HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Our ‘Statement of Intent’ and arrangements for ensuring high quality Health and Safety provision at Worle Community S...
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HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT Our ‘Statement of Intent’ and arrangements for ensuring high quality Health and Safety provision at Worle Community School. The Board of Governors, the WWtrust and the Head teacher regard the promotion of good Health and Safety practice at Worle Community School as of the highest importance. The safety of those who study, work at, or visit the school, is always our paramount concern. Our Health and Safety policy and practices will seek to protect from injury and work related ill health all those who come to Worle Community School. We will achieve this by employing a suitably qualified Health and Safety professional, who will oversee and implement the provisions of a school specific Health and Safety policy with the intention of; • • • • •

Assessing and controlling risks and hazards as part of the day-to-day management of the school. Providing and maintaining safe, healthy and secure working conditions. Ensuring a climate of awareness and vigilance is maintained by all persons within school and during out of school activities. Ensuring the provision of safety awareness induction training, role and task specific safety training and periodic refresher training. Providing for the periodic review of the effectiveness of the Health and Safety regime in keeping staff, students and visitors safe from accidents or work related illness.

In order to help us achieve a safe school we remind staff, students and visitors they have a legal duty to co-operate with the terms of the Health and Safety policy by; taking reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, and to not interfere with any equipment provided for the purposes of managing Health and Safety in the school. (Health and Safety at Work Act – 1974) To assist in achieving our aims, health and safety responsibilities have been assigned across the organisation. We will provide the appropriate training and support to ensure that those with responsibilities are able to fulfill them. We require the full and active co-operation of all employees, students and visitors in order that the principles in this policy statement may be achieved.

Peter Binding (Head teacher)

David Elliot (Chair of Governors)

Signature:

Signature:

Date:

Date:

2nd September 2015 (review date Sept 2016)

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY – ORGANISATION The following is a summary of individual responsibilities in relation to health and safety management at Worle Community School. For clarification; school employees who perform a dual role (e.g. Head of House and Teacher) will need to refer and comply with the responsibilities listed below for each role, in addition to the Employee Duties (All Staff) heading. Governors Governors need to retain a high level of understanding of health and safety performance, issues and matters within the school and to demonstrate a clear commitment to health and safety across all sectors of the organisation. To fulfill their duties Governors should ensure: a)

That a school specific health and safety policy is produced, communicated and reviewed / revised as necessary;

b)

That risk assessments of work activities are undertaken, with a written record of these assessments kept and reviewed regularly;

c)

That sufficient funding is allocated and authorised for health and safety issues e.g. major expenditure for maintenance issues, training, provision of personal protective clothing etc;

d)

That health and safety inspections of the premises are carried out on a termly basis;

e)

That the Governing Body receives an annual report from the Head teacher on the safety performance of the school;

f)

That the Governing body appoints a Governor to the role of Health and Safety Governor.

g)

That there is a forum (e.g. Leadership, Finance & Personnel Governor meetings) to formerly discuss issues on Health & Safety and agree action plans and also ensure it is considered when making all business discussions.

Head teacher The Head teacher carries responsibility for acting on behalf of the Governing Body to ensure compliance with health, safety and welfare legislation and has overall accountability for the effectiveness and implementation of this policy. Key Responsibilities Include: a)

Maintain strong, positive health and safety attitudes among staff and students.

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b)

Actively promoting communication and ensure channels are in place to enable multi directional communications.

c)

Ensuring that there is effective and efficient approach in terms of health & safety management and that adequate resources are made available

d)

Ensuring that all members of staff, contractors, and visitors are aware of the contents of the school health and safety policy and relevant safe working practices.

e)

Ensuring that a suitable organisational structure in place and appoint staff to undertake specific duties in relation to health and safety; acting as coordinator for the school on health and safety matters affecting the school.

Business Manager The Business Manager is responsible for the health and safety of the school premises and for the support staff they line manage. Their duties include: a)

Devise a Health and Safety strategic plan that includes a robust Safety Management System within the school.

b)

Responsibility for Premises and Facilities including overseeing of any community dual use and commercial lettings.

c)

Contract Management for all supplies and services including monitoring and quality assurance e.g. Cleaning Contract.

d)

Project Management of construction projects, including the preparation and implementation of R & M Plan and development of the long term strategic plan for site development.

e)

Ensuring that effective first aid provision and accident reporting procedures are in place; including the selection of First Aid trained personnel that are appropriate for the schools needs

f)

Providing an annual report to the Governors of the school regarding safety performance.

g)

Liaison with Governors with regards to Health and Safety funding, issues, policies, etc.

h)

Take a lead role with accident or incident investigations.

i)

Develop and maintain strong, positive health and safety attitudes among those employees reporting directly to them.

j)

Develop a training plan for these staff by identifying their training and ensure that they understand and are suitably competent to carry out their health and safety responsibilities.

