Health & Safty Policy

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 197

Last updated: July 04, 2024 

Index/Contents

1. General Statement
2. Introduction
3. General
4. Health and Safety
4.1. Responsibilities
4.2. H&S Advice
4.3. Consultation
4.4. Safety Policy Monitoring & Review
4.5. Training and information
4.6. First Aid Facilities and Welfare
4.7. Stress
4.8. Information for employees and others
4.9. CDM compliance and Design safety
5. First Aid and Accident Procedures
5.1. Accidents
5.2. Procedure in the event of an accident/injury:
5.3. Procedure in the event of a fatality or serious accident
6. Fire procedures and precautions
7. Emergency Contact Numbers
8. Office Safety rules
9. Company Safety and Employee Operating Procedures
9.1. Working objectives
9.2. All employees
9.3. Equal opportunities / Participant eligibility
9.4. Medical
9.5. Valuables
9.6. Smoking
9.7. Alcohol/Drug Consumption
9.8. Working Time
9.9. Personal standards
9.10. Complaints
9.11. Security / Unruly person/violent incident
9.12. Communications
9.13. Work Equipment
9.14. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
9.15. End of day
9.16. Good practice guide
10. General Hazards
10.1. Manual Handling Operations
10.2. Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
11. Arrangements for Special Hazards
11.1. Asbestos
11.2. Noise at work
11.3. Hand arm vibration (HAV)
11.4. Mobile Scaffold Towers
11.5. Ladders and Step Ladders
11.6. Live electrical work
11.7. Mobile Elevating Working Platforms (MEWP’s)
11.8. Confined spaces
11.9. Work at height
11.10. Work in schools
12. Company Vehicles & Driving at Work policy
12.1. Driving License
12.2. Checks
12.3. Breakdown and damage
12.4. In the event of an accident.
12.5. Driving Safely
12.6. Speeding
12.7. Tiredness
12.8. Parking
13. Environmental Impact

1. General Statement

1.1. It is our policy to perform work in the safest practicable manner, consistent with good practice. The health, safety and welfare of our workers and all those likely to be affected by our operations is the responsibility of management, and is always the number one priority. To ensure the success of this policy, it is to be reviewed and revised as necessary at regular intervals.

1.2. It is the duty of management to provide safe systems of work and do everything practicable to prevent injury and ill health by controlling the risks arising out of our work activities. Equally it is the duty of each worker to exercise personal responsibility for his or her own safety and that of others and co-operate with his or her employer in matters of health, safety and welfare.

1.3. The company will provide and maintain safe plant and equipment and ensure the safe handling and use of hazardous substances. Management will provide the necessary information, instruction and training and will ensure the competence of all employees and contractors, to prevent accidents and cases of work related ill health.

1.4. All workers are to be aware that, in the event of any conflict between the demands of business and safety, they will receive management support if they reasonably choose the safety of employees or third parties as the priority.

1.5. It is our policy to adhere completely to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and all other Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice, which affect our operations.

1.6. The attention of all employees is directed to this Safety Policy and its Appendices. Any revisions will be incorporated when necessary, and these will also be brought to the attention of all personnel.

2. Introduction
The Company safety rules are designed to provide basic guidance for safe operating practices and procedures that form the Company Policy, and must be strictly adhered to by all employees. Wilful disregard by any employee of any Company safety rules may be considered sufficient cause for immediate dismissal.

3. General
First-Aid Facilities – located in kitchen area of unit and all company vehicles (cab area)

Eye-wash Area – located above kitchen sink in kitchen area of unit.

‘Accident’, ‘Close-Call’ and ‘Complaints’ books- located in the office in the far corner cabinet, top shelf.

‘Health &Safety Policy’ and ‘Operating Procedures’ including risk assessments to remain in the far corner cabinet, top shelf. A copy is accessible on the company website/blog.

Health and Safety Law poster is displayed in Kitchen area of unit.

Emergency Numbers – located within this safety policy and in all first- aid boxes

Fire –Get out, stay out and call 999. Do not attempt to fight the fire.

