Health and safety policy

Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd

1. Policy Statement

At Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd, the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, subcontractors, clients, and visitors are paramount. We are committed to providing a safe working environment on all our sites by adhering to the highest standards in health and safety practices and complying with all applicable legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations.

2. Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd. Our aim is to:

• Foster a proactive safety culture at all levels of our operations.

• Prevent workplace accidents and work related illnesses.

• Continuously improve our safety performance through regular reviews and updates.

• Ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Responsibilities

3.1. Management

• Compliance: Uphold all relevant health and safety laws and ensure all company policies are implemented consistently on site.

• Resources and Training: Provide comprehensive health and safety training, along with the necessary resources and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to support safe working practices.

• Risk Assessment: Regularly conduct and review risk assessments to identify hazards and implement suitable control measures.

• Communication: Clearly communicate this policy to all employees, subcontractors, and visitors, ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

3.2. Employees and Subcontractors

• Adherence: Follow all health and safety procedures and guidelines provided by the company.

• Reporting: Promptly report any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, or incidents to a supervisor or manager.

• PPE Usage: Use all provided safety equipment and maintain high personal standards of safety on site.

• Training Participation: Attend all pertinent safety training sessions, toolbox talks, and briefings.

4. Risk Management

• Assessing Risks: A comprehensive risk assessment will be performed on all projects prior to commencement, identifying potential hazards and detailing control measures.

• Implementing Controls: Mitigation measures, such as safe working procedures and specialized equipment usage, will be established and rigorously enforced.

• Review Process: Risk assessments are to be reviewed regularly and updated promptly to reflect any changes in work practices or site conditions.

5. Training and Communication

• Induction: All staff and subcontractors receive induction training on health and safety practices before beginning work.

• Ongoing Training: Regular training sessions and safety briefings will be conducted to ensure skills remain current and that new risks are addressed.

• Dialogue: Open communication channels are maintained for discussing safety concerns, recommendations, and improvements.

6. Safe Working Practices

• Site Procedures: Clear, site specific safe working procedures are to be followed at all times, including the use of appropriate signage and safety notices.

• Equipment Maintenance: All tools, machinery, and equipment must be maintained in proper working order and inspected regularly.

• Method Statements: Detailed method statements and risk assessments (RAMS) will be developed for specific tasks, which can be accessed via our Risk Assessment Forms and Method Statement Forms.

7. Emergency Procedures

• Emergency Planning: Robust emergency procedures, including fire protocols, first aid, and evacuation plans, are in place and communicated to all on site personnel.

• Preparedness: First aid kits are readily accessible on every site, and designated first aiders are appointed to manage emergencies.

• Drills: Regular emergency drills are conducted to ensure all personnel are familiar with the procedures.

8. Monitoring, Review, and Reporting

• Inspections and Audits: Regular inspections and audits are conducted on all sites to ensure compliance with this policy and identify areas for improvement.

• Incident Investigation: All incidents and near misses will be thoroughly investigated to determine root causes and implement preventive measures.

• Record Keeping: Detailed records of training, inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations will be maintained.

9. Continuous Improvement

Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd is dedicated to continuously enhancing its health and safety performance. We encourage feedback from employees, subcontractors, and stakeholders, and any suggestions for improvement will be considered and acted upon.

10. Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in operations, legislation, or identified risks. All employees and subcontractors are expected to stay informed of any revisions.

Signed:

W Doble, Director
Whitfield Building Contractors Ltd
Date: