Health and Safety Policy
Last Reviewed: March 2024
It is the responsibility of all Parish Councillors and employees of the Council to be aware of the following policy statements on Health and Safety and of the organisational arrangements made to implement these policies.
THE PARISH COUNCIL’S SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
1. Witham St Hughs Parish Council, in accordance with the requirements of The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999), accepts its duty to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions for all its employees. It also accepts its duty of care to other persons such as volunteers and contractors who work on behalf of the Council.
2. The Parish Council will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it complies with the law on health, safety and welfare and any relevant Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Guidance. It will provide the resources to ensure the safety of its employees and others affected by its work.
3. The Parish Council will take all steps, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensure: -
(i) That information, instruction, training, supervision, equipment, and facilities necessary to achieve safe working are provided.
(ii) That any work done is performed in a safe manner to protect employees, volunteers, Councillors and the public alike.
(iii) COSHH, MDS or safety instruction sheets are in place for the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of all substances and equipment used on Council premises that may endanger health & welfare.
(iv) That this policy is brought to the attention of all employees and councilors and reviewed annually.
(v) That, when necessary, there is consultation and negotiation with employees on health, safety, and welfare at work to ensure continuing improvement.
4. The Parish Council is responsible for managing health and safety; however, health & safety is everyone’s responsibility.
5. The Clerk should keep copies of relevant health and safety documents.
6. All Parish Councillors, employees and volunteers have a duty to work safely and NOT put others at risk.
7. Day-to-day matters of Health and Safety are dealt with by the Clerk acting on behalf of the Parish Council.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
REPORTING ACCIDENTS, INCIDENTS
All accidents, no matter how small, must be reported in the first instance to the Clerk and details entered in the Accident Book. Thereafter, all such accidents will be brought to the attention of the Parish Council. In the event of a serious injury or dangerous incident, the Chairperson, or in their absence the Vice Chairperson should be informed immediately.
REVISION OF SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Parish Council will revise this policy statement as often as may be appropriate to ensure the contents remain accurate and valid considering changing practices and statutory requirements.