4. Health and Safety

4.1. Responsibilities

4.1.1. Azzeddine Kebbi, the Company Director, is responsible for health and safety matters in the Company. Where difficulties arise in the maintenance of safe working conditions, or practices, reference must be made to Azzeddine Kebbi, who then has responsibility for ensuring that sufficient authority is given to enable safe conditions and practices to be maintained.

4.1.2. Azzeddine Kebbi as the Company’s Health and Safety Co-ordinator is nominated as a competent person for the purpose of assisting the Company to undertake necessary measures to ensure compliance with statutory provisions.

4.1.3. As Company Health and Safety Co-ordinator he will:

• have an understanding of the application of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other relevant legislation to the Company’s operations, and a general knowledge of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
• be aware of changes in legislation which affect the Company.
• co-ordinate health and safety information and disseminate such information throughout the Company, in his position as appointed competent person under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
• respond to suggestions or comments on ways in which Company health and safety performance can be improved.
• ensure employees, contractors and sub-contractors are competent and carry out formal vetting where necessary.
• ensure that all work equipment hired or purchased is suitable for the purpose intended.
• carry out induction training for young persons and ensure adequate levels of supervision and training.
• ensure that all staff, receive comprehensive induction training prior to access into GF Electrical Ltd offices or onto site.
• carry out site induction training for new employees and apprentices, and those transferring from job to job or site to site, covering specific hazards and rules relating to the work to be done.
• together with the relevant Site Staff investigate serious accidents and dangerous occurrences.
• identify and record assessments of manual handling operations in the office that have a risk of injury to company employees.
• ensure that the company’s fixed electrical installations and wiring are inspected in accordance with the requirements of the Institute of Electrical Engineers Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition
• 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 or supplier.
• take steps to ensure the competence in health and safety of all employees and other persons or contractors to whom work is subcontracted.
• Kebbi Electrical Services will review the Company safety policy and all generic risk assessments including COSHH assessments at annual intervals, or following receipt of information indicating that a review may be needed after a shorter period.
• be responsible for making risk assessments of work in the Office, including those for display screen equipment in the Office.
• carry out COSHH risk assessments as required by Regulations for products used by or generated as a result of Company work.
• carry out fire risk assessments and ensure adequate fire and emergency precautions are in place at the company offices.
• set a personal example, including the wearing or use of protective clothing or equipment as appropriate on site visits.

4.1.4. In the event that Kebbi Electrical Services is indisposed, day to day running may be overseen by a nominated supervisor.

4.1.5. Azzeddine Kebbi as Company Director will:

• initiate, administer and interpret the effective implementation of the Company Health and Safety Policy.
• have an understanding of the application of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other relevant legislation to the Company’s operations, and a general knowledge of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
• be aware of changes in legislation which affect the Company.
• promote the safe conduct of work generally, and review the performance of the Company in relation to its health and safety objectives and safety policy arrangements annually.
• ensure that the Company safety policy and all generic risk assessments including COSHH assessments are reviewed at annual intervals, or following receipt of information indicating that a review may be needed after a shorter period.
• carry out generic risk assessments as required by Regulations for general and specific risks and for manual handling operations to which Regulations apply, also being available to give advice on precautions and control measures necessary in particular circumstances such as work at heights, work with asbestos-containing materials, and work in noisy areas.
• review training needs at all levels within the Company at regular intervals and ensure records of health and safety training are maintained.
• ensure employees, contractors and sub-contractors are competent and carry out formal vetting where necessary.
• ensure that new employees and apprentices are provided with suitable induction training covering the company’s health and safety policy and procedures.
• attend site meetings where health and safety matters are discussed.
• be responsible for making direct telephone and written notifications of accidents, dangerous occurrences and notifiable diseases and conditions.
• reprimand any employee failing to exercise their safety responsibilities.
• ensure that the Office, vehicles and when necessary sites are supplied with necessary firstaid equipment and facilities

