Health & Safety Policy

PART 1. General Statement of Intent

1. The Commission recognises and accepts its responsibility as an employer for ensuring, as far as is reasonably practical that: -

• the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees is safeguarded,
• the health and safety of visitors and of the general public are not adversely affected as a result of the Commission’s activities.

This is fully in keeping with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASWA) and other legislation.

2. Employees also have responsibilities. (See Part 2 of this document). Everyone should take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and that of other people who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

3. Specifically, the Commission is committed to:

• Providing all employees with appropriate and sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to avoid hazards, identify risks, understand how these risks are controlled and contribute in a positive way to their own safety and health at work;
• Providing full opportunities for employer/employee consultation on health, safety and welfare;
• Making suitable and sufficient assessments of the risks to health and safety, and keeping clear and accurate records of all risk assessments;
• Ensuring safe means of entry and exit to all places of work;
• Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment with adequate welfare and counselling facilities.

PART 2. Organisational Responsibilities and Arrangements

4. The Secretary to the Commission, Robert Foster, will take responsibility for the effective implementation of the policy and for ensuring that the necessary resources and arrangements are provided for its implementation.

5. The Secretary, Heads of Profession, and the Director of Planning and Resources will ensure that they and their staff abide by the policy and observe detailed instructions for implementation issued from time to time by the Health and Safety Officer. They will draw the attention of the Health and Safety Officer to any matters which appear to affect the health, safety and welfare of staff which they cannot themselves deal with.

6. The Health and Safety Officer, Claudette Baker, and her supporting staff will:

• take day to day responsibility at working level for health and safety.
• have an understanding and knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other legislation relevant to the Commission.
• arrange for the risk assessments, inspections and audits mentioned in these procedures to be carried out with the assistance of health and safety consultants as appropriate.
• check that the health and safety responsibilities of others are carried out.
• communicate health and safety information to all staff.
• receive information on developments and changes in the health and safety field.
• investigate all accidents on duty within 24 hours of being notified of their occurrence, and take appropriate remedial action.
• report to the Secretary any accidents on duty.

The Health and Safety Officer will also take responsibility for welfare, staff counselling, and health promotion aspects of the policy.

7. The Security Officer will take responsibility for acting on information received about bomb or other external threats to Commission staff and members.

8. The Personnel Operations team will induct new staff on arrival in essential health and safety procedures.

9. All members of staff will: -

• Look after their own welfare and that of other persons, including colleagues, members of the public and contractors.
• Report accidents on duty and potential hazards.
• Observe the instructions and advice given on health and safety matters, including emergency procedures.

Robert Foster
Chief Executive and Secretary
May 2002