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k)

Trained and associated responsibilities as the Fire Co-ordinator and Responsible Person in the School for Fire Safety.

Deputy Heads / Heads of Department / Year Head / Head or Deputy of Houses Deputy Heads/Head of Departments/Year Heads / Head or Deputy Head of Houses are responsible to the Head teacher for the health and safety of all teaching staff, students, workplaces and activities under their control. To achieve this, their duties include; a)

Develop and maintain strong, positive health and safety attitudes among those employees reporting directly to them; ensuring that a health and safety awareness culture is also developed with the pupils.

b)

Ensure that all teaching staff, probationers/students/supply teachers and voluntary helpers are aware of the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy, and the safe working practices that apply to their area of activity.

c)

Develop a training plan for their staff by identifying their training needs and ensure that they understand and are suitably competent to carry out their health and safety responsibilities.

d)

Keep health and safety as a high profile topic during departmental meetings and ensure that communication channels are in place to enable multi directional communications.

e)

Ensure risk assessments are carried out, monitored and reviewed by competent staff.

f)

Where it is appropriate, ensure that there is an up to date health and safety policy in place for their department.

g)

Take effective action and/or immediately referring to the School Business Manager or Health & Safety Officer any health and safety problems brought to their attention.

h)

Assist, if required, in the investigations should an accident or incident occur.

i)

Monitor housekeeping and safe storage to ensure it is acceptable standards, of all areas of their responsibility.

Teaching Staff Their duties include: a)

Promoting a positive health and safety culture amongst students. For example by; - promoting and stressing the importance of following health and safety rules and ensuring these are understood.

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- giving briefs of health and safety, and referral to specific risk assessments into lesson plans, especially before any hazardous / high risk activities and lessons. b)

Exercising effective supervision of pupils.

c)

Participate in the risk assessment process, including carrying out monitoring or reviewing of these as required, and ensuring that the risk assessment control measures are followed.

d)

Ensuring that where necessary, the appropriate protective clothing, guards etc. are available, in good condition and are used and that all electrical equipment is visually checked before use.

e)

Ensuring that students, colleagues and volunteers are aware of the general health and safety requirements of the school (e.g. emergency procedures, etc) as well as any specific requirements relevant to them.

f)

Maintain awareness of emergency evacuation procedures.

g)

Highlighting any training needs deemed necessary to fulfil their role to their immediate line manager.

h)

Ensuring their direct areas of responsibility are well managed in terms of housekeeping and safe storage of materials and equipment.

Health & Safety Officer The Health & Safety Officer will work with and support the Business Manager to ensure that the school works towards, achieves and maintains compliance with Health & Safety legislation. Their duties include: a)

Conduct audits to assess compliance towards organisational policies and procedures.

b)

Monitor and report on the schools Health & Safety documentation and performance to ensure compliance, making recommendations for action as appropriate.

c)

Provide specialist Health & Safety advice, guidance and training to staff.

d)

Assist or lead in the review and development of Health and Safety policies and procedures and ensuring these are made available to staff.

e)

Analyse accident and incident data to identify trends and provide recommendations for improvement.

f)

Ensuring that generic risk assessments are completed, and assist the subject matter expert with specific ones as appropriate on an activity those poses a high risk or that has a significant associated hazard.

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g)

Undertaking inspections of the school premises, plant, equipment and working practices on a termly basis; recording and escalating findings.

School Medical Room Assistant. Their duties include: a)

Ensuring adherence to the Schools Medical Policy

b)

Providing advice, treatment and updating records for those visiting the Medical room; ensuring appropriate communication to parents / guardians.

c)

Maintain and replenish all first aid stock and related records.

d)

Increase awareness of medical conditions and specific pupil care plans by helping to arrange the delivery of training to staff, ensuring that for example staff are also confident in using personal medical equipment such as Epipens, inhalers, etc.

e)

Work with other health care professionals and NSC PCT to ensure that students requiring medical needs/care plans are completed, and that these are shared or communicated as appropriate.