4.1.6. It is the responsibility of all our Employees to:

• inform Azzeddine Kebbi of any dangerous situations or shortcomings in the Company’s health and safety arrangements so that any necessary remedial action may be taken
• use machinery, equipment, transport, hazardous substances and safety equipment in accordance with the training and instructions given.
• use the correct tools and equipment for the job, including safety equipment and protective clothing as necessary.
• keep tools in good condition.
• plan and maintain tidy work areas.
• report to the person in charge of the work any defects in plant or equipment of which they become aware.
• develop a personal concern for safety for themselves and for others, particularly newcomers and young people.
• not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety
• avoid improvisation which entails unnecessary risks.
• refrain from horseplay and the abuse of welfare facilities.
• report incidents which have led or may lead to injury.
• suggest ways of eliminating hazards.
• co-operate in the investigation of any accidents.
• comply with any health and safety rules imposed by the Client or Principal Contractor.
• set a personal example.

4.2. H&S Advice

Any employee who is in doubt about safe working practices and procedures should contact Azzeddine Kebbi for advice.

4.3. Consultation

4.3.1. In compliance with the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996, it is company policy to consult with all employees on matters which may have an effect upon their health and safety. In particular, this includes:

• any measure which is introduced which may have a substantial effect on employees’ health and safety
• information on the risks of any particular work activity and the steps to be taken to eliminate these risks or reduce them to an acceptable level
• arrangements for health and safety training
• any health and safety consequences of introducing new technology

4.3.2. In order to facilitate this process there are staff meetings held as often as is deemed necessary.

4.3.3. Management will always consider suggestions or comments on ways in which our health and safety performance can be improved. Any such suggestions should be made to the Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Azzeddine Kebbi.

4.4. Safety Policy Monitoring & Review

4.4.1. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires the Company to monitor the effectiveness of this Policy in terms of the use made of it by both management and work force. Review of the safety performance of the Company and the functioning of the Policy is the task of Azzeddine Kebbi. Annually, he will review the contents of the Policy Statement in liaison with others as necessary, and indicate ways in which our safety performance can be improved.

4.4.2. Azzeddine Kebbi or the appropriate Site Supervisor may attend site meetings with client or other contractors’ representatives where health, safety and welfare may be considered. Discussions could include their safety policies, risk assessments, working practices, safety performance or any other related matters covered by legislation.

4.4.3. The Site Supervisor will monitor health and safety standards on our sites to ensure compliance with this policy, current legislation and guidance. The frequency of site monitoring will depend on the size of the contract and the foreseen hazards. Where appropriate written reports will be completed and forwarded to Azzeddine Kebbi for inclusion in the annual policy review.

4.5. Training and informations

4.5.1. It is the responsibility of Kebbi Electrical Services to review the training needs at all levels within the Company at regular intervals. Suitable information, instruction and training will always be provided upon the introduction of new technology or working methods.

4.5.2. Kebbi Electrical Services will ensure employees, contractors and subcontractors have the necessary competency to carry out work for which they are engaged. They will also carry out formal vetting of contracting firms to establish competency in health and safety.

4.5.3. Kebbi Electrical Services will ensure that all new employees and apprentices are provided with suitable induction training to ensure that they have sufficient information and instruction to comply with the Company’s health and safety policy and procedures.

4.5.4. Kebbi Electrical Services will also provide new employees and those transferring from job to job with suitable site induction training, which will include any hazards and specific health and safety rules applicable to the work to be carried out before putting the person to work.

4.5.5. Kebbi Electrical Services will carry out induction training required for young persons. He will ensure that the person in charge of the work is made aware of the necessary training and level of supervision required for young persons.

4.6. First Aid Facilities and Welfare

4.6.1. To comply with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, adequate first-aid equipment is available at the office, located above the kitchen sink and in all company vehicles.

4.6.2. Kebbi Electrical Services is to take charge of the first-aid equipment and facilities, to replace missing or defective items and to summon assistance if required.

