Health and Safety Policy

1. Statement of Intent

 

This policy applies to all employees of and visitors to West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services (WYMS)

 

WYMS will take all reasonable, practicable precautions to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its employees, visitors and others who may be affected by its activities.

 

WYMS will take all reasonable, practicable precautions to ensure that WYMS premises and any equipment and substances used in those premises are safe and without risks to the health, safety and welfare of employees and visitors.

 

WYMS will ensure the provision of appropriate resources necessary to ensure that legal obligations can be met, and high standards of health, safety and welfare are achieved and maintained.

 

Managers with direct responsibility for staff are responsible for their health, safety and welfare.  Those with this responsibility must commit to establishing and maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare.

 

Additionally, all staff have a responsibility and statutory duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and other people who may be affected by their acts, failure to act or omissions. Health, safety and welfare is an integral part of the duties of all members of staff. WYMS expects all staff to recognise they have clear duties to

 

  • Not put themselves or any person at risk
  • Co-operate with WYMS on matters pertaining to health, safety, and welfare.
  • Never intentionally damage or misuse anything for health, safety, and welfare reasons.

 

1.2 Objectives

 

By achieving all the above, WYMS will ensure that it meets its objectives for the health, safety, and welfare of

 

  • Establishing and maintaining a safe environment for all
  • Establishing and maintaining safe working procedures for all
  • Encouraging health and safety as an integral part of work by all within the WYMS environment
  • Developing and maintaining a safety consciousness and a safety culture in all within WYMS
  • Complying fully with all health, safety, and welfare legislation and to be proactive in the prevention of injury, illness, damage and loss arising from WYMS’s activities.

 

 

2. Working Environment

 

2.1 A safe place to work.

 

  • All floors and gangways will be maintained in good repair and kept clean.
  • All furniture will be of suitable design, construction and dimensions as required for the work activity and give correct posture and support to the user.
  • All machines and equipment will be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that all defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
  • Employees should only use portable electrical appliances that have a current PAT test label (dated within the previous 12 months).

 

2.2 Room temperatures

 

Room temperatures will be maintained as necessary in accordance with all legislation. Radiators should be left on number 2/3 in order that the climate control can adjust the office temperature as necessary.

 

2.3 Illumination

 

Good general illumination to offices and workrooms shall be provided to comply with all legislation, with regular maintenance and cleaning to fittings and windows.

 

2.4 Noise

 

Noise levels will be kept as low as possible and shall not exceed the level set down in current legislation. Where it is necessary to exceed the stipulated noise level then all necessary precautions will be taken and protective equipment issued to people within the affected area.

 

3. Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

 

WYMS will ensure that all employees are provided with and have access to information, instruction, and training in order to ensure awareness of potential health risks associated with using DSE.  Employees will be required to complete self-assessment questionnaires, when requested. Human Resources will review those assessments and work with employees to implement any remedial action required.

 

4. Reporting of Accidents

 

Employees should report any accidents or dangerous occurrences immediately to their line manager so that the incident can be investigated and further reported as necessary. Visitors should report any accidents immediately, to a WYMS member of staff who will ensure the incident is recorded and investigated as per our agreed procedure. 

 

 

 

All injuries are to be recorded in the Accident Book (this can be found by the first aid cabinet on the first floor) and then passed to the Facilities Assistant, who will instigate the reporting procedure where required under RIDDOR (Reporting of injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

 

 

5. First Aid

 

If an employee or visitor hurts themselves, however slightly, they should report it immediately to their manager or First Aider and go for treatment as necessary.

 

If there is a serious accident, an on-site manager should take charge, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. A First Aider should be called to help while waiting for the ambulance to come. Senior Management hold the disclosed medical details of staff and should be contacted should paramedics require any information. 

 

Wall mounted First aid kits are provided at various locations throughout the building. 

 

7. Fire Precautions and Procedures

 

WYMS will ensure that:

 

  • Fire exits, gangways and staircases are kept clear of obstructions.
  • Fire alarms, fire doors and firefighting equipment, as required by legislation, are provided and maintained in good repair.
  • All employees and visitors understand the fire procedures for the location they are in (see fire exit/evacuation plans displayed)
  • Where required, adequate training in the use of firefighting equipment is provided and fire drills are carried out annually.

 

8. Harmful or Hazardous Substances

 

WYMS will comply with all regulations of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSSHH) and the COSSHH risk assessment will detail any such substances held on the premises. 

 

Most employees are not required to work with hazardous substances but where they do, they should ensure that they follow manufacturers’ instructions when using any such substances; know the potential hazards, precautions required and the measures to be take should a spillage occur, or accidental contact occurs; take all precautions and wear protective equipment.