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Health and Safety Policy

Policy Uploaded on February 14, 2022
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HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

February 2022

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. This policy sets out the general principles and approach that the Parish Council will follow in respect of Health and Safety legislation for premises and activities for which the Council is responsible. It is the responsibility of all councillors and employees of the council to be aware of the following policy statements on Health and Safety and of the organisational arrangements made to implement these policies.
  3. Upper Rissington Parish Council, in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1998), accepts its duty to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions for all its employees. It also accepts its duty of care to other persons such as volunteers and contractors who work on behalf of the Council.
  4. The Parish Council will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with the law on Health, Safety and Welfare and any relevant Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance. It will provide the resources to ensure the safety of its employees and others affected by its work.
  5. The Parish Council will take all reasonable steps to ensure:
    1. 5.1.  That information, instruction, training, supervision, equipment and facilities necessary to achieve a safe working environment for employees, members of the public, contractors and volunteers are provided.
    2. 5.2.  That its work, in all its forms, is done in ways so that members of the public are not put at risk.
    3. 5.3.  That arrangements are in place for the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of all substances and equipment that may endanger health or welfare.
    4. 5.4.  That this policy is brought to the attention of all employees, members of the public, contractors, volunteers and Councillors and is reviewed annually.
    5. 5.5.  That when necessary, there is consultation and negotiation with employees on health, safety and welfare at work to ensure continuing improvement.
  6. The Parish Council is responsible for managing safety, based on the council’s safety policy.
  7. The Clerk shall keep copies of all risk assessments, method statements and Health and Safety documents, in labelled Health and Safety files.
  8. All Councillors, employees/contractors and volunteers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of any persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
  9. Day-to-day matters of Health and Safety are dealt with by the Clerk, acting on behalf of the Council.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS (COUNCIL PREMISES)

  1. (Applicable to the council office and other locations belonging to the parish council)
    Any accidents, injuries or dangerous occurrences must be recorded in the Accident Book and where necessary the Clerk will report these to the HSE by telephoning 0300 790 6787. Thereafter, all such accidents should be brought to the attention of the Council. On the event of a serious injury or dangerous occurrence the Chairman or in their absence the Vice-Chairman should be informed immediately.
  2. A first aid box is located in the kitchen. Periodic checks will be carried out by the Clerk to ensure the contents are adequately maintained.
  3. The accident book is located in the council office.
  4. Fire safety and appropriate checks is the responsibility of the Parish Council.
    • All members of the Parish Council and user groups must be made aware of the Fire Risk Assessment and its contents.
    • Any electrical equipment brought onto council premises shall be safe, in good working order and used in a safe manner.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

  1. The Parish Council will carry out risk assessment of its activities as and when necessary and review these annually.
  2. The Parish Council will set up and monitor policies and procedures to reduce any risks that are identified.
  3. The Parish Council requires contractors to supply Risk Assessments, written Method Statements and Safe Systems of Work prior to starting any major works on behalf of the Council.

This Health and Safety Policy was reviewed by the Council at a meeting held on 14th February 2022. Next Review due January 2023.