4.6.3. It is the responsibility of the employee in charge of each company vehicle to check and report used items in the first-aid kits.

4.6.4. It is the responsibility of the Kebbi Electrical Services to check and replenish the office first aid facilities.

4.6.5. The names of those persons trained and certified in first-aid will be displayed within the Office.

4.6.6. The arrangements for nominated ‘appointed persons’ for the purposes of the regulations are as follows: –

• the Health and Safety Co-ordinator is the ‘appointed person’ for the Office facilities.
• the operative in charge is the ‘appointed person’ on sites where first-aid facilities are not shared with either the client or principal contractor.
•  the driver will carry out this function in any of the company vans.

4.6.7. Welfare and sanitary facilities provided at the company’s premises are to the standards required under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. On sites the Site Supervisor will ensure that adequate facilities are available and, where necessary, will make arrangements for our employees to use the client’s or principal contractor’s facilities.

4.7. Stress

The Health and Safety Executive defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them”. The company recognises that workplace stress can affect the health and safety of all employees and also recognises the need to identify and reduce the potential for workplace stressors occurring as a result of workplace and other influences. All employees are encouraged to raise issues of concern about stress with Azzeddine Kebbi, who will take all such matters seriously and arrange for the appropriate support as circumstances dictate.

4.8. Information for employees and others

4.8.1. Other contractors and clients will be given a copy of this Policy Statement on request.

4.8.2. Employees will be asked to read this Policy Statement on joining the Company as part of their induction training. Their attention will also be drawn to the generic risk assessment system.

4.8.3. Employees will be advised by the Site Supervisor responsible for the work of risks drawn to the Company’s attention by other employers sharing a particular workplace.

4.9. CDM compliance and Design safety.

4.9.1. It will be our practice to co-operate fully with the CDM Coordinator and Principal Contractor when appropriate, and with other designers involved in projects to make the maximum contribution to design and general site safety.

4.9.2. The Health and Safety Co-Ordinator will take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety competence of all employees and subcontractors carrying out work for the Company.

4.9.3. Those preparing designs on our behalf will alert clients to the duties they may have under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and follow the designer’s duties as defined within the Approved Code of Practice to the Regulations.

4.9.4. The guiding principles for all designs prepared by us will be to design to avoid risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable, to reduce risks at source where avoidance is not possible, and to include relevant information with the design. Only persons competent to produce designs will be permitted to do so.

4.9.5. Kebbi Electrical Services has the final responsibility for design safety matters and he is to ensure the competence of any external designer used and of any subcontractor to whom work is passed.

5. First Aid and Accident Procedures

5.1. Accidents

5.1.1. Accident details, however trivial they may appear to be, must always be entered in the Accident Book, which is located at the company offices.

5.1.2. The operative must report all injury accidents or dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Kebbi Electrical Services by telephone.

5.1.3. Kebbi Electrical Services will hold documentation for accidents, dangerous occurrences and notifiable diseases and conditions. Copies of all notifications made on behalf of the Company will be kept for record purposes.

5.1.4. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), require specified injury accidents, dangerous occurrences, diseases and conditions to be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Health and Safety Co-Ordinator is nominated as the “responsible person” in accordance with the Regulations to make these reports.

5.1.5. The Health and Safety Co-Ordinator and the relevant Site Supervisor, and, if necessary, our insurers, will carry out investigations of serious accidents and dangerous occurrences. Where appropriate the services of health and safety consultants will be engaged to carry out an independent investigation.

5.1.6. Close calls i.e. when damage/injury was avoided at the last minute. Close calls will be entered into the ‘Close Call’ log, located at the office. These will be reviewed and action taken to prevent re-occurrence.

