NEWTECNIC HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY AND ARRANGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Newtecnic Limited is a world-leading firm of engineering designers, architects and contractors, providing consulting services for buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. We operate across a range of sectors including commercial, cultural, residential, transport and administration.
Part 1 - STATEMENT OF INTENT AND POLICY OBJECTIVES
1.1 STATEMENT OF INTENT
1.1.1 Newtecnic recognises its responsibility under current safety and health legislation and believes that incidents are preventable, and this belief underpins our commitment to people and assets in support of Newtecnic’s strategy.
1.1.2 As responsible employers, we are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of our employees and others who are involved in our business activities.
1.1.3 Equally, we believe that the preservation of our resources, both human and material, is an important element in maximising efficiency for the benefit of our employees and Newtecnic.
1.1.4 We want our employees and others who are involved in our business activities to share in our belief and to help us achieve the objectives set out in this policy.
1.2 POLICY OBJECTIVES
1.2.1 Our objectives are to:
1.2.1.1 Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all our employees.
1.2.1.2 Ensure that everyone recognises that effective health and safety management is an integral part of our business.
1.2.1.3 Aim for an acceptable level of health and safety performance, with compliance to legal requirements as the minimum and to strive for cost effective improvement in performance.
1.2.1.4 Provide sufficient resources to implement this Policy.
1.2.1.5 Place the management of health and safety as a prime responsibility of Newtecnic.
1.2.1.6 Ensure that the Policy is understood, implemented and maintained at all levels in the Group.
1.2.1.7 Encourage employee involvement and consultation to gain commitment to the Policy and its implementation.
1.2.1.8 Ensure that employees at all levels receive appropriate training and are competent to carry out their duties and responsibilities regarding health and safety.
1.2.1.9 Periodically review the Policy and the management systems.
1.2.1.10 Undertake audits, as necessary to ensure that compliance with the Policy is effective.
Part 2 - ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 HEAD OF COMPANY
2.1.1 Howard Tee is CTO of Newtecnic, elected by the Newtecnic C-Suite to manage health and safety for Newtecnic.
2.1.2 Howard Tee is responsible for the formulation of Newtecnic Health and Safety Policy and for the arrangements to implement the Policy.
2.1.3 Andrew Watts, as Director and CEO of Newtecnic, is responsible for review and approval of the Newtecnic Health and Safety Policy. In the absence of Howard Tee, Andrew Watts will manage health and safety for Newtecnic.
2.1.4 The Policy and Arrangements depend for success on principles designed to motivate and involve all employees of Newtecnic. The cornerstones of these principles are “communication”, “co-operation”, “competence” and “control”.
2.1.5 The adoption of these principles will ensure that:
2.1.5.1 Open communication for transfer of health and safety information is continuous.
2.1.5.2 Employee involvement and consultation is effective.
2.1.5.3 Knowledge, experience and adequate skill-base exists within Newtecnic
2.1.5.4 Specialist advice is available to satisfy the needs of Newtecnic.
2.1.5.5 Adequate resources are provided to achieve the objectives.
2.1.5.6 Responsibility and accountability at all levels is clearly understood.
2.1.5.7 Ensure suitable financial provision is made for Health & Safety obligations
2.1.5.8 Provide appropriate information and instruction to employees
2.1.5.9 Ensure work is planned to take into account Health & Safety issues
2.1.5.10 Ensure that staff at all levels receive appropriate training, to establish competence is identified
2.1.5.11 Monitor and assess Risk to Health and Safety
2.1.5.12 Understand Newtecnic policy for Health and Safety and ensure it is readily available for employees
2.1.5.13 Set a personal example when visiting site by wearing appropriate protective equipment (if appropriate)
2.1.5.14 Actively promote at all levels Newtecnic’s commitment to effective Health and Safety management
2.2 HEALTH AND SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR / REPRESENTATIVE
2.2.1 Named person responsible for Health and Safety: Mr Howard Tee, Chief Technology Officer
2.2.2 Experience/qualifications of named person: Howard Tee has been with Newtecnic in excess of 10 years and has extensive design and operations experience
2.2.3 The above will undertake and be responsible for:
2.2.3.1 Monitoring the implementation of the Health and Safety policy throughout Newtecnic and reviewing its appropriateness by regular safety audits/inspections carried out in various workplaces
2.2.3.2 Reviewing Health and Safety legislation and implementing any new requirements pertaining to Newtecnic’s undertaking
2.2.3.3 Liaising with managers, employees and specialists as and when appropriate
2.3 EMPLOYEES
2.3.1 The arrangements for managing health and safety are created and maintained by the Group Health and Safety Management Committee (the C-Suite). Information about these arrangements is given to employees verbally, in writing and by means of instructions detailed in the Office Procedures document. The C-Suite recognise that the activities of Newtecnic are sufficiently varied that it would be impractical for all employees to be required to comply with the requirements of all the procedures. For this reason, specific Office Procedures (work procedures) are provided to each employee, prior to commencement. Notwithstanding, the C-Suite will make available any information to any employee on request.
