Town and Country Tree SurgeonsTown and Country Tree Surgeons Town and Country Tree Surgeons
Tree Surgeons in Northumberland Tyne and Wear North Tyneside Castle Morpeth Blyth Valley Newcastle upon Tyne Alnwick Tynedale Durham
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Health & Safety

Our 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:
  • Identification of safety requirements and objectives.
  • Clear identification of priorities when necessary.
  • Regular monitoring and review of safety performance, progress and future needs in their designated areas of responsibility to ensure information is fed back into the planning process through the agreed mechanisms.
Specifically ensuring that:
  • Suitable arrangement exist for forwarding reports of all accidents and for making immediate telephone reports to the Health and Safety Executive regarding notifiable major injuries or dangerous occurrences arising out of the work of Town & Country Tree Surgeons and that proper paperwork is forwarded.
  • The cause of accidents are investigated and all necessary precautions taken to prevent where applicable re-occurrences.
  • Suitable arrangements exist for liaison with heads of client establishments.
  • Safe systems of work are adopted.
  • Ensuring all employees are provides with adequate information, instruction training and supervision in order to safely discharge their duties.
  • Suitable arrangements are made to enable the routine maintenance of vehicles and all other power driven machinery.
  • Suitable storage arrangements exist for all hazardous materials and they are used and transported in accordance with current legislative requirements.
  • Ensure that appropriate disciplinary procedures are initiated for transgression of health and safety requirement and procedures by employees.
  • Review the Directorate Health and Safety statement on an annual basis.
  • All employees are made aware of their duty to exercise personal care and responsibility towards themselves and others and in particular are reminded of the duties under Section 7 and 8 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. 
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:
  • Observing all instructions on health and safety issued by Town and Country Tree Surgeons.
  • Observe all safety rules relating to the use of specific machinery.
  • Report all accidents to the site manager and ensure that an accident report is completed.
  • Wearing Personal Protective Clothing where appropriate, reporting any defects or loss.
  • Taking appropriate remedial action in the event of imminent danger in accordance with training and information provided.
  • Reporting all potential hazards to health and safety to the appropriate manager.
  • Assisting Inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in carrying out inspections and investigations.
  
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: 
  • Avoid risks associated with manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable.
  • Assess the risks associated with manual handling that cannot be avoided.
  • Reduce the risks of injury so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing control measures.
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:
  • Work equipment must be correctly erected, having regard to the particular working conditions and hazards present in the environment where it is to be used.
  • Equipment must be suitable for the use to which it is put and adequately maintained.
  • All users of equipment must be provided with adequate supervision, information and training. This includes written and verbal instructions on the potential risks and precautions when using any equipment.
  • Where there is a specific risk involved, access to and use of the equipment must be restricted to specified, trained people.
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:
 
  • As much as possible should be stored in secure, flameproof storage units in the open air. They should be carefully marked (e.g. highly flammable)
  • Where it is practicable, small quantities stored in buildings should be kept in purpose designed flameproof cabinets or a chem.. safe which is able to contain any spillage or leak.
  • Quantities kept on the shelves in workrooms should be limited to one day’s supply.
  • No workroom should contain more than 50 litres.
  • Containers should be kept firmly capped or stoppered, and remote from possible sources of ignition.
  • Any spillage should be dealt with immediately.
  • Storage cabinets in buildings should be carefully sited to ensure that they cannot endanger any escape route or exit required in the event of fire.
  • Flammable liquid should not be store with pressurised gas cylinders, or near quantities of flammable materials.
  • No smoking or naked lights.
  • Under the Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles) Regulations 1929 containers must be 5 litres, 9 litres or 45 litres capacity and made of metal.
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:
 
  • The manufacturer’s name.
  • The month and year of manufacture.
  • The nominal capacity of the container.
  • Complies with S.I. 1982/630.
  • The words ‘Petrol’ and ‘Highly Flammable’.
  • The precaution to be taken.
  • The hazard warning sign of the red diamond with the symbol for flames above the words. ‘Flammable Liquid’.
No more than two plastic containers of petrol may be kept in any motor vehicle, but in addition two others may be kept:
  • Ina safe place in any domestic premises or
  • In any other safe place (places more than 6 metres apart can be regarded as separate places)
 
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:
 
  • All substances labelled:
    • Irritant
    • Harmful
    • Corrosive
    • Toxic
    • Very toxic
    • Carcinogenic
    • Mutagenic
    • Teratogenic
  • Substances assigned a Maximum Exposure Limit or an Occupational Exposure Standard.
  • Substances which otherwise known to harm health, including micro-organisms.
 
