WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
POLICY
ISSUED FEBRUARY 2010
NEXT REVIEW DUE FEBRUARY 2011
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
CONTENTS
1.
Health and Safety Policy Statement
2.
Health and Safety Policy Organisational Section
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
3.
Managing Director
Contracts Manager
Site Supervisor (Maintenance)
Site Supervisor (Refurbishments)
Health and Safety Advisor
Office Manager
Employees
Health and Safety Policy Arrangement Section
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
3.16
3.17
3.18
3.19
3.20
3.21
3.22
3.23
3.24
3.25
3.26
3.27
3.28
First Aid
Accidents and Near Misses
Safe Systems of Work
Risk Assessments
Welfare Arrangements
Information and Consultation
Fire Precautions
Electrical Equipment and Tools
Drugs and Alcohol
Vehicle Safety
Lone Working/Violence
Monitoring & Review
Needles
Asbestos
Manual Handling
Personal Protective Equipment
Sub-Contractors
Construction Design and Management
Training
Noise and Vibration
Work at Height
Leptospirosis
COSHH
Security Issues
Confined Spaces
New Employees
Excavations and Buried Services
Plant, Equipment and Tools
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
1. Policy Statement
It is the policy of Wearside Contractors (hereby known as the company) to ensure, in
so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all its employees.
The company will also ensure that its activities do not adversely affect the health and
safety of others, such as other contractors and members of the public.
In particular the company will ensure so far is reasonably practicable :(I).
Plant, equipment, places of work and the working environment are safe and
without risks to health.
(II).
Safe systems of work are drawn up, implemented and adequately supervised.
(III).
The provision of such information, instruction and training as is necessary to
ensure health and safety at work.
(IV).
The provision and maintenance of a safe means of access to and egress from
any place of work.
(V).
Safety and absence of risk to health in connection with the use, handling,
storage and transport of articles and substances used at work.
(VI).
Adequate welfare facilities and first aid arrangements.
The company will ensure that the risks to health and safety to which its employees
and others are exposed as a result of its activities are adequately assessed and that
such assessments are regularly reviewed.
Arrangements shall be made for the effective planning, organisation, control,
monitoring and review of health and safety matters.
Employees should be aware that they have a legal duty to co-operate in the
implementation of this policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others
who could be affected by their acts or omissions. It is the responsibility of all
employees to fully support the policy, which has been drawn up to protect them from
accidents and ill health at work.
Employees will be invited to consult on all matters relating to their health and safety
at work. All employees will receive a copy of this policy.
The policy will be reviewed to take into account any changes in legislation at least
every year.
Managing Director signature
Date:
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2. ORGANISATION
2.1
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Anthony Fallow is responsible for :-
2.1.2 Maintaining an outline knowledge of health and safety legislation and seeking
advice from the external Health and Safety Advisor.
2.1.3 Ensuring the allocation of sufficient financial and human resources to meet
the objectives of this policy.
2.1.4 The overall responsibility for the implementation of the policy and policy
reviews.
2.1.5 Ensuring that hazards are initially recorded during project tendering visits.
2.1.6 Ensuring that all employees are given the necessary training and that an
annual training plan is devised and implemented.
2.1.7 Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and significant risks are
controlled and monitored including emergency arrangements.
2.1.8 Ensuring that all accidents are recorded and RIDDOR accidents or ill health
reported to the HSE.
2.1.9 Ensuring that copies of the companies policies and procedures are distributed
to all employees.
2.1.10 Ensuring that the Health and Safety Advisor has established and documented
safe systems of work.
2.1.11 Ensuring that the Construction sites have established records and testing
arrangements for all equipment including tools, vehicles and fire fighting
equipment.
2.1.12 Ensuring that an “Approved List” of competent sub-contractors is maintained.
2.1.13 Ensuring that all insurance policies are current eg employers liability
insurance and vehicle insurance.
2.1.14 Setting a good personal example to others.
2.1.15 Ensuring that vehicles have a current MOT and tax disc available.
2.2.16 Ensuring that prompt remedial action is taken following concerns raised by
clients, employees, HSE and the external Health and Safety Advisor.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2.
