Health and Safety Policy
Over 5000 people are injured every year in offices alone.
It is everyone's responsibility to help prevent accidents happening.
Machinery is not the only cause of accidents. Awareness of safety comes only from practice - avoid taking unnecessary
risks, showing courtesy and consideration to others at all times.
Don't let familiarity make you contemptuous of danger. You can help by following simple guidelines.
Wear
refelective jackets and safety boots AT ALL TIMES.
Keep your work area tidy.
Keep corridors and pavements clear of packing materials & other hazards.
Think before you lift anything.
Ensure electric cables are not causing obstructions.
Risk Assessments
In accordance with health & safety legislation and following our recent discussions I have drawn what is known as a risk assessment to minimise the possibilities of any accidents to employees or members of the public. I would ask you to read though the assessment very carefully and bring to my attention any action points you feel may be difficult to implement for any reason. As you are aware I take health & safety matters very seriously and would therefore welcome any feedback. Please be aware that this assessment is to be implemented with immediate effect.The Van
Please ensure seatbelts are worn at all times even on the shortest of journeys. If carrying passengers it is the drivers responsibility to ensure that they are wearing seatbelts as well.
Only one person (the same person) is responsible for loading/unloading the vehicle as that person will then be aware of any potential loading/unloading hazards. The same person must be responsible for the safe operation of the tail-lift. Members of the public must not be allowed to use the tail-lift or enter the removal vehicle at any time when loading.
Loaders must make every effort to ensure the safety of their load by using webbing and or loading bars to minimise the risk of anything falling in transit or when stationary.
Drivers keep to the speed limits and take as many breaks as possible if on a long trip. Do not drive tired under any circumstances. It is not advisable to use the fast lane of the motorway if loaded. If two drivers are working then the burden of driving must be shared equally.
Drivers to report any defects to me in writing. (e-mail). Drivers are also required to check tyres and tyre pressure water, oil levels, lights etc on a weekly basis and before every journey over 20miles.
Use the light in the rear of the van during hours of darkness (please put security bar on vehicle as engine will need to be kept running).
The first aid kit is kept in the vehicle together with safety jackets and warning triangle. The driver of the vehicle must inform me when any of the items in the first aid box require replacing. It must also be checked on a weekly basis.
All staff to be aware of height restriction in van (11ft) and width restriction (7ft) as the driver may not notice it!!
Drivers must ensure a team member sees them back when reversing on every occasion.
When loading/unloading on an incline or slope, it is all staffs responsibility to ensure vehicle is left in gear with hand-brake firmly on. Also, place blocks under back wheels. There is a VERY SERIOUS risk of death by crushing if the handbrake fails and the vehicle moves back.
When Loading/unloading
You have been given a copy of getting to grips with manual handling but here are the main points for the purpose of the risk assessment;
The Team leader responsible for job must carryout a risk assessment before starting work and ensuring all team members are aware of any potential hazards. Such risks are described in the risk assessment and include slippery steps, dangerous traffic etc where safety jackets should be worn.
Ensure you use all devices to avoid lifting where possible. This will include use of the sack barrow, skate and any other machinery.
