Statement of Intent
The Smith Institute regards health and safety as an integral part of its business and as a management priority.
The Institute’s Board of Directors recognise that under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 they have a legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees and that they have certain duties towards the public, people who use the workplace premises and their designated system of work.
The Board accept these duties and will continue to promote standards of health, safety and welfare that comply with the above Act, Regulations made under that Act and approved Codes of Practice.
In line with the Institute’s core value of Integrity, our aim is that all work will be carried out safely and we aim for excellence in our approach to health and safety compliance. Compliance with current health and safety legislation is therefore regarded as the minimum standard acceptable.
Responsibilities
The Institute’s Employee Health and Safety Officers (Competent Person, within the meaning of the relevant legislation) cover First Aid, accidents and injuries and office safety. The Institute’s Employee Health and Safety Officers engage in relevant training and refresher training.
The objectives described in this policy are of paramount importance to the Institute’s business operations and the Executive Group are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this policy are achieved.
All employees of the Institute are expected and required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and to co-operate with the Institute in managing health and safety risk. Employees are encouraged to be proactive in relation to health and safety matters in accordance with the Institute’s core value of Being Supportive and as part of the continued development of the health and safety culture of the organisation.
All employees of the Institute are expected to read the Health and Safety section of the Staff Handbook and carry out their defined responsibilities.
All contractors and sub-contractors who from time to time may carry out work on behalf of the Institute are required to cooperate with the Institute in implementing this policy and shall take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they do not place themselves or others at risk in the course of carrying out their duties.
The Smith Institute will offer training as appropriate and provide adequate financial and practical resources so that legal obligations are met.
Risk Assessments
The Institute takes a proactive approach to assessing risk and encourages staff to identify areas for concern. An annual risk assessment of the business premises is undertaken and specific risk assessments are conducted where appropriate. Individual risk assessments are carried out in relation to New and Expectant Mothers by line managers. Bespoke templates will be adopted when a need arises to assess a specific risk and/or to carry out (an) individual risk assessment(s).
Businesses Premises
In ensuring the safety of their business premises, the Institute procures professional support to conduct an annual assessment and report of risk and control measures relating to health and safety and fire safety (the Report). The assessment follows the following standards:
- Health and Safety at Work Act, etc. 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- Other relevant British health and safety legislation made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Occupiers Liability Act 1984.
- Government guidance documents supporting the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- PAS 79: 2012 Fire Risk Assessment-Guidance and Recommended Methodology.
- Building Regulations (Part B).
- BS9999: 2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.
- BS9991: 2015 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.
- Other relevant technical British and European standards.
The Report sets out a summary of findings, identifying key priorities and setting appropriate timescales for required actions. The Institute ensures that all control measures are applied, and action is taken in line with the standards and timescales set out in the Report so far as is reasonably practicable.