Welcome to Bradfords building supplies online
Health and Safety At Work Act 1974
BRADFORD and SONS LTD (B&S)
BRADFORDS BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD (BBS)
BRADFORDS TIMBER SUPPLIES (BTS)
HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK Etc. ACT 1974
Health & Safety Policy Statement
Bradford & Sons Ltd is committed to providing safe and healthy working conditions in all operations at all sites. This can only be done with the co-operation and support of all employees.
The company will ensure that all steps that are reasonably practicable will be taken to secure the health, safety and welfare of all its employees and other persons who may be affected by its operations.
In the design, construction, operation and maintenance of all plant, equipment and facilities, the company will do everything possible, so far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent injury and danger to health.
Bradford & Sons Ltd will strive for continual improvement in all matters relating to the Health, Safety & Welfare of its staff.
All employees are reminded that there is a duty on them to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of other people who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Those with specific health and safety responsibilities as laid down in company procedures/documentation must ensure that they understand them fully and that they are adequately delegated in their absence.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities listed below apply to all employees, specific information relating to Directors, Managers, Supervisors, First Aiders, Fire Wardens and company vehicle drivers is contained in HSSO.1A, Appendix A.
All Employees
Every employee has a duty whilst at work:-
(a) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work; and
(b) to co-operate with their employer or any other person to enable legal obligations to be performed or complied with.
No employee shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided under any specific requirement of any relevant legislation.
In particular, employees must, whilst at work:-
(a) comply with any company health and safety rules and requirements;
(b) take care to avoid the creation of workplace hazards;
(c) receive and act upon any health and safety information, instruction, or training received;
(d) report all accidents, incidents, work related ill health, hazards and faults to their immediate manager; and
(e) wear or use personal protective equipment provided.
All employees will sign a declaration stating that they have read and understood the Group’s Health and Safety Policy.
HSSO 1A details the organisation and arrangements.
Andrew Merriam Dennis J Smith Jim R Peryer
Group Chairman Managing Director Managing Director
B&S Ltd BBS BTS
98 Hendford Hill 96 Hendford Hill Porchestall Drove
Yeovil Yeovil Glastonbury
Somerset Somerset Somerset
ISSUE 09 DATED: APRIL 2008
HSSO 1A
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY
ORGANISATION & ARRANGEMENTS
1 PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
1.1 Individual Responsibilities for Health and Safety at Work
The Chairman (Bradford & Sons Ltd.) and the Managing Directors (BBS and BTS) have ultimate responsibility for the health and safety at work of all persons at work within the company.
The Executive Directors, the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers and all Operations/Branch/Site/Departmental Managers, have specific responsibility for health and safety at work in those areas of company business which are directly under their control.
Departmental Managers and Supervisors have responsibility for ensuring the health and safety at work of persons at work at their place of work.
All have a responsibility for the workplace and the health & safety of other persons who may be present.
1.2 Legal Requirements
The Chairman, Executive Directors and all other Managers will take all necessary measures to ensure compliance by the company with legal requirements and duties. They will also take into account Approved Codes of Practice and other forms of guidance published by the Health & Safety Commission/Executive, implementing such guidance so far as is reasonably practicable. The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers will be consulted where there is a need for advice on or clarification of legal requirements and duties within their respective Operating Companies. Where any non-compliance with legal requirement, the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Manager, in conjunction with the relevant Director and Branch/Site Manager, will introduce measures to enable compliance. A Non-Compliance Notice will be used to document the process.
1.3 Health and Safety Training and Instruction
The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Manager reporting to their respective Managing Directors, and in conjunction with the BBS/BTS HR Manager, and Branch/Site Managers, are responsible for the identification of general and specific training needs of all persons at Bradfords and will ensure such training and instruction is provided.
Training of persons at work will take place:-
(a) during the induction process; and
(b) on their being exposed to new or increased risks as a result of:-
i) their being transferred or given a change of responsibilities;
ii) the introduction of new work equipment or a change regarding existing work equipment;
iii) the introduction of new technology; or
iv) the introduction of a new system.
