Health & Safety Policy

3.1 Managing health and safety

We manage health and safety using the Plan, Do, Check, Act approach in HSE guidance HSG65. We plan the work and decide what good looks like, do it with competent people and the right controls, check how well it is working through inspections and measures, and act on what we learn.

• Plan: policy, objectives, risk assessment and RAMS for every job
• Do: competent people, briefings, permits, safe equipment and supervision
• Check: site inspections, audits, incident reports and KPIs
• Act: investigations, lessons learned, review of procedures and this policy

3.2 Risk assessment

Every job is risk assessed before it starts. Generic risk assessments cover our routine activities, and a site-specific assessment is prepared for each job to add the hazards of that site, that building and those people.

• Hazards are identified on the pre-start survey and scored for likelihood and severity (Appendix A)
• Controls follow the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE
• High risks are designed out or reduced before work can start
• Assessments are reviewed when the work, team or conditions change, after an incident, and at least annually for generic assessments
• Specific assessments are made for young persons, new and expectant mothers, and lone workers

3.3 Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)

Site-specific RAMS are produced for every job, from a kitchen refit to a commercial fit-out. They set out the sequence of work, the hazards and controls, the people, plant and permits needed, and the emergency arrangements.

• Prepared by the supervisor or Contracts Manager, reviewed by the competent adviser for higher-risk work
• Briefed on site to every operative, who signs to confirm they understand it
• Kept on site and available to the client
• Work stops and the RAMS is updated if the job changes
• Sample RAMS for our main activities are published in our document library

3.4 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, including work in people's homes. We make sure the right dutyholders are in place and carry out our duties as principal contractor or contractor.

• Where we are the only contractor, we act as contractor and prepare a construction phase plan proportionate to the risk
• Where more than one contractor is involved, we act as principal contractor when appointed, or when the domestic client duties pass to us
• For domestic clients, we take on the client duties as the regulations require
• We check whether the project is notifiable to the HSE (lasting more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers at the same time, or exceeding 500 person days) and make sure an F10 is submitted by the client
• We co-operate with designers, provide information for the health and safety file, and plan welfare from day one

HSE guidance used: L153 Managing health and safety in construction, and CDM guidance for domestic clients and small builders.

3.5 Pre-start surveys and information

Before work starts we gather the information needed to plan it safely. The office passes on anything the customer tells us, and the supervisor surveys the site.

• Asbestos survey or information for buildings built or altered before 2000
• Location of gas, water and electrical services and isolation points
• Structural information and any need for temporary works
• Access, parking, deliveries and storage
• Who will be in the building, including children, vulnerable adults and pets
• Neighbouring properties, shared walls and public areas

3.6 Permits to work

Some activities are only allowed under a written permit issued by a competent person, which sets out the precautions and is closed off when the work is complete.

3.7 Asbestos

Asbestos is the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK, and many of the buildings we work in were built before it was banned. Nobody working for us disturbs a material that could contain asbestos until it has been checked.

• Refurbishment and demolition surveys obtained or arranged before intrusive work on pre-2000 buildings
• If suspect material is found, work stops, the area is closed off and the material is sampled
• Licensable asbestos work is carried out only by HSE-licensed contractors
• Non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed work only by trained operatives, with the correct controls, equipment and records
• Asbestos awareness training for all operatives, refreshed every year

3.8 Work at height

Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury in construction. We avoid work at height where we can, prevent falls where we cannot, and minimise the consequences of a fall.

• Scaffolds erected, altered and dismantled by competent scaffolders, handed over with a certificate and inspected before first use, at intervals not exceeding 7 days and after events likely to affect stability
• Mobile towers erected and used by PASMA-trained operatives
• MEWPs operated by IPAF-trained operatives with a harness clipped to the basket anchor
• Ladders and stepladders only for short-duration, low-risk work, checked before use
• Fragile surfaces identified and protected, and nobody walks on them
• Edge protection, exclusion zones and debris control to protect people below
• Work stopped in high winds, ice or heavy rain

3.9 Electrical safety

Electrical work is carried out only by competent electricians registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. Nobody works on or near live conductors unless it is unavoidable and specifically assessed.