2.2
ORGANISATION
CONTRACTS MANGER
Chris Fallow is responsible for :-
2.2.2 Maintaining an outline knowledge of health and safety legislation and seeking
advice from the external Health and Safety Advisor.
2.2.3 Ensuring that all equipment is identified, inspected recorded in a register.
2.2.4 Setting a good personal example to others.
2.2.5 Attending meetings with the Managing Director, clients, HSE and other bodies
necessary.
2.2.6 Ensuring that risk assessments, method statements and Health and Safety
Plans have been prepared for each of the projects under his control.
2.2.7 Co-operate with the Site Supervisor (Maintenance) to ensure that the
requirements of ELECSA, NICEIC and the Gas Safe register are fulfilled.
2.2.8 Ensuring that the emergency evacuation procedures are arranged on all sites
under his control including fire procedures.
2.2.9 Arranging first aid and welfare facilities on all sites under his control.
2.2.10 Ensuring that employees, visitors and sub-contractors adhere to agreed health
and safety standards.
2.2.11 Assist the Managing Director and Health and Safety Advisor in the annual
health and safety review.
2.2.12 Ensuring that all statutory and company site notices are displayed on site.
2.2.13 Ensuring that employees are provided with and use PPE correctly on projects.
2.2.14 Carrying out other health and safety tasks as requested by the Managing
Director.
2.2.15 Ensuring that employees under their control are provided with health and
safety information pertinent to the contract.
2.2.16 Ensuring that information required for Clients Health and Safety files are
accurate and handed over promptly.
2.2.17 In the absence of the MD, ensuring the allocation of sufficient financial and
human resources to implement and meet the objectives of this policy and all
other company procedures.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2.
2.3
ORGANISATION
SITE SUPERVISOR (Maintenance)
John Fallow is responsible for :-
2.3.2
Maintaining an outline knowledge of health and safety legislation and seeking
advice from the external Health and Safety Advisor.
2.3.3
Implement a system to ensure that all equipment is identified, inspected and
maintained. Maintain an up to date register of the above equipment.
2.3.4
Setting a good personal example to others.
2.3.5
Attending meetings with the Managing Director, clients, HSE and other bodies
necessary.
2.3.6
Ensuring that risk assessments, method statements and Health and Safety
Plans have been prepared for each of the projects under his control.
2.3.7
Ensuring that the requirements of ELECSA, NICEIC and the Gas Safe register
are fulfilled.
2.3.8
Ensuring that the emergency evacuation procedures are arranged on
construction sites including fire procedures.
2.3.9
Arranging first aid and welfare facilities on construction sites under his
control.
2.3.10 Ensuring that employees, visitors and sub-contractors adhere to agreed health
and safety standards.
2.3.11 Assist the Managing Director and Health and Safety Advisor in the annual
health and safety review.
2.3.12 Ensuring that all statutory and company site notices are displayed on site.
2.3.13 Ensuring that employees are provided with and use PPE correctly on projects.
2.3.14 Carrying out other health and safety tasks as requested by the Managing
Director.
2.3.15 Ensuring that employees under their control are provided with health and
safety information pertinent to the contract.
2.3.16 Ensuring that information required for Clients Health and Safety files are
accurate and handed over promptly.
2.3.17 Deputizing for the Managing Director in his absence as and when required.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2.
2.4
ORGANISATION
SITE SUPERVISOR (Refurbishments)
Andrew Summerbell is responsible for :-
2.4.2
Maintaining an outline knowledge of health and safety legislation and seeking
advice from the external Health and Safety Advisor.
2.4.3
Ensuring that all equipment is identified, inspected recorded in a register.
2.4.4
Setting a good personal example to others.
2.4.5
Attending meetings with the Managing Director, clients, HSE and other bodies
necessary.
2.4.6
Ensuring that risk assessments, method statements and Health and Safety
Plans have been prepared for each of the projects under his control.
2.4.7
Co-operate with the Site Supervisor (Maintenance) to ensure that the
requirements of ELECSA, NICEIC and the Gas Safe register are fulfilled.
2.4.8
Ensuring that the emergency evacuation procedures are arranged on
construction sites including fire procedures.