(c) periodically, updated dependant upon exposure to risk. (PSO.22, TSO.27, TSI.34)
1.4 Health and Safety Information
The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers reporting to their respective Managing Directors, and in conjunction with the Operations/Branch/Site/Departmental Managers, the Bradfords Building Supplies Forum, Health & Safety Focus Group and the BTS Health & Safety Committees, will ensure the dissemination of appropriate health and safety information to persons at work. Facilities will be provided in the premises whereby the relevant health and safety information can be acquired or read by such persons.
1.5 Joint Consultation on Health and Safety Issues
The BBS/BTS & Safety Managers reporting to their respective Managing Directors, and in conjunction with the entire Management Team, will ensure that there is an effective system for joint consultation with employees on health and safety related issues, including the operation of the Health and Safety Policy.
The procedures for joint consultation are outlined in Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.28)
1.6 Safe Systems of Work
Management recognises the need for formally developed and documented safe systems of work. Safe systems of work will be prepared and documented for those activities and jobs where there is a risk of injury or occupational ill health.
Documented safe systems of work will be made available to all persons at work and will be incorporated in health and safety training of those concerned.
The procedures for documentation of safe systems of work are detailed in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.5)
1.7 Health and Safety Monitoring
Health and Safety monitoring procedures, including safety audits, inspections and other recognised forms of monitoring will be undertaken by the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers & in conjunction with the Bradfords Building Supplies Forum and BTS Health & Safety Committees.
Health & Safety Idea/Observation sheets are located at each branch/site. Each branch/site must identify the location of these sheets to all staff. Once completed by the “Observer”, the sheets should be passed to the Branch/Site/ Department Manager for action/comments and then forwarded to the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers (as appropriate). The Branch/Site/Department Manager should also forward a copy of the sheet to either the Operations Manager or Director responsible for that area.
Health & Safety Audits will be carried out by the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers. The audits will be completed in conjunction with the Branch/Site/Department Managers. Reports and action plans will be produced and distributed to Branch/Site/Department Managers and relevant Operations Manager or Directors as appropriate. The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Manager is responsible for producing an audit programme.
The procedures for safety monitoring and the reporting of hazards are detailed in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.20)
1.8 Accident and Ill Health Reporting, Recording and Investigation
The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers reporting to their respective Managing Directors, and in conjunction with the Branch/Site/Departmental Managers, will ensure there is an effective system for the reporting, recording and investigation of accidents, ill health and sickness involving all persons at work in accordance with current legal and company requirements.
The procedures for reporting, recording and investigation of such incidents are detailed in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.3)
1.9 Cleaning and Housekeeping
The Branch/Site/Department Managers, in conjunction with the Branch/Site Management Team, will ensure that formally documented cleaning schedules are maintained for machinery, plant, equipment and vehicles. They will also ensure that a high standard of housekeeping is maintained throughout the premises both internally and externally.
The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers will undertake regular housekeeping inspections.
1.10 Welfare Amenity Provisions
The Branch/Site/Department Managers will ensure that welfare amenity provisions, i.e. sanitation, hand washing, drinking water and facilities for taking meals are provided and properly maintained.
1.11 Health Surveillance and First Aid Arrangements
The BBS/BTS Health & Safety Manager, reporting to their respective Managing Directors, in conjunction with the BBS/BTS HR Managers will ensure there is an effective system for health surveillance of employees identified as being at risk as a result of their work, and for first aid treatment. (HSSO.8)
Health surveillance procedures are detailed in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.3)
1.12 Transport Systems
The Group Transport Manager, in conjunction with Branch/Site/Department Managers, will ensure that internal and external transport systems do not expose persons at work to risk of death or injury.
1.13 Plant Acquisition and Project Work
The Executive Directors, in conjunction with the Group Transport Manager, the BBS/BTS Directors, and the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers will ensure that all new plant, equipment and processes do not expose persons at work to risk of injury and/or ill health.
Branch/Site/Department Managers will ensure all project work, including that undertaken by external contractors and sub contractors is supervised with a view to protecting persons at work from risk of injury and/or ill health.