• Safe isolation procedure on every job: isolate, lock off, label, prove the tester, test dead, re-prove
• Test instruments to HSE GS38, calibrated and checked
• Work to BS 7671, tested and certified before energising
• 110V reduced-voltage or battery tools on construction sites, with RCD protection where 230V is unavoidable
• Portable equipment inspected and tested in line with HSE HSG107
• Overhead and underground cables identified before work near them

3.10 Gas safety

Gas work is carried out only by engineers on the Gas Safe Register for the type of work and appliance concerned.

• Gas Safe ID card carried and shown on request
• Tightness testing and purging before and after work
• Appliances commissioned and flues checked, with flue gas analysis
• Unsafe situations dealt with under the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure
• Carbon monoxide alarms recommended to customers

3.11 Excavations and underground services

• Utility plans obtained before digging and the area scanned with a cable avoidance tool by a trained operative
• Trial holes dug by hand to locate services
• Excavations deeper than 1.2 m supported, battered back or protected before anyone enters
• Excavations inspected at the start of every shift and recorded
• Barriers and covers to prevent falls, and spoil and plant kept back from the edge

3.12 Demolition, structural alterations and temporary works

• Structural engineer calculations and Building Control approval before structural alterations
• Temporary works such as propping and needling designed, installed and checked before load is removed
• Demolition planned in writing to prevent uncontrolled collapse
• Services isolated and made safe before strip-out

3.13 Hazardous substances, dust and silica

Construction dust, especially respirable crystalline silica from cutting concrete, brick and stone, causes serious lung disease. We control it at source.

• COSHH assessments for hazardous substances, with safety data sheets available
• Less hazardous products chosen where possible
• On-tool extraction (M- or H-class) or water suppression for cutting, chasing and grinding
• RPE of at least FFP3 standard for dusty work, with face-fit testing for tight-fitting masks
• Exposure kept below workplace exposure limits in HSE EH40, including 0.1 mg/m³ for respirable crystalline silica
• Wood dust, lead, solvents and isocyanates assessed and controlled

3.14 Noise

• Quieter methods and tools chosen where possible
• Noise assessed where exposure may reach the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A)
• Hearing protection provided at 80 dB(A) and required at 85 dB(A), with hearing protection zones marked
• Health surveillance (audiometry) for those regularly exposed above 85 dB(A)
• Noisy work in homes and occupied buildings at agreed times

3.15 Vibration

• Low-vibration tools bought and maintained
• Exposure estimated against the exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and the limit value of 5 m/s² A(8)
• Trigger time limited and tasks rotated
• Health surveillance for those regularly exposed above the action value
• Symptoms such as tingling, numbness or whitening of fingers reported straight away

3.16 Manual handling

• Mechanical aids, hoists and sack trucks used where possible
• Loads split, team lifts planned and routes cleared
• Materials ordered in manageable sizes and delivered close to the work
• Manual handling training for all operatives

3.17 Work equipment, plant and lifting

• Equipment suitable for the task, maintained and checked before use
• Plant operated only by trained and authorised operatives holding the appropriate card
• Lifting equipment thoroughly examined every 12 months, and every 6 months for lifting accessories and equipment used to lift people
• Defective equipment tagged out of use and reported
• Guards and safety devices kept in place

3.18 Vehicles, driving and site traffic

• Drivers hold the correct licence, checked on recruitment and periodically
• Vans serviced on schedule and checked daily, with loads secured and within weight limits
• No hand-held phone use while driving
• Journeys planned to avoid fatigue and unnecessary mileage
• Pedestrians and vehicles separated on site, with banksmen for reversing where needed
• Considerate parking that keeps pavements and junctions clear