2.4.9
Arranging first aid and welfare facilities on construction sites under his
control.
2.4.10 Ensuring that employees, visitors and sub-contractors adhere to agreed health
and safety standards.
2.4.11 Assist the Managing Director and Health and Safety Advisor in the annual
health and safety review.
2.4.12 Ensuring that all statutory and company site notices are displayed on site.
2.4.13 Ensuring that employees are provided with and use PPE correctly on projects.
2.4.14 Carrying out other health and safety tasks as requested by the Managing
Director.
2.4.15 Ensuring that employees under their control are provided with health and
safety information pertinent to the contract.
2.4.16 Ensuring that information required for Clients Health and Safety files are
accurate and handed over promptly.
2.4.17 Deputizing for the Managing Director in his absence as and when required.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2.
2.5
ORGANISATION
EXTERNAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISOR
is responsible for :-
2.5.2
Providing competent professional advice to the Managing Director and all
other employees.
2.5.3
Assisting the Managing Director in reviewing the policy and procedures.
2.5.4
Drafting of new procedures in line with new and/or changes to current
legislation.
2.5.5
Assisting the Managing Director in assessing risks and advising on the
adequacy of control measures.
2.5.6
Assisting all employees to carry out their duties safely.
2.5.7
Carrying out onsite inspections as and when requested by the Managing
Director.
2.5.8
Carrying out other duties as requested by the Managing Director.
2.5.9
Carrying out and/or providing advice on other training courses necessary.
2.5.10 Assisting the Managing Director and/or employees to complete accident report
forms.
2.5.11 Set a good personal example to others.
2.5.12 Attend meetings with Managing Director, clients, HSE and other bodies
deemed necessary.
2.5.13 Assessing and advising the Managing Director on the competence of subcontractors.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2. ORGANISATION
2.6
OFFICE MANAGER
Alan Kitching is responsible for :-
2.6.2
Maintaining an outline knowledge of health and safety legislation and seeking
advice from the external Health and Safety Advisor.
2.6.3
Ensuring that sufficient financial resources are available by carrying out credit
control effectively.
2.6.4
Assisting the Managing Director with the implementation of the company
policies and procedures and subsequent reviews.
2.6.5
Ensuring that a stock of PPE is available in the main office.
2.6.6
Arranging training courses for all employees, maintaining current records of
training courses attended and implementing the annual training plan.
2.6.7
Ensuring that risk assessments, COSHH assessments and Construction Phase
Health and Safety Plans are prepared for all projects.
2.6.8
Assisting the Managing Director in carrying out accident investigations
including ensuring that all RIDDOR accidents or ill health are reported to the
HSE. Maintaining a record of all accidents, near misses and ill health.
2.6.9
Ensuring that copies of the companies policies and procedures are available
for distribution to all employees.
2.6.10 Ensuring that the Health and Safety Advisor has established and documented
safe systems of work.
2.6.11 Ensuring that all sub-contractors complete the company documentation to
allow them to be included on the companies “Approved List” of competent
sub-contractors.
2.6.12 Maintaining current records of insurance policies, vehicle MOT’s, servicing
dates, drivers licences, tax discs etc.
2.6.13 Setting a good personal example to others.
2.6.14 Ensuring that daily vehicle inspections are carried out and that the records are
kept and stored for possible future use.
2.6.15 Assisting the Managing Director to ensure that prompt remedial action is
taken following concerns raised by clients, employees, HSE and the external
Health and Safety Advisor.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
2.
2.7
ORGANISATION
ALL EMPLOYEES
2.7.1 All employees have a duty to co-operate in the implementation of this policy.
In particular they should ensure that :2.7.2
They take reasonable care of themselves and others.
2.7.3
They bring to the attention of their manager/supervisor any unsafe condition
or act.
2.7.4
They report all accidents and where appropriate seek first aid treatment.
2.7.5
They make full and proper use of any personal protective equipment (PPE).
2.7.6
They do not intentionally damage or interfere with anything provided in the
interest of health and safety.
2.7.7
They attend appropriate training courses deemed necessary by the company
2.7.8
They follow closely any training or instructions given on health and safety
matters.
