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Town and Country Tree SurgeonsTree Surgeons in Northumberland Tyne and Wear North Tyneside Castle Morpeth Blyth Valley Newcastle upon Tyne Alnwick Tynedale Durham | |||||||
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Health & SafetyOur commitment to health and Safety is reflected in our safe working practices and enclosed below is a copy of our "Health and Safety Policy and Arrangements" Town and Country Tree Surgeons
Health and Safety Policy and arrangements
Part 1
Policies
Town & Country Tree Surgeons
Health & Safety Policy Statement
It is the policy of Town & Country Tree Surgeons to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of a safe and healthy work place and working environment for all of their employees and that all work activities undertaken will be performed in a way that will protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, the general public, or anyone else affected by their work activities.
Town & Country Tree Surgeons are responsible for the implementation of necessary health and safety arrangements.
In particular they are responsible, so far as reasonably practicable, for establishing a structured system of safety management in accordance with guidance policies produced and the safety policy comprising:
Specifically ensuring that:
All employees (including temporary and part time workers)
Section 7 of the Health & Safety at work Act places a duty on all employees to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Also, it requires that employees cooperate with the employer and his representatives so far as is necessary in order for the employer to fulfil any of the relevant statutory provisions.
Section 8 of the Health & Safety at Work Act makes it an offence to recklessly interfere with anything provided in the interest of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions.
All employees and trainees are responsible for:
Part 2
Arrangements
Arrangements
General
Arrangements for the safety of employees and those affected by our activities are found in this section of the document and also within supporting documentation.
The type of guidance required for a specific work activity will depend upon the level of risk associated with it. Where appropriate, reference should also be made to work instructions, operational manuals, method statements, permit systems, detailed procedures and risk assessments.
Risk Assessments
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 require that an adequate assessment be made to the risk of health and safety of all employees and to other persons who may be affected by the Company’s work activities. The general aim is, by means of a systematic general examination of all work activities, to identify all significant hazards, to evaluate the associated risks and to identify the necessary precautions to be taken. If significant risks are identified then the assessment must be recorded. Assessment should be kept up to date so that they represent the actual activities being carried out by the employees. For this reason changes in work activities should be closely monitored.
The risk assessment should reflect the measures required to fulfil the statutory safety requirements. It should aim to identify and prioritise the necessary control measures and precautions. It should be appropriate to the nature of the work such that it remains valid for a reasonable period. The assessment is not expected to include risks that are not reasonably foreseeable and should only reflect what is reasonably practicable.
Manual Handling
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to:
There ere a number of activities within Town & Country Tree Surgeons which involve manual handling. Staff who need to become involved in such activities will be trained in safe lifting techniques. Employees who have not been trained should not engage in manual handling activities.
Work equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 apply to all work activities and cover all work equipment, any machine, apparatus, tool or installation used at work. The regulation should not be looked at in isolation and should be considered alongside the risk assessment requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1992.
Main regulations:
Personal protective equipment
The requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) should be identified as part of a risk assessment. PPE should only be used where the risk cannot be controlled by something equally or more effective.
Where protective clothing is issued it must be worn for the purposes indicated and any defects in the protective equipment should be reported to the appropriate person as soon as possible.
The use of protective clothing and equipment is a necessary safety precaution and attention is drawn to the relevant section of the Health and Safety at Work Act, which describes the duty of each employee to take reasonable care not to misuse safety equipment
Accident Prevention
The prevention of accidents is a key responsibility of management.
The systematic management of safety through the identification of risk, communicating and implementing safety controls, monitoring performance and reviewing progress should provide a culture of continuous improvement.
When accidents do occur, there should be positive steps taken to identify the causes of accidents and to prevent their recurrence.
Accident Investigation
In the case of minor or less safe accidents, managers should investigate the accident as soon as possible after the incident has taken place once the area has been made safe.
In case of accidents resulting in major injury, the HSE should be immediately informed and the scene of the accident should not be disturbed until advice has been taken. If the equipment has failed it should not be moved or repaired until an investigation has taken place by a suitably qualified person.
Reporting Procedures
All safety hazards, defects or dangerous occurrences should be reported to the appropriate manager as soon as possible.
Safety Signs
The Health and Safety (safety signs and signals) Regulations 1996 require the employer to ensure that safety signs are provided or are in place and maintained in circumstances where risks to health and safety have not been avoided by other means.
There is often a residual risk such that employees need be warned, and informed of any further measure necessary. Safety signs are needed if they will help to reduce this residual risk and the risk is significant
It is the intention of the regulations to make all signs easily understandable and communicate the same message in every workplace.
Use and Storage of Flammable Liquids.