3.19 Fire safety and hot works

• Fire risk assessed as part of the RAMS, following HSE HSG168
• Hot works avoided where possible, otherwise under permit
• Escape routes, fire doors and alarms in occupied buildings kept working
• Fire extinguishers carried in vans and at the point of hot work
• Waste and flammable materials removed regularly
• Gas cylinders stored upright, secured and away from buildings at the end of the day

3.20 Work in occupied premises and protection of the public

• Work planned with the homeowner or site manager, with agreed hours, access and isolations
• Work areas barriered, signed and secured when unattended
• Tools and materials never left where residents, children or the public can reach them
• Dust, noise and disruption kept to a minimum
• Essential services restored or temporary supplies provided
• Pavements and roads kept clear, with permits for skips and scaffolds on the highway

3.21 Safeguarding

• DBS checks for operatives working in care homes, schools and supported living, at the level the setting requires
• Operatives sign in, wear ID and are never left alone with residents or children
• Safeguarding concerns reported straight away under our Safeguarding Policy (ATK-POL-08)

3.22 Lone working and out-of-hours call-outs

• Lone working risk assessed, and high-risk tasks are never done alone
• Check-in with the office or emergency line on arrival and on completion
• Mobile phone carried and charged
• Authority to withdraw and escalate if a situation feels unsafe
• Out-of-hours call-outs logged with location and expected finish time

3.23 Personal protective equipment

• PPE is the last line of defence, used after other controls
• Provided free of charge, suitable for the task and the wearer, and replaced when worn or damaged
• Minimum on construction sites: safety boots and hi-vis, with head, eye, hand, hearing and respiratory protection as the RAMS requires
• Training on correct use, storage and checks

3.24 Welfare

• Toilets, washing facilities with hot and cold water, drinking water, somewhere to eat and rest, and somewhere to dry clothes, in line with CDM 2015 Schedule 2
• In homes, welfare arrangements agreed with the customer or provided by us
• On larger sites, welfare units set up before work starts

3.25 First aid

• First aid needs assessed for each job and for our premises
• First aid kits in every van and on every site
• Trained first aiders and appointed persons, identified at the RAMS briefing
• Nearest A&E recorded on the site-specific RAMS

3.26 Accidents, incidents and RIDDOR

• Every accident, near miss, dangerous occurrence and damage reported to the office the same day
• Accident book completed for injuries
• Investigations proportionate to the actual or potential harm, looking for root causes not blame
• Reportable incidents notified to the HSE under RIDDOR within the required time (Appendix B)
• Lessons learned shared through toolbox talks and RAMS updates

3.27 Emergency procedures

• Emergency arrangements recorded in every site-specific RAMS
• Gas escape: no switches or flames, ventilate, evacuate, call 0800 111 999
• Service strike: keep clear, isolate if safe, contact the network operator (105 for power)
• Fire: raise the alarm, evacuate, call 999
• Serious injury: first aid, call 999, preserve the scene and inform the office

3.28 Occupational health and health surveillance

• Health surveillance where required by law: noise (hearing), vibration (HAVS), respiratory sensitisers and dermatitis risks
• Face-fit testing for tight-fitting respirators
• Occupational health referral where work may be affecting someone's health
• Records kept confidentially

3.29 Mental health and wellbeing

• Construction has a high suicide rate and we take mental health as seriously as physical safety
• Managers trained to spot signs of stress and have supportive conversations
• Reasonable workloads, travel and hours planned
• Signposting to support services, including the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
• An open culture where people can speak up without fear

3.30 Drugs and alcohol

Nobody may work, drive or operate plant under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Our Drugs and Alcohol Policy (ATK-POL-11) sets out the rules, support available and the action we take.