2.7.9
They follow specific site rules issued by Principal contractors and/or clients.
2.7.10 They follow site specific method statements issued to each contract.
2.7.11 They clarify any of the above duties if in doubt.
2.7.12 Set a good personal example to others.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3. ARRANGEMENTS
3.1
FIRST AID
The Managing Director will ensure that all company vehicles are supplied
with a first aid kit. Each vehicle driver must ensure that their first aid kit is
stocked and replenished when necessary.
The Office Manager will maintain and ensure that a stock of first aid
materials are available in the general office.
An adequate number of first aider’s will be trained. Their names will be
displayed on noticed boards in the general office and on external workplaces.
A separate safe working procedure has been developed for precautions which
first aider’s should follow.
3.2
ACCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES
All accidents and near misses will be investigated by the Managing Director
with a view to preventing re-occurrences. Accident records will be used
when the Health and Safety Policy and procedures are reviewed.
In the event of an accident seek first aid treatment first.
If the injury is serious call an ambulance or take the casualty to the nearest
hospital. Report the incident to your supervisor/manager also report the
accident to the Main contractor’s site manager if working on a
construction site.
The Managing Director should then consult with the external Health and
Safety Advisor to decide whether the accident is reportable to the HSE under
RIDDOR. If the accident is concluded to be reportable to HSE then the
Managing Director is to complete Form F2508 and forward to the HSE.
The injured person is to complete Accident Report Form A.
The Managing Director is to complete Accident Report Form B.
Witnesses are to complete Witness Report Form C.
The external Health and Safety Advisor can help all parties complete the
relevant forms as necessary.
All employees have a duty to report near misses and any perceived shortfalls
in health and safety matters, report to your manager/supervisor or to the clients
representative when working on a clients property.
Two separate Safety Management Procedures have been developed for
investigating accidents and reporting hazards and near misses.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.3
SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK
Safe systems of work have been developed to control the risks which the
company has identified and assessed. These safe systems of work are in the
form of Safe Working Procedures and Safety Management Procedures. They
cover the day to day repetitive tasks which the company undertakes. In
addition to these, “one off” method statements are developed to deal with
specific risks identified on contracts.
3.4
RISK ASSESSMENTS
Although generic Safe Working Procedures have been devised as above, each
contract will also be risk assessed to take into account site specific risks eg
location, parking and other hazards. The Managing Director will record any
hazards whilst carrying out the cost estimate. A risk assessment will be carried
out and control measures devised in order to accurately price the contract, this
will ensure that short cuts are not be taken to save money when the works
begins. The Health and Safety Advisor will provide additional advise in this
area.
3.5
WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS
The General Manager will ensure that all employees are provided with
adequate welfare facilities. The Contracts Manager and the Site Supervisors
will make the actual arrangements which they require for their particular
project.
When possible arrangements will be made to share the Principal Contractors
welfare facilities, all agreed arrangements will be confirmed in writing.
In addition each works vehicle will be supplied with hand wipes.
On smaller one off maintenance contracts the General Manager shall make
arrangements to use the clients welfare facilities.
On larger contracts full welfare facilities will be provided on site to include
the following as a minimum:- toilet, hot and cold water, drinking water, soap,
towels, sink, tables and chairs, heating, cooking facilities, kettle and lighting.
The main office has a full range of welfare facilities.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.6
INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION
The Managing Director will ensure that all employees are given a copy of the
Health and Safety Policy and all relevant health and safety procedures.
The Managing Director will provide employees, Clients, tenants and other
contractors information relevant to a contract in order to carry out the tasks
safely. Employees will also be given copies of site specific risk assessments
and method statements, asbestos surveys, structural reports etc. These are to
be kept in their assigned vehicle or in the site office for reference.
The Managing Director will ensure that Site Management arranges a team
meeting at the start of each contract to discuss health and safety matters
applicable to the contract.
The Managing Director will also arrange a weekly employee briefing in the
main office, employees will be afforded the opportunity to raise any health and
safety concerns/matters at this meeting.
3.7
FIRE PRECAUTION
Employees must not smoke on clients sites, homes, properties or in works
vehicles and office.