The Highly Flammable Liquids and liquid Petroleum Gasses Regulations 1972 govern the use and storage of both highly flammable and flammable liquids. A highly flammable liquid has a flash point below 32oC. The following precautions should be taken:
The Petroleum – Spirit (plastic containers) Regulations 1982
Storage may also take place without a licence, in plastic containers, each having a nominal capacity of 5 litres or less. Containers must conform to the specification detailed in the Approved Code of practice associated with the regulations and must be marked or labelled with the following information:
No more than two plastic containers of petrol may be kept in any motor vehicle, but in addition two others may be kept:
Lifting Equipment
All lifting equipment including chains must be periodically inspected by a competent engineer to statutory requirements.
All other regular statutory and visual inspections should be carried out by trained employees and shall be recorded in accordance with written procedures.
Location of Underground Services
Work which presents a risk of contact with underground cables must be carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety Documents HSG47 and G533 and will be carried out in accordance with any specific method statement.
Overhead Electricity Cables
NEDL should be consulted if any work is to take place within 15 metres of overhead lines on steel towers or 9 metres of overhead lines on wood, concrete or steel poles. This is necessary in view of the danger of machines or equipment approaching a high voltage cable. Work in the vicinity of overhead cables is carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety Guidance Note GS6.
Hazardous substances
The control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 and code of practice lay down the essential requirements to avoid, or otherwise reduce, the exposure of all persons to substances hazardous to health.
The regulations apply to:
The regulations apply not only to a range of chemicals, but to proprietary cleaning products used by the staff, solvents used in printing machines and to adhesives and varnishes.
Use of Pesticides
The chemicals used in horticultural applications have been chosen foe minimum toxicity. Detailed procedures and risk assessments for the conduct of applications should always be referred to.
Part 3
Appendices
1. Accident Reporting Procedures.
2. Minimum Contents of First Aid Boxes and Kits.
3. Mandatory Training and Qualifications for specific machinery or process.
4. Protective Clothing Schedule.
5. Relevant Safety Literature.
6. Health and Safety at work – a guide for employees.
7. Risk Assessments.
Appendix 1a
Town &Country Tree Surgeons
Accident Reporting Procedures
Death, Major Injury or Dangerous Occurrence
Employees must immediately inform the management of any Fatality, Major Injury or Dangerous Occurrence caused by work activities involving Town & Country Tree Surgeons employees, their sub-contractors or any self-employed persons under the companies control. Road Traffic Accidents (RTA s) which occur in connection with our work activities, and accidents which involve members of the public who are killed or taken to hospital in connection with our activities must also be reported immediately.
Priority must be given to the need of the injured persons. The first aider and/or emergency services should be summoned immediately and provision made for a person to direct the crew to the accident site. In more serious cases, whenever possible, the accident area and any equipment involved should be left untouched (including repairs) until the Investigating Officer and/or HSE Inspector has completed their investigation.
Management should immediately notify the Health and Safety Executive and a member of the Health and Safety Team by telephone. The number for the Health and Safety Executive is (0191) 202 6200.
Suspected Prescribed Diseases
There are a number of prescribed diseases which require investigating (see attached list).
Lost Time Injuries
Where there is no Fatal, Major Injury or Dangerous Occurrence but thee injured person is an employee and absent from work following the accident
The employee must inform their line manager by telephone on the first day they become absent from work.
The manager should investigate the accident/incident.
Minor Accidents
Applies to employees, members of the public, contractors and sub-contractors.
This part of the procedure should be used where there has been an accident or near miss which is not covered by the other procedures. There is no need to notify the Health and Safety Team by telephone.
Appendix 1b
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Major Injuries:
Appendix 1c
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Reportable Diseases are:
Appendix 1d
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
Dangerous Occurrences are:
Appendix 2
Minimum Contents of First Aid Boxes and Kits
(a) First Aid Box Number of employees
Item 1-15 6-10 11-50 51-100 101-150
Guidance Card 1 1 1 1 1
Individually wrapped sterile 10 20 40 40 40
adhesive dressings
Sterile eye pads, with attachment 1 2 4 6 8
Triangular Bandage 1 2 4 6 8
Sterile Coverings for serious wounds 1 2 4 6 8
(if triangular bandage not sterile)
Safety pins 6 6 12 12 12
Medium sized sterile 3 6 8 10 12
unmedicated dressings
Large sterile unmedicated dressings 1 2 4 6 10
Extra large sterile 1 2 4 6 8
unmedicated dressings
In cases where tap water is unavailable 1 1 3 6 6
300ml pods of sterile water or sterile
normal saline
(b) Travelling First Aid kits Number
Guidance Card 1
Individually wrapped adhesive dressing 6
Medium sized sterile unmedicated dressing 1
Triangular bandage 1
Safety pins 6
Appendix 3
Mandatory Training and Qualifications for Specific Machinery or Process.
Much of the machinery and equipment used by the Grounds Services carries with it a potential for serious accident, if improperly used. On the job instruction is provided for a wide range of small equipment by the Charge Hand, as appropriate. However, in the case of certain hazardous machinery or other hazardous operations special training is necessary, and is often required by special regulations. The following is a summary of potentially hazardous jobs or equipment where particular instruction or training is required. Such training may be on the job, or at a training centre.