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:
 
  • Fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes.
  • Amputation.
  • Dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine.
  • Loss of sight (temporary or permanent).
  • Chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye.
  • Injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation, or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
  • Any other injury, leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or unconsciousness, or requiring resuscitation, or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
  • Unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to harmful substances or biological agent.
  • Acute illness requiring medical treatment, loss of consciousness arising through absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin.
  • Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agent or its toxins or infected material. 
Appendix 1c
 
 
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
 
Reportable Diseases are:
 
  • Certain poisonings.
  • Some skin diseases such as occupational dermatitis, skin cancer, chrome ulcer, oil folliculitis/acne.
  • Lung diseases including, occupational asthma, farmer’s lung, anthrax, legionellosis and tetanus.
  • Other conditions such as occupational cancer, certain musculoskeletal disorders, decompression illness and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
 
Appendix 1d
Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
 
Dangerous Occurrences are:
 
  • Collapse, overturning or failure of load bearing parts of lifts and lifting equipment.
  • Explosion, collapse or bursting of any closed vessel or associated pipe work.
  • Failure of any freight container in any of its load bearing parts.
  • Plant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines.
  • Electrical short circuit or overloading causing fire or explosion.
  • Any unintentional explosion, misfire, failure of demolition to cause the intended collapse, projection of material beyond a site boundary, injury caused by explosion.
  • Accidental release of biological agent likely to cause severe human illness.
  • Failure of industrial radiography or irradiation equipment to de-energise or return to its safe position after the intended exposure period.
  • Malfunction of breathing apparatus while in use or immediately during testing before use.
  • Failure or endangering of diving equipment, the trapping of a diver, an explosion near a diver, or an uncontrolled ascent.
  • Collapse or partial collapse of a scaffold over five metre high, or erected near water where there could be a risk of drowning after a fall.
  • Unintended collision of a train with any vehicle.
  • Dangerous occurrence at a well (other than a water well).
  • Dangerous occurrence at a pipeline.
  • Failure of any load bearing fairground equipment, or derailment or unintended collision of cars or trains.
  • A road tanker carrying a dangerous substance overturns, suffers serious damage, catches fire or the substance is released. 
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.
 
  • Stone Saws – a course of instruction and the appointment in writing of persons to fit the cutting disc is required by the Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970.
  • Chain Saws – special instruction*
  • Lifting Operations – appropriate training required by the Construction (lifting operation) Regulations 1961
  • Road Vehicles – a driving licence is required if the vehicle is to be taken on a public road.
  • Specialised – special instruction on Pedestrian Operated Machined.
  • Chemical Spraying – special instruction*
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
 
  • The safety representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
  • RIDDOR 1995
  • The Health and Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996
  • The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980
  • The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1990
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • The Food Act 1985 (Control of Pesticides Regulations ) 1986
  • Control of substances Hazardous to Health regulations 1994
  • Abrasive Wheel regulations 1970
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
  • Management of Health and safety at Work Regulations 1992
  • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
 
  • The Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928
  • The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963
  • The Health and Safety at Work act 1974
  • The Fire Precaution Act 1971
  • Full Collection of Agriculture Safety Regulations
  • Health and Safety at Work Act and Subordinate Legislation
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1994
  • Abrasive Wheel regulations 1970
  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
 
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:
 
  • Ensure that your place of work is safe and without risk to your health (and that of the general public)
  • Provide and maintain safe means of access to your place of work
  • Provide and maintain safe plant, machinery, equipment and appliances
  • Ensure the safe handling, storage and transport of all materials.
  • Provide appropriate protective clothing and equipment 9they may not charge you for anything done or provided for reasons of health and safety by specific regulations).
  • Make sure that all their employees have the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure their safety at work. Prepare and publicise a written statement of your Company’s safety policy
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:
 
  • Issue a prohibition notice. This forbids any further activity, or the use of equipment that may be a serious risk to safety or health. The ban continues until the situation is put right, and the notice withdrawn.
  • Issue an improvement notice. This demands that the fault be remedied within a specified time.
  • Seize, render harmless or destroy any substance or article considered to be a source of imminent danger or serious personal injury.
  • Prosecute.
 
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
 
  • Do I know and understand my Company’s safety policy?
  • Am I aware of the risks and dangers in the job I do?
  • Do I know how to do my work without causing danger to myself, my work mates and the general public?
  • Am I familiar with the safety laws that cover my particular job?
  • Are the plant, machinery and tools I use really safe?
  • Do I know how to use them safely, and keep them in safe conditions?
  • Do I wear all the right protective clothing, and have I been issued with all the necessary safety equipment?
  • Have I been given all the necessary safety information about the materials I handle?
  • Do I know the general safety rules that cover my place of work?
  • Have I been given the training and instruction I should have had to enable me to do my job safely?
  • Do I know who is responsible for safety at my workplace?
  • Do I know who are my union appointed safety Representatives?
 
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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