3.31 Young persons and new and expectant mothers

• Specific risk assessments for workers under 18, taking account of inexperience and immaturity
• Young persons kept away from prohibited high-risk work and always supervised
• Risk assessment reviewed when an employee tells us she is pregnant, has given birth in the last six months or is breastfeeding

3.32 Training and competence

• Competence checked on recruitment: qualifications, registrations and experience
• Induction for every new starter covering this policy, site rules and emergency arrangements
• Trade registrations maintained: Gas Safe, NICEIC or NAPIT, and industry cards appropriate to the trade
• Task training: asbestos awareness, manual handling, working at height, PASMA, IPAF, plant and first aid as required (Appendix D)
• Toolbox talks on site, at least monthly and after incidents
• Training records kept and refresher dates tracked

3.33 Consultation and communication

• Employees consulted directly on health and safety matters, including new equipment, procedures and changes to work
• Toolbox talks, RAMS briefings and team meetings used to share information and listen
• Health and safety law poster displayed and given to employees
• Concerns can be raised with any manager, the competent adviser or the Managing Director, and under our Whistleblowing Policy

3.34 Specialist contractors

• Selected for competence and resources: accreditations, insurance, health and safety record and references
• Their RAMS reviewed before work starts
• Inducted to the site and our rules, and supervised
• Performance reviewed after the job

3.35 Purchasing and supply chain

• Health and safety considered when buying plant, tools, PPE and materials
• Safer and lower-hazard products chosen where available
• Suppliers expected to meet our standards, including our Modern Slavery Policy

3.36 Office work and display screen equipment

• Workstation assessments for regular DSE users
• Eyesight tests provided on request for DSE users
• Office fire risk assessment, first aid and emergency procedures in place

3.37 Weather and environmental conditions

• Forecasts checked daily for outdoor and roof work
• Work stopped in high winds, lightning, ice or heavy rain where it affects safety
• Water, shade and breaks in hot weather, warm clothing and breaks in cold weather
• Sun protection advice for outdoor work

3.38 Biological hazards

• Precautions for sewage, drains and contaminated ground, including leptospirosis awareness
• Pigeon droppings, rodent infestations and mould assessed and controlled
• Needles and sharps not handled by hand, reported and removed safely
• Good hygiene and welfare with hot water for washing

3.39 Stop work authority

Everyone who works for or with ATKINSONS has the right and the duty to stop any work they believe is unsafe, and to report it. Nobody will be criticised or disciplined for stopping a job in good faith on safety grounds.

3.40 Monitoring, inspection and audit

We check that this policy is working through active monitoring (before things go wrong) and reactive monitoring (after they do).

Key performance indicators

• Accidents, RIDDOR reportable incidents and accident frequency
• Near misses and hazard reports raised
• Site inspections and audits completed, and actions closed out
• RAMS briefed and signed before work starts
• Training and refresher compliance
• Toolbox talks delivered
• Health surveillance and face-fit testing completed

3.41 Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year by the Managing Director with the competent adviser, and sooner after a significant incident, a change in the law, a change in the work we do or the findings of an audit. Changes are briefed to all employees.

Appendix A. Risk rating matrix

Risk = likelihood (1 rare to 5 almost certain) x severity (1 minor to 5 fatal).

Appendix B. RIDDOR quick guide

Over-3-day incapacitation is recorded in the accident book but not reported. Gas incidents are also reported by Gas Safe registered businesses under RIDDOR regulation 11.

Appendix C. Inspection and examination frequencies

Appendix D. Training and competence matrix

Appendix E. Legislation and guidance register

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and HSE L153
• Work at Height Regulations 2005
• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and HSE L143
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and HSE EH40
• Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, BS 7671, HSE GS38 and HSG107
• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
• Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and HSE HSG168
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
• Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and HSE L74
• Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
• Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Building Safety Act 2022
• HSE HSG65 Managing for health and safety
• HSE HSG47 Avoiding danger from underground services
• HSE HSG33 Health and safety in roof work

Appendix F. Emergency contacts

Appendix G. Related documents

• ATK-HS-01 Health and Safety Policy Statement
• ATK-HS-02 Site Rules and Induction
• ATK-RAMS-01 to 06 Sample risk assessments and method statements
• ATK-POL-03 Environmental Policy
• ATK-POL-08 Safeguarding Policy
• ATK-POL-10 Whistleblowing Policy
• ATK-POL-11 Drugs and Alcohol Policy
• ATK-PQ-01 Company Compliance Summary