2.3.2 The C-Suite will create new, amend or delete existing Ofice Procedures to ensure the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in its activities.
2.3.3 The C-Suite meet regularly to discuss its business and the meeting is chaired by Howard Tee. Minutes of the meeting are issued, and a record kept. Meetings are held at regular intervals but can be held more frequently if the need arises.
2.3.4 The C-Suite discuss all issues affecting health, safety and welfare. In particular, they decide:
2.3.4.1 What Standard Procedures are required.
2.3.4.2 Who should receive the Standard Procedures.
2.3.4.3 What Standard Procedures should be amended or deleted.
2.3.5 Fire protection and prevention is undertaken to ensure that all fire precautions are observed including regular fire drills and evacuation procedures.
2.3.6 First Aid arrangements are designed to comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations.
2.3.7 Basic issue of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered for all functions and offered as required by working conditions.
2.3.8 Howard Tee is responsible to ensure reporting of accidents and investigations to identify trends and to learn from experience is controlled by arrangements detailed in “Standard Procedure for Reporting and Investigation of Accidents at Work”.
2.3.9 The requirement for compliance with health and safety legislation is reviewed at regular intervals. The method by which reviews take place is detailed in “Standard Procedure for Review of Legislation affecting Health and Safety at Work”.
2.3.10 Howard Tee is responsible to make necessary arrangements for providing employees with information about general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act is detailed in “Standard Procedure for the Provision of Information on Health and Safety at Work”.
2.3.11 Howard Tee is responsible to make necessary arrangements for training employees to enable them to work safely and to carry out their health and safety responsibilities efficiently is detailed in “Standard Procedure for the Training of Employees in Health and Safety at Work”.
2.3.12 Arrangements for inspection of workplaces to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and the method by which this is undertaken is detailed in “Standard Procedure for ensuring the Health, Safety and Welfare of Employees in the Workplace”.
2.3.13 Howard Tee is responsible for monitoring arrangements for the work of contractors and any contractor’s equipment used by them at Newtecnic’s offices
2.3.14 Ensuring Newtecnic responsibilities and obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 are met and are incorporated into relevant design work carried out by Newtecnic
2.3.15 Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states the following:
It shall be the duty of every employee while at work -
(a) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and
(b) as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.
2.3.16 For all employees to comply with their legal duties, they will undertake and be responsible for:
2.3.16.1 Reading and understanding Newtecnic’s Health and Safety policy and carry out their work safely and in accordance with its requirements.
2.3.16.2 Ensuring that all protective equipment provided under a legal requirement is properly used in relation to nany instruction / training given and in accordance with this Health and Safety policy.
2.3.16.3 Reporting any defects to work equipment immediately to a member of the Newtecnic C-Suite.
Part 3 - ARRANGEMENTS
3.1 COMMUNICATION
3.1.1 To meet the legal requirements of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations, Newtecnic will communicate and consult with all employees on the following issues:
3.1.1.1 The content of this policy
3.1.1.2 Any rules specific to a site or job
3.1.1.3 Changes in legislation or working best practice
3.1.1.4 The planning of Health and Safety training
3.1.1.5 The introduction or alteration of new work equipment or technology
3.1.2 This communication and consultation will take place directly with employees via regular e-mails and face-to- face meetings.
3.2 TRAINING
3.2.1 Newtecnic ensure that all personnel are trained and experienced to the extent necessary to undertake their assigned activities and responsibilities effectively. Staff are recruited according to technical skill, experience and educational qualifications relative to their duties.
3.2.2 All staff are responsible for recommending the training needs of others. When training needs are identified they are provided under the responsibility of the C-Suite. Full records are maintained of all training undertaken by staff.
3.2.3 When staff are being trained by an external body, the designated senior member of staff monitors the employee’s progress, and where appropriate, reports to the Management Review meeting.
3.2.4 All employees are given training appropriate to their responsibilities in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Training will be provided for the following situations:
3.2.4.1 Induction training for new employees (Health and safety awareness, company procedures etc)
3.2.4.2 The introduction or modification of new/existing technology
3.2.4.3 A change in employee position/work activity or responsibility
3.2.5 A programme of refresher training will be constantly undertaken to keep employees up-to-date with legislation and industry best practice.