A Safe Working Procedure has been developed for any hot work on site.
The Site Supervisor (Maintenance) will arrange for all firefighting equipment,
fire detection equipment and emergency lighting in the office to be inspected
and tested and the results recorded.
The Health and Safety Advisor will carry out, review and amend a fire risk
assessment for the office.
The Office Manager will arrange for a fire drill to be carried out at least
annually.
In the event of a fire in the office employees are requested to sound the fire
alarm and evacuate to the muster area at the rear of the office. The Office
Manager is to call the fire brigade and ensure everyone has evacuated the
office.
The Office Manager will ensure that fire precautions are taken into account
when drafting method statements for specific contracts.
Employees working on external clients premises/sites are to make themselves
aware of the fire procedures specific to that particular site.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.8
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
The Site Supervisor (Maintenance) will ensure that all equipment provided is
marked with an identification number, logged in a register and subjected to a
periodic inspection. Defective items will be either repaired or replaced.
Employees are required to carry out a pre-use check of any tools and
equipment provided and to report defects as a matter of urgency.
When hiring tools and equipment the Office Manager will ensure that
only reputable hire firms are used. He will ensure that test certificates are
provided for all hired items.
A Safe Working Procedure has also been developed for guidance to all
employees using electrical equipment and a separate one for safe electrical
working for Electrical Engineers.
3.9
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
No employees are to attend work or drive company vehicles whilst under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Disciplinary action will be taken against
anyone breaching this rule.
3.10 VEHICLE SAFETY
The Office Manager will ensure that all employees required to drive
company vehicles have a current driving licence. A copy will be kept on file.
The Site Supervisor (Maintenance) will ensure that adequate vehicle insurance
and tax is provided and that all vehicles are road worthy with current MOT if
applicable.
Drivers are to carry out a daily vehicle inspection and record the finding on a
standard form supplied. The form must be given to the Office Manager. Any
defects or damaged must be reported immediately.
The vehicles must be driven safely.
The use of mobile phones whilst driving is banned. Drivers must pull over to
take a call or use the call back facility on the mobile phone. A Safe Working
Procedure has been developed for the use of mobile phones.
Drivers must park their vehicles courteously especially when working on
constructions sites or on clients property. Do not park on footpaths.
Drivers must not overload their vehicles with materials. They must also secure
any tools, equipment and materials being transported on their vehicles.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.11 LONE WORKING/VIOLENCE
Generally employees work in teams. In the event of an employee having to
work alone the Managing Director will ensure that the employees whereabouts
is know. Regular contact will be maintained via a mobile phone which each
vehicle is provided with.
Only low risk work will be allocated to lone workers.
In the event of a anyone using threatening behavior toward an employee, the
employee is to leave site and report the incident to the Managing Director for
further consideration eg reporting to the police.
Under no circumstances are employees to engage in verbal and/or physical
altercations with clients, clients employees, members of the public or subcontractors.
3.12 MONITORING AND REVIEW
The Health and Safety Advisor will carry out regular workplace safety
inspections of employees and sub-contractors to ensure that safety standards
are being maintained. Sub-standard performance by employees may result in
disciplinary action against them.
If a sub-contractors performance is poor the Managing Director, General
Manager, and Health and Safety Advisor will discuss possible action to
remedy the situation.
Inspections will be recorded on an inspection report which will be filed in the
contract file. The Health and Safety Advisor will provide additional advice
and monitoring in this area.
The Managing Director, Contracts Manager and Site Supervisors will also
monitor safety standards whilst visiting contracts.
Clients, HSE and Principal Contractors may also wish to inspect sites. All
employees must co-operate at all times with such inspections.
Every year the Managing Director, Contracts Manager, Site Supervisors and
Health and Safety Advisor will jointly carry out a health and safety review of
the company. Results from site inspections, accident and near miss reports as
well as recommendations made by HSE, clients and employees will be used to
improve the companies health and safety standards. Policies and procedures
will be amended as necessary and new ones drafted if required.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.13 NEEDLES
If needles are discovered by employees whilst carrying out a contract, they
should stop work immediately and contact the Contracts Manager, Managing
Director, Site management immediately. Do not touch any needles.
