HEALTH & SAFETY

Effective Skills Training Ltd - Health and Safety Policy

Document Version: 1.0

1. Introduction and Statement of Intent

Effective Skills Training Ltd is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees, learners, visitors, and anyone else who may be affected by our activities. We recognise that effective health and safety management is essential for our people's well-being, our business's success, and maintaining a positive reputation.

This Health and Safety Policy outlines our commitment to preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. It provides a framework for establishing and reviewing health and safety objectives and ensuring continuous health and safety performance improvement.

We believe that health and safety are shared responsibilities. Management is accountable for implementing and maintaining this policy, and all employees, learners, and visitors must cooperate and actively participate in creating a safe and healthy environment.

This policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and our operational activities.

2. Organisation and Responsibilities

2.1 Overall Responsibility:

The directors of Effective Skills Training Ltd. have the ultimate responsibility for health and safety. They are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure the effective implementation of this policy.

2.2 Health and Safety Manager:

John O'Sullivan holds the position of Health and Safety Manager and has specific responsibility for:

Developing, implementing, and monitoring the Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures.
Providing advice and guidance on health and safety matters to all employees and learners.
Conducting risk assessments and ensuring appropriate control measures are implemented.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and recommending preventative actions.
Maintaining health and safety records and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
Arranging and delivering health and safety training.
Liaising with external agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Regularly reviewing and updating the Health and Safety Policy and procedures.
Promoting a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation.

Contact Details for Health and Safety Manager:

Name: John O'Sullivan
Email: info@effectiveskillstraining.com
Telephone: 03300433808

2.3 Responsibilities of Employees:

All employees have a legal and moral responsibility to:

Take reasonable care for their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
Cooperate with the Health and Safety Manager and management on all health and safety matters.
Follow safe working procedures and instructions.
Use any work equipment, machinery, substances, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by instructions and training.
Please report any hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents, or near misses to your line manager or the Health and Safety Manager immediately.
Participate in health and safety training and toolbox talks as required.
Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

2.4 Responsibilities of Learners:

All learners attending training provided by Effective Skills Training Ltd have a responsibility to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others present during training activities.
Follow the instructions and guidance trainers and staff provide regarding health and safety.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents, or near misses immediately to their trainer or staff member.
Use any equipment or PPE provided according to instructions.
Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

2.5 Responsibilities of Visitors and Contractors:

All visitors and contractors entering Effective Skills Training Ltd's premises are responsible for:

Adhering to the health and safety rules and procedures in place.
Following any instructions or guidance provided by Effective Skills Training Ltd staff.
Reporting any hazards or unsafe conditions they observe.
Ensuring their activities do not endanger themselves or others.
They should provide their own risk assessments and method statements where applicable, and ensure these are communicated to Effective Skills Training Ltd prior to commencing work.

3. Arrangements for Health and Safety

3.1 Risk Assessment:

We will conduct regular and thorough risk assessments of all our activities, premises, and equipment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks to an acceptable level.
Risk assessments will be documented, regularly reviewed, and updated, particularly when processes, equipment, or legislation change.
Employees and learners will be involved in the risk assessment process where appropriate.

3.2 Safe Working Procedures:

Safe working procedures will be developed and implemented for high-risk activities.
These procedures will provide clear and concise instructions on how to carry out tasks safely.
Employees and learners will be trained on the relevant safe working procedures.

3.3 Training and Competence:

We will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees and learners to ensure they can safely carry out their work or training activities.
Training needs will be identified through risk assessments and performance reviews.
Records of all health and safety training will be maintained.

3.4 Plant and Equipment:

All plant and equipment will be suitable for its intended purpose, maintained in good working order, and used by the manufacturer's instructions and relevant safety standards.
Regular inspections and maintenance will be carried out and documented.
Only trained and authorised personnel will be permitted to operate specific plant and equipment.

3.5 Hazardous Substances:

We will identify all hazardous substances used within our operations and conduct assessments of the health risks.
Appropriate control measures will be implemented to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances, including providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), safe storage, handling procedures, and appropriate PPE.

3.6 Fire Safety:

We will take all reasonable precautions to prevent fires and ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire.
Fire risk assessments will be conducted and regularly reviewed.
Appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, firefighting equipment, and escape routes will be provided and maintained.
Regular fire drills will be conducted, and all employees and learners will be informed of the fire safety procedures.

3.7 First Aid:

Adequate first aid facilities and suitably trained first aiders will be provided in accordance with legal requirements.
Information on the location of first aid equipment and the names of first aiders will be clearly displayed.
Records of all first aid treatment will be maintained.

3.8 Accident and Incident Reporting and Investigation:

All accidents, incidents, and near misses will be reported promptly to the Health and Safety Manager or a designated person.
Thorough investigations will be carried out to identify the root causes and implement appropriate preventative actions.
Records of all accidents, incidents, and investigations will be maintained.

3.9 Welfare Facilities:

Adequate welfare facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, and rest areas, will be provided and maintained to a high standard of hygiene.
Access to drinking water will be readily available.

3.10 Manual Handling:

We will assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and implement measures to reduce the risk of injury, such as providing mechanical aids or training in safe lifting techniques.

3.11 Display Screen Equipment (DSE):

DSE workstations will be assessed for regular users to identify and mitigate any risks associated with their use.
Information and training on safe DSE practices will be provided.

3.12 Electrical Safety:

All electrical installations and equipment will be regularly inspected and maintained by competent persons.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) will be carried out as required.
Safe systems of work will be in place for working with or near electrical equipment.

3.13 Premises Security:

We will take reasonable steps to ensure the security of our premises and protect individuals from unauthorised access or violence.

3.14 Lone Working:

Where lone working is necessary, risk assessments will be conducted, and appropriate control measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of lone workers.

3.15 Work at Height:

Work at height will be adequately planned, supervised, and carried out safely.
Suitable access equipment will be provided and used, and measures will be in place to prevent falls.

3.16 Consultation and Communication:

We are committed to consulting with employees and their representatives on health and safety matters.
Health and safety information will be communicated effectively through various means, such as notice boards, emails, and training sessions.

3.17 Monitoring and Review:

Our health and safety performance will be regularly monitored through inspections, audits, and accident and incident data analysis.
This Health and Safety Policy and our health and safety management system will be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required, to ensure their continued suitability and effectiveness.

4. Specific Arrangements for Training Activities

In addition to the general health and safety arrangements outlined above, the following specific arrangements will apply to our training activities:

Course-Specific Risk Assessments: Risk assessments will be conducted for each specific training course, taking into account the activities involved, the environment, and the learners' experience.
Trainer Responsibilities: Trainers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of learners during training sessions, including providing clear safety instructions, supervising activities, and addressing any health and safety concerns raised by learners.
Equipment and Materials: All equipment and materials used during training will be safe, fit for purpose, and used by instructions.
Emergency Procedures: At the start of each training course, learners will be informed of emergency procedures, including fire evacuation plans and first aid arrangements.
Learner Welfare: Trainers will be mindful of learners' welfare and address any concerns related to their health and safety during training.

5. Monitoring and Performance Measurement

We will monitor our health and safety performance through the following:

Regular workplace inspections.
Analysis of accident, incident, and near-miss data.
Review of training records.
Feedback from employees and learners.
Periodic audits of our health and safety management system.

The monitoring results will be used to identify areas for improvement and to track progress toward our health and safety objectives.

6. Review of the Policy

The health and Safety manager and the directors will review this policy at least annually and update it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and operational activities. The date of the last review will be recorded on the policy document.

Signed:

John O'Sullivan, Health and Safety Manager, Effective Skills Training Ltd

Telephone 03300433808

Emaiil: info@effectiveskillstraining.comTelephone: 03300433808