3.3 RISK ASSESSMENTS
3.3.1 The Representative will carry out and record formal risk assessments. In addition, risk assessments are carried out continuously by employees throughout their work. Hazards are considered, and work methods established to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others affected by the work.
3.3.2 Where the employee does not have sufficient knowledge about a specific hazard, such as work in confined spaces, they will take further advice from the H&S Representative if required. The Head of Newtecnic ensures operators are provided with an appropriate instruction and training on risk assessments.
3.3.3 Risk assessments are carried out in compliance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and other relevant legislation. The requirements of the assessments are details in “Standard Procedure for the Assessment of Risks to Health and Safety at Work”.
3.4 WORK PROCEDURES
3.4.1 Formal safe working procedures will be prepared in writing where the risk is particularly high. The work procedures will provide specific information on the task to be undertaken including site set up, chain of responsibility and will detail a clear sequence of work that would be followed in order to undertake the given task safely.
3.5 WORK EQUIPMENT
3.5.1 All work equipment (including office equipment) used at work, as part of Newtecnic’s undertaking will comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (P.U.W.E.R.) and appropriate legislation.
3.6 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (P.P.E.)
3.6.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment will be issued to employees as and when necessary for work activities.
3.6.2 Training will be provided for employees on the safe use, storage and maintenance of any relevant equipment before issue, and a written record detailing what PPE has been issued will be signed by the employees on receipt of the equipment and the hard copy kept on file.
3.6.3 Employees have a legal duty to wear PPE if specified in risk assessments. For example, if visiting a construction site.
3.6.4 Any defects or malfunction of PPE must be reported to a member of the C-Suite.
3.7 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
3.7.1 We do not use, or have access, to any hazardous substances during the course of our undertakings but take care to assess any substance being used and would carry out any assessment as required.
3.8 FIRST AID & ACCIDENT REPORTING
3.8.1 A member of the management team is nominated as the appointed person for first aid and a first aid box is supplied. The First Aid box contains adequate immediate first aid supplies for the total number of employees on the Newtecnic site.
3.8.2 Any accident injury or near miss (dangerous occurrence must be reported to the Health & Safety Representative
3.9 RIDDOR
3.9.1 Certain accidents, incidents, injuries and illness must be reported under RIDDOR regulations to the Health & Safety Executive via the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.html
3.9.2 The Health and Safety Representative must be notified as soon as possible of incidents causing the following injuries, or near misses which could have caused them:
3.9.2.1 any work-related injury that leads to an employee being absent from work for more than 3 working days
3.9.2.2 fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes;
3.9.2.3 amputation;
3.9.2.4 dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine;
3.9.2.5 loss of sight (temporary or permanent);
3.9.2.6 chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye;
3.9.2.7 injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to
3.9.2.8 unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours;
3.9.2.9 any other injury: leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or unconsciousness; or requiring resuscitation; or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.
3.9.3 All accidents/incidents will be investigated by senior management and any action taken from an investigation will be formally recorded.
3.9.4 The Health & Safety Representative will report RIDDOR incidents to the HSE
3.10 MANUAL HANDLING
3.10.1 Manual handling risks are considered prior to each work activity. The method of work is adapted to minimise manual handling risks wherever possible, including use of alternative lifting and carrying methods. You will receive training in safe manual handling including advice on not to manually handle loads which you feel incapable of moving safely.
3.11 FIRE SAFETY & EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
3.11.1 It is our policy to take account of fire hazards in the workplace. All employees have a duty to conduct their operations in such a way as to minimize the risk of fire.
3.11.2 This involves compliance with the Newtecnic no smoking policy, keeping combustible materials separate from sources of ignition and avoiding unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials.
3.11.3 In the event of the fire alarm being activated, or in any other emergency situation, (all employees must leave the building by the nearest available exit and assemble at the designated assembly point.
3.12 CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN & MANAGEMENT)
3.12.1 It is Newtecnic policy to contribute to the reduction of risk(s) transferred to site construction works and subsequently to the maintenance, repair and demolition of buildings influenced by our design work.
3.12.2 In order to achieve this, we recognise that it is essential that all members of staff as ‘designers’, from the C-Suite through to junior technicians, must be aware of their duties under the regulations and be proactive throughout the design process in identifying and responding to potential construction hazards.
3.12.3 We also aim to utilise ’feedback’ gained from completed projects to generate an evolving CDM resource database as a reference point for future ‘best practice’ designs protocols.
3.13 PUBLIC SAFETY
3.13.1 The safety of members of the public and visitors to Newtecnic’s premises is considered at all times throughout our operations.