Processes marked (*) require detailed instruction and appropriate supervision by a qualified and experienced operator, or an appropriate course of instruction at a training centre.
Appendix 4
Protective Clothing Schedule
Job Title Issue Issue Period
All employees and Safety footwear * Subsidy scheme
Management (as Safety Wellingtons 2 years or as required
Required due to PVC/rubber gloves As required
Work hazard) Leather gloves As required
Goggles(dust/chemical) As required
Safety Helmet As required
Thigh Boots As required
Disposable boilersuit As required
Blue boilersuit or 2
Bib and brace or jeans 24 months
Yellow reflective
Nylon jacket with hood 30 months
Respirators As required
Ear protection As required
Tractor drivers
Power saw
Operators Ear protectors As required
Grass cutters Crampons As required
Chainsaw operators Ballastic blouse As required
Ballastic trousers As required
Ballastic gloves As required
Climbing Harness As required
Helmet/visor As required
Ear protectors As required
Tree climbing boots As required
*Safety footwear – via a subsidy scheme i.e. one pair per Financial year
Appendix 5
Relevant Safety Literature and Regulations
Health and safety at Work act 1974
Health and Safety Executive Guidance Booklets
· HS( R ) 2 A Guide to Agricultural Legislation
· HS (R ) 5* The Notification of Accidents & Dangerous Occurrences
· HS( R ) 6 A Guide to the Health and Safety at Work Act
· HS( R ) 11* First Aid at Work
* Contains the relevant safety regulations
· HS( G ) 2 Poisonous Chemicals on the Farm
· HS ( G ) 3 Highly Flammable Materials on Constructions Sites
· HS( G ) 15 Storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas at Factories
· HS( G ) 17 Safety in the Use of Abrasive Wheels
· HS( G ) 47 Avoiding Danger from U/G Services
Appendix 6
Town & Country Tree Surgeons
Health and Safety at Work – A Guide for Employees
Health and safety at Work Act.
How it affects you.
You have probably heard of the Health and safety at work (HASAWA), but do you know how it affects you as an employee?
This leaflet should help you to understand your duties and obligations under the Act, and also tells you of the protection it gives you.
One of the main aims of the Act is to involve everyone (management, manufacturers of plant, equipment and materials, the self employed, and You – the employee) in matters of Health and safety. The Act operates in parallel with existing statutory requirements, such as The Factories act, The Construction Regulations etc
This leaflet gives you only a broad guidance on the provision of the Health and Safety at Wok Act 1974. It is not an authoritative legal commentary and has no legal standing in any disputes or differences that may arise.
Your Employer’s Duties
A general duty is placed on all employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. In practice, this means that your employer must do the following things:
While at work it is your duty to take reasonable care at all times, and to make sure that your actions do not endanger yourself, your work mates, or any other person. You must cooperate with your employer, and perform all duties or comply with all requirements he may impose on you, in the interests of Health and Safety.
It is an offence under the Act for you to intentionally or recklessly misuse or interfere with anything your employer has provided in the interests of your health and safety.
The Self-employed
The self-employed person’s duties under the Act are similar to those of an employer. He must ensure that his activities do not endanger himself, other workers, or the general public and in certain circumstance, he must inform the general public of any potential safety or health hazards created by his activities.
Manufacturers and suppliers
The Act requires that all plant, machinery, equipment and appliances are so designed and constructed as to be safe and without risk to health. Manufacturers and suppliers must provide adequate operating instructions, and information about any conditions necessary to ensure that their product will be safe and without risk to health when properly used. This requirement also applies to manufacturers of materials.
Enforcing the Act
A body called the Health and safety Executive has been set up. The Executive has a central inspectorate (similar to that of the old factory inspectorate) with powers of entry, examination and investigation to help enforce the new Act and earlier laws relating to safety.
A Health and Safety Executive Inspector can:
Any, or any combination, of these powers may be used by an inspector against any person taking part in or in control of an activity, or equipment. Any person means an employer, a self-employed person, a supplier or you the employee.
For any offence you can be fined up to £1,000. For serious offences there is no limit to the fine, and in certain cases a prison sentence of up to two years can be given as well.
You and the Inspectors
The legislation calls for a much closer relationship between employees, employee representatives and Inspectors. An Inspector can demand from an employee any information he thinks necessary, and can ask the employee to sign a declaration of the truth of his answers. If an Inspector should want to take samples, measurements, photographs, recordings or do anything else to enable him to investigate a possible breach of safety law, he can demand the full cooperation of any person to afford him such facilities and assistance he thinks necessary.
But the Inspector will not only enforce the law, they will also act as ‘information officers’. It is their duty to tell your employee, about anything that may effect your health and safety at work. This information should be similar to that given to your employer.
Safety representatives
As from 1st October 1978, recognised trade unions have had the right to appoint Safety Representatives who will represent your interest in matters of Health and Safety.
Ask yourself these questions
If your answer to any question is No ask for the advice of your supervisor, your safety officer, or your safety representative.
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