If inadvertently stuck by a needle, do not suck the wound, encourage it to
bleed, cover in a band aid and go directly to the nearest hospital. Record the
details on the accident report forms.
A Safe Working Procedure has been developed for avoiding needle injuries.
3.14 ASBESTOS
All employees likely to come across asbestos products will attend asbestos
awareness training every year.
Asbestos surveys will be requested during the early stages of a contract in
order to plan the works safely.
A specialist contractor will be engaged to carry out any asbestos work
If employees believe that they are likely to disturb asbestos or are suspicious
about a material then they must stop work immediately and contact their line
manager/supervisor for advice.
The most likely asbestos products employees may come across are textured
coatings such as Artex, resin floor tiles, rainwater goods, resin toilet cisterns
and asbestos insulation board found in cupboards, pipe boxings, soffits and
facias.
3.15 MANUAL HANDLING
All employees required to manually handle will attend a manual handling
training course carried out by the Health and Safety Advisor.
Separate Safe Working and Management procedures have been developed for
managing manual handling risks.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.16 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
All employees will be provided with the following PPE free of charge :






Safety boots to EN345 standard incorporating 200 joules toecaps and
steel mid soles.
Safety helmet to EN397 standard.
Safety goggles to EN166 (grade one) standard.
Ear defenders to EN352 standard.
Gloves to EN388 standard.
Hi - vis waist coat to EN471 class 2 standard.
Respirators to EN149 FFP3 standard.
The above PPE protect against the general day to day risks. Additional PPE
may be required for specific contracts, these will also be provided.
A Safety Management Procedure has also been developed for the issue and
use of PPE.
3.17 SUB - CONTRACTORS
When sub-contractors are required to be engaged on contracts they must be
selected from the companies “Approved contractor” list.
The Managing Director will ensure that the “Approved list” is developed and
reviewed regularly. Contractors applying for inclusion on the list must
provide the following information.
Liability insurances
Health and Safety policy
Method statements/risk assessments
Technical references
Information on past or pending HSE notices or prosecutions
A completed Health and Safety questionnaire.
Details of accreditation scheme’s such as CHAS, Safe Contractors UK,
Construction Line etc.
Sub-contractor performance will be monitored by site inspections as 3.12
above. Sub-standard performance may result in the contractor being
withdrawn from the “Approved List” or other sanctions taken.
3.18 CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT) Regs
The company may be appointed as Principal Contractor or sub-contractor
under the CDM Regulations 2007. A separate Safety Management Procedure
has been developed for implementing CDM within the company.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.19 TRAINING
All employees will receive induction training at the start of their employment
this will include health and safety. They will be given a copy of the health and
safety policy and supporting documents. They will also be given their stock of
PPE at this time.
Most of the training will be “on the job” training with an experienced
employee.
Specific health and safety training will also be provided such as safe use of
step ladders, correct use of PPE, first aid training, manual handling and
abrasive wheels.
Certain trades require a competent person only to carry out the work such as
electrical and gas work. In such cases the Managing Director will ensure that
only persons holding the relevant qualification are employed to do such work.
All operatives will be enrolled onto the Construction Skills Certification
Scheme (CSCS) and hold the relevant card for their particular occupation.
Training needs will be reviewed by the Managing Director and the Office
Manager and appropriate training arranged. Training records will be
maintained by the Office Manager.
3.20 NOISE AND VIBRATION
Generally only battery powered tools are used in order to keep noise and
vibration levels low. Additionally employees use these hand tools
infrequently therefore the risks are low.
On occasions larger items of equipment are needed on contracts such as “Cut
off saws”. Prior to hiring/purchasing such equipment the Office Manager will
check noise and vibration levels and choose equipment with the lowest noise
and vibration figures.
Employees will be restricted to the amount of time they operate such
equipment. Ear defenders will be provided to reduce noise to below
80db(A). Gloves will also be provided to keep the hands warm in order to
maintain good blood circulation to the fingers as this helps prevent Hand Arm
Vibration Syndrome.