1.14 Emergency Procedures
The Branch/Site/Department Managers, in conjunction with the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers, will ensure that there is a formally established procedure in their respective operating companies to cover major emergencies such as:-
(a) a large or rapidly escalating fire, or following an explosion; (HSSO.10)
(b) a large-scale flood;
(c) a major pollution incident, etc.
1.15 Contractor’s Activities
The BBS/BTS Directors, in conjunction with the Branch/Site/Department Managers and the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers, will ensure that there is an effective procedure for regulating the activities of both large and small contracting activities on site and taking into account the requirements of the company Contractors Regulations.
The company’s Contractors Regulations are included in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.19)
1.16 Substances Hazardous to Health
Branch/Site/Department Managers will ensure, in conjunction with the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers, that all substances hazardous to health are identified and controlled in such a way as to prevent risk of injury or ill health to all persons at work during their use, handling, storage, dispensing from bulk and transport. Managers will ensure that sufficient information relating to the hazards and precautions necessary on the part of all persons at work is made available.
Branch/Site/Department Managers, in conjunction with the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers, will ensure that procedures for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, including the need for frequent examination, testing and maintenance of such plant and equipment are maintained. (HSSO.25)
1.17 Security
Branch/Site/Department Managers will take all reasonably practicable measures to protect all persons at work and their property from acts of physical assault, vandalism, theft, arson or bomb attack.
1.18 Plant and Equipment
Branch/Site/Department Managers, in conjunction with the Group Transport Manager/ BTS/BBS Operations Managers, will ensure there is a satisfactory system for monitoring the safety of existing plant and equipment.
1.19 Fire Protection
All Managers, in conjunction with the BBS/BTS Health & Safety Managers, will ensure there is an effective system for the protection of all persons at work in the event of a fire.
Fire protection procedures are detailed in the Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.10)
1.20 “Vulnerable Persons”
All Managers will make special provision to ensure that “vulnerable” groups of staff such as young persons, disabled persons, pregnant female staff/new mothers, new employees, and employees undertaking unfamiliar tasks are adequately supervised so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, risk of injury or ill health.
1.21 Arrangements
1.21.1 This policy will be communicated to all employees via the following mediums currently in force:-
i) Company Induction
ii) Health & Safety Notice Boards
iii) Consultation with the BBS Forum
iv) Consultation with BTS Health & Safety Committees
v) Consultation with the BBS Health & Safety Focus Group
vi) Refresher and Promotional Training
vii) Team Briefings
viii) BBS/BTS Manager’s Meetings
ix) BBS Branch Meetings
1.21.2 The mediums listed below are to be introduced:-
i) Safety Campaigns
1.21.3 The procedure for Joint Consultation is contained within Health & Safety Standing Orders. (HSSO.28)
1.22 Legislation
Since a list of current legislation affecting the business would require constant updating to remain in date and effective no list of legislation is attached to this document. However, the company will comply with all current and future legislation that is relevant to the Health, Safety and Welfare of all employees, visitors, customers and contractors on site at any of the company’s sites of operation.
2. APPENDICES
Appendix A Individual Responsibilities for Health and Safety at Work
Appendix B Sources of Health and Safety Information
Appendix C Group Organisation Chart
3. AMENDMENT HISTORY
Issue 01 31 May 2002 First Release
Issue 02 21 March 2003 Change of title Director of Human Resources
Addition of Idea/Observation Sheets 2.7
List of HSSO in cross references.
Issue 03 21 June 2005 Changes in Group Health & Safety Manager reporting
Changes to Snows Timber Health & Safety Manager
Amended list of HSSO cross references
Issue 04 25 October 2005 Appendix C added
Issue 05 28 February 2006 Addition of standing order references in Section 2
Issue 06 26 September2006 Separation of Policy and Organisation &
Arrangements in HSSO 1 & HSSO 1A
Issue 07 11 May 2007 Addition of Employee’s Responsibilities to HSSO.1
New Item 9 in HSSO.1A
Issue 08 10 October 2007 Change of Health & Safety Managers responsibilities
BBS/BTS
Issue 09 28 April 2008 Amendment to Director of HR responsibilities