5.1.7. In the event of a serious accident, the next of kin will be contacted.

5.2. Procedure in the event of an accident/injury:

In the event of an accident the following procedure will be observed:

• Minor injuries that can be dealt with by you or to another must still be reported in the accident log book a.s.a.p.
• If the injury is more serious, the casualty will be assessed and a decision made whether an ambulance/assistance should be called or the casualty taken to hospital.
• If ‘working alone’ call the nominated health and safety co-ordinator to assess the situation and organise instant assistance.
• All casualties receiving a blow to the head should be taken to hospital for check-up.
• The local casualty department is the first port of call, casualties under the age of 18, disabled persons or casualties with serious injuries taken to hospital must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• The next of kin shall be contacted immediately if the injured is receiving hospital treatment.

5.3. Procedure in the event of a fatality or serious accident:

• Sustain the life of the injured party. First Aid.
• Insure the safety of yourself and others in the group. Reassurance.
• Inform someone present.
• Communication: For an emergency which is a life or death situation, use the mobile telephone to call the emergency services Dial 999 request Ambulance and any other services needed.
• Inform them of the exact location of the incident, type of casualty, note time of call.
• Send someone to receive ambulance at nearest port of call. § Brief the rest of the group be aware of trauma/shock.
• Report as soon as is practical to Health and Safety Co-ordinator, Azzeddine Kebbi by telephone.
• Make yourself available to speak to Emergency services – Inform next of kin.
• Fill out accident report form a.s.a.p. (The purpose of the form is for any further investigations and to help improve safety in the future).
• No contact with the press or media will be made.

6. Fire procedures and precautions

6.1. Kebbi Electrical Services is responsible for ensuring the fire risk assessment is undertaken, implemented and that all reasonable steps have been taken to comply with current legislation. He will liaise with the client or Principal Contractor to ensure that adequate fire and emergency procedures are in place before the start of the contract.

6.2. Provide suitable information and instruction to staff.

6.3. Review the assessment annually or when conditions change and revise as necessary

6.4. In the event of a fire:

• Verbally inform other staff or people present on site
• Get out
• Stay out
• Call Emergency Services Dial 999 request Fire Brigade
• Do not attempt to fight fire
• Follow fire precautions or exits on the site and make your way to the designated assembly point.

7. Emergency Contact Numbers

Emergency Services: 999 or 101

NHS urgent care: 111

Avon and Somerset Police: 0127 581 8340

Southmead Hospital: Emergency Department 0117 414 5101

Avon Fire and Somerset Rescue Service: 0117 926 2061

National Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999

Western Power Distribution: 0800 096 3080

8. Office Safety rules

8.1. Company address is: 9 Memorial Road, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3QB

8.2. Visitors to the office are by appointment only. If in doubt do not let any unexpected callers enter the Unit.

8.3. Should a visitor become unruly or threatening, If necessary contact the police, 999.

8.4. Operatives visiting the office must:

• be considerate to the local area and surrounding businesses
• switch off engines when stationary and remove keys, even if stopping for a short period of time.
• do not shout or use offensive language in the area surrounding the Unit.

8.4.1. Kebbi Electrical Services will ensure that an annual health and safety audit of the company’s office premises is carried out by a competent person.

Informal, short, frequent breaks or changes of activity should be included in working time, spent not viewing display screen equipment.

8.4.2. Move around furniture and equipment with care so as to avoid injury from any corners.

8.4.3. Upper drawers of filing cabinets must not be overloaded, causing them to become top heavy.

8.4.4. Only one drawer of a filing cabinet must be open at a time, so as to avoid a tipping hazard.

8.4.5. Cables from telephones and leads to office electrical equipment are not to be laid across the floors so as to cause a tripping hazard.

8.4.6. At the end of each working day or shift, non-essential electrical appliances are to be switched off.

8.4.7. Any electrical faults must be reported to the Health and Safety Co-Ordinator.

8.4.8. Any simple adjustments to electrical equipment must be made with the power switched off.

8.4.9. Only properly trained and authorised personnel are permitted to operate specialised machinery and equipment.

8.4.10. Good housekeeping must be maintained by keeping floors and working areas tidy, ensuring that fire exits and passageways are not blocked, and taking care when using extension cables so that they do not cause an obstruction.

8.4.11. Fire exits must be kept clear at all times.