If in future employees are required to use such equipment regularly then they
will be included in a health surveillance program
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.21 WORK AT HEIGHT
The company has developed separate Safe Working Procedures to comply
with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These include procedures for the
safe use, inspection, maintenance of scaffolding, ladders, step ladders, mobile
towers and aerial platforms.
Scaffolding will be supplied by a suitably qualified sub-contractor,
Aerial platforms will be hired with an operator.
3.22 LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis or Weils disease can be caught from the urine of vermin,
generally rats. It can be fatal if untreated. The disease starts with flu like
symptoms which progress to jaundice and internal organ failure. It can be
treated with anti-biotics if caught early enough.
Poor hygiene is the main cause of the disease in man as it enters the body
normally via the mouth eg not washing hands before eating and smoking or
via the skin eg unprotected cuts.
Occupations most at risk are sewer workers, agricultural workers, gardeners
and constructions workers as they can come into contact with vermin urine.
Precautions include maintaining good personal hygiene ie washing hands,
wearing gloves and covering cuts with water proof band aids. Report signs
of vermin infestation to your supervisor.
Contact your GP if you believe you may have been infected and report any
infection to the Managing Director.
3.23 COSHH
Before any products are supplied the Office Manager will with help from the
Health and Safety Advisor carry out a COSHH assessment of the potential
substance in order to choose a low risk product.
A Safety Management Procedure has been developed for implementing
COSHH.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.24 SECURITY ISSUES
All employees will be given company photographic identification badges
which they must wear at all times whilst at work.
The ID must be shown to clients when introducing themselves.
Lost ID badges must be reported to the manager/supervisor.
All company vehicles and clients property must be locked when leaving them
unattended.
No company equipment should be left unattended.
Stolen equipment must be reported to the manager/supervisor.
All visitors and sub-contractors must report to the Site Forman when they
arrive and sign the site “signing in” book. They must also produce
identification.
Construction sites will be secured by perimeter heras fencing. Additional
measures may also be required such as site security guards depending on the
location or contract. A separate procedure has been developed for site security.
3.25 CONFINED SPACES
A confined space is defined as a space which is substantially enclosed and
there is a risk of injury within the space ie from a substance or condition.
Examples include atmosphere’s which are flammable, toxic or lack oxygen,
excessive heat and the possibility of ingress of liquids and solids.
The task to be carried out must also be considered ie work on gas, electric or
generating duct and noise. Examples of confined spaces include - closed
vessels and sewers, open vats and silos, un-vented rooms, voids, ducts,
excavations and pits.
It is not envisaged that any work within the scope of the Confined Spaces
Regulations will be carried out. However should such work be necessary in
future the Managing Director and Health and Safety Advisor will assess the
risks and devise a safe system of work which may include the following :
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Avoid going into a confined space
Atmospheric testing
Cleaning and purging of the area
PPE
Safe access/egress
Safety lines
Communications
Emergency procedures
First aid, isolating the area
Rescue
Training.
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WEARSIDE CONTRACTORS
3.26 NEW EMPLOYEES
Prior to starting work, all new employees will be requested to complete an
application form and a health questionnaire. These will be used to assess the
persons competence and suitability to work for the company.
Where an employee discloses a particular health problem a risk assessment
will be carried out by the Managing Director and the Health and Safety
Advisor in order to ensure that the tasks are within the capabilities of the
individual.
Details of experience, training and qualifications will also be required in order
to assess the training needs and supervision levels of the new employee.
3.27 EXCAVATIONS/BURIED SERVICES
The company has developed a Safe Working Procedure for excavations works.
A separate procedure has been developed for working around buried services.
3.28 PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
The company does not generally operate large plant, if on occasions larger
plant is required it will be hired for specific contracts with the operator/driver
included.
The company has developed Safe Working Procedures for the operation of
Lift Trucks, a Bobcats, Mobile Elevated Working Platforms and a Minidiggers incase they are ever purchased in the future.
Mechanical hand tools and access equipment such as ladders and steps used by
the company are regularly inspected and maintained. The Site Supervisor
(Maintenance) is responsible for implementing this system.
All operators will be trained in the correct selection, use, inspection and
maintenance of all the above.
Safe Working Procedures have been developed for the safe use of all such
tools and equipment.
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