Cookstown District Council
Environmental Health
Safety Policy
What is Health & Safety Policy
Regardless of the size of your company, you will obviously have certain rules to ensure that accidents are prevented during the course of your day to day business.
It is good practice to record all of your health and safety rules in the form of a policy document. (This is a legal requirement where you employ five or more people). It doesn't have to be a wordy document!
The purpose of your policy is to identify who is responsible for ensuring that health and safety matters are attended to and to explain what arrangements are in place to ensure everybody's safety and well-being. Most importantly, this document should demonstrate your commitment to health and safety.
The format of the policy should include:
1. Policy Statement
There is no standard phraseology for this section. It is your Statement opportunity to express your commitment to health and safety. Look at the example on below.
2. Organisation
Organisation In this section, you should explain who does what within the firm to ensure that your health and safety rules are implemented and adhered to.
An organisational chart is a useful aid for this section and should start with the most senior member in the firm and identify those people with specific health and safety tasks.
3. Arrangements
This part of your policy should describe in detail how your firm controls the risks associated with your activities. The policy must cover all of your work locations and activities, describing the procedures you have developed to reduce the risk of injury.
You must be as specific as possible, for example, there is no policy should be to identify all of the hazards in your workplace which you will have done as part of your risk assessment. Once you have identified the hazards, you willbe able to identify the steps necessary to control them.
The policy below is only an example. Obviously the amount of detail required in a policy will depend on the complexity of your business and your activities.
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Training
Employees will receive training to enable them to understand and adhere to company policy and procedure. (A separate training manual has been produced to ensure that adequate training is delivered to all members of staff).
First-Aid
Each workplace has first aid boxes and an appointed First-aider. In the event of an accident, call the First-aider. Do not move the injured person until examined by a First- aider. It is the responsibility of the Assistant Manager to keep First -Aid boxes well stocked.
Accident Reporting
An Accident Book is provided and must be fully completed when an accident occurs to staff, visitors or members of the public. A report form must be filled in for each accident and sent to Personnel. Accidents likely to result in absence from work of more than three days must be reported to the Local Authority Environmental Health Department by the Manager using an NI2508 form. Serious accidents must also be reported immediately by the Manager.
Fire Safety
Assistant Managers will ensure that fire evacuation drills take place once a quarter.In addition, they will ensure that:
• Fire exits are kept clear at all times
• Fire extinguishers are kept in their designated positions
• Fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency lighting are checked weekly
• All fire notices are displayed
Electrical Safety
All electrical equipment will be regularly maintained and will be checked by an electrical engineer on a yearly basis.
Employees should report any defective equipment and remove it from use. Never use adaptors or extension leads. Look out for:
• Loose wires
• Blackening around the plugs and socket outlets
• Trailing flexes
• Signs of overheating
Manual Handling
All employees will be trained in lifting techniques. The following rules should be observed:
• Stand close to the load
• Bend your knees keep your back straight
• Grasp the load firmly
• Lift with your legs and not your back
• Never lift a load that is too heavy - GET HELP!
A risk assessment has been undertaken for all manual handling tasks
Safe Stacking
• Inspect pallets, containers and racks regularly for damage
• Do not climb racking or shelves• Do not exceed the safe loading of the racking
• Store heavy items at low levels
• Only approved ladders may be used to access stock at high levels
Step Ladders
All step ladders will be inspected by the Assistant Manager on a monthly basis. All staff with be trained in the correct use of ladders.
DO NOT:
• Use faulty ladders
• Over reach whilst using a ladder
• Stand a step ladder on a box or other unsteady base
Make sure that the ladder is fully extended and locked in position. Use a ladder which enables you to gain access to the stock safely.
Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to an effective safety programme and everyone has a responsibility to keep workplaces and toilets clean and tidy. Gangways should be kept clear at all times.
Sample Safety Policy for a Small Supermarket
| General Statement | Organisation & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
Low Cost Supermarket aims as a business to act as a good employer and toconduct its' business activities in a way which will achieve the highest possible standard of health and safety for its' employees, visitors and members of the public. The Company regards the successful management of health and safety as equal to all its' other business activities. All levels of management, including the Managing Director, consider it as important as sales and quality control. The co-operation of all employees is vital for the promotion of health and safety within the company. This will involve safety inspections, attending safety committees, etc. The Company intends to comply with all legal statutory requirements and Codes of Practice. In particular it will: • Carry out an assessment of risks to all employees whilst at work Each employee has a duty to co-operate by: Signed by Chief Executive/Managing Director Name: .................................................. Date: ................................................... |
Chief Executive Director Area & General Manager Assistant Managers & Heads of Departments Safety Representatives Employees |