to work or drive our vehicles while his or her ability of alertness is so impaired by fatigue, illness, temperature or other cause that might expose the individual or others to injury.

4.8.7 Standards of Behaviour
Horseplay, scuffling, and other acts which tend to endanger the safety or well being of employees are prohibited.

4.8.8 Plant and Equipment
Portable tools must be kept and maintained in good condition for the tasks for which they will be used. Worn or broken tools must be replaced immediately and it is the personal responsibility of each employee to ensure that this is done. Records are maintained of the electrical testing of all portable electrical appliances.

Abrasive wheels and cutting discs may only be changed by persons who have been trained and appointed in writing by their employer to do so, in accordance with the Abrasive Wheels Regulations of 1970. Where no such persons are appointed, the owners of the machines (eg. Subcontractor or Plant Hire Company) are to be asked to arrange for an appointed person to change or mount wheels or discs.

4.8.9 Smoking
No smoking is permitted on our premises, in our vehicles, or in any premises where employees are working.

4.8.10 Company Vehicles
Drivers of vehicles are to ensure that their vehicles are in good and safe condition before driving them. This will include checking each week the oil levels, tyres and brakes.

4.8.11 General Arrangements for Significant Hazards Identified
The following hazards require special consideration:-

  • Work with COSHH
  • Work with underground/buried services
  • Work on live electrical systems
  • Work in occupied premises
  • Working at height
These activities require a specific risk assessment to be made prior to the commencement of work. The Project Manager (or in his absence the Health and Safety Co-ordinator) has responsibility for making these specific risk assessments.

All those to be involved in the work will be made aware of the control measures for the identified risks and any procedures to be followed.

Any personal equipment identified by the assessment(s) as being required, and any monitoring equipment necessary, will be available and issued before any work begins.

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4.9 Environmental Impact

The Company recognises that it's activities may have environmental implications, and therefore pursues a policy design to minimise environmental damage.

Our operations will be managed and organised so as to reduce so far as is reasonably practicable environmental damage caused by noise, dust and damage to groundwater and drainage systems. In pursuance of this policy, environmental considerations will be taken into account in tendering.

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