Site Manager & Site Team Their duties include: a)

To undertake a range of duties, including maintenance and repair of buildings and environment, ensuring their safety and security and carrying out related improvements.

b)

Engage with contractors and monitoring of their works to ensure compliance with their method statements and risk assessments.

c)

Ensure that a permit to work scheme is in place (e.g. for hot works) and adhered to by contractors.

d)

Responsibility for the general tidiness and safety of the outside areas.

e)

To ensure the management of statuary health and safety tests and associated records are kept up to date and are accessible; such as for fire equipment and procedures, equipment maintenance, and the schools asbestos register.

f)

To assist in carrying out fire risk assessments. To monitor their effectiveness; liaising with external agencies as necessary, and the maintenance and checks of fire equipment.

g)

To complete, maintain and regularly review all associated Health & Safety document relevant to their roles, such as; all risk assessments, method statements and carrying out their roles in accordance with these.

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Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) Their duties include: a)

To complete risk assessments for individual SEN students and to review and communicate these as appropriate.

b)

Disseminate information, provide guidance and support to departments about SEN students and appropriate approaches to meet their needs.

Enrichment Programme & Educational Visits Officer Their duties include: a)

To lead in the development and implementation of the school’s annual Curriculum Enrichment programme so it is ensured that health and safety is managed appropriately, e.g. completion or oversight of risk assessments, training is delivered to staff and that vetting of companies or individuals is done.

b)

To manage all high risk assessments for external school visits using the EVOLVE software and deliver training to staff so they are fully aware of the process. \\Worleoes4\shared\CENTRALRESOURCES\STAFF ONLY\School Trips

Work Experience Coordinator Their duties include: a)

Setting up of extended work experience for one or more days for students and ensuring that they are health and safety compliant by; regularly liaison with both the Connexions Advisor and student and ensuring that the relevant paperwork, such as risk assessments and vetting checks are complete.

b)

Ensuring that individual student specific information is provided to these employers, such as medical conditions / allergies so that any such issues can be dealt with appropriately by these employers.

c)

Keeping staff aware of any changes in employment of children, i.e. hours of work that are allowed.

HR & Office Manager Their duties include: a)

To manage and keep up to date staff training records both electronically (e.g. using SIMS) and in paper form, such as the filing of exam / training certificates.

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b)

Ensure timely reports are obtained and distributed so that staff have sufficient notice prior to any training or qualifications expiring.

Fire Marshalls The school employs and trains adequate numbers of staff who receive formal training in order to be equipped to carry out their duties, which include assisting both during evacuation and in the day-to-day management of fire safety on site. Employee Duties (All Staff) All staff, regardless of role should adopt a positive attitude towards health & safety. To comply with the section 7 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 they must in particular; a)

Take reasonable care for the health & safety of themselves and others, which includes ensuring their actions or omissions will not put the safety of others at risk.

b)

Cooperate with managers on all Health and Safety matters.

c)

Make suggestions to improve any areas of Health and Safety especially with their specific working knowledge of an area or task.

d)

Familiarise and follow the safe operating procedures and Health and Safety rules, for safe operation and performance of their roles.

e)

Participate in all required Health & Safety training relevant to their role.

f)

Complete, or assist with the completion of risk assessments as required and that they consult with relevant risk assessments in respect of their activities.

g)

Report to the appropriate individual or team any defects in equipment, identified inadequacies in procedures, and incidents or near misses.

h)

Follow the established procedures and co-operate with investigations if accidents or emergencies occur.

In order to keep health and safety at the forefront of employees’ minds it may be useful to remember the following statement from the DfE School Premises Regulations 2012; ‘teachers and other school staff have a common law duty to

act as any prudent parent would do when in charge of pupils’. Visitors Visitors to the School have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the health safety for both themselves and others. This includes familiarizing there selves with Health & Safety procedures / instructions given to them by their ‘host’.

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Trade Union and Other Safety Representatives Any Trade Union Safety Representative will be encouraged by the Head teacher to fulfill his/her duties as well as being released for any appropriate training. The Safety Representative will also be regularly consulted with on Health & Safety matters and be invited to attend committee meetings where this is discussed. He/she maybe entitled to carry out a range of functions as detailed in legislation, which include inspection of the school in accordance with the agreed Trade Union/Authority procedures. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg232.pdf Students Students have a responsibility for their own safety and that of others. They must ensure that their behaviour is orderly and contribute to a civilised environment in which effective learning can take place and students can mature in a harmonious atmosphere. Behaviour which jeopardises the education, safety or sense of security of other students will not be tolerated. Students are expected to act and co-operate with instructions they receive from teachers. Please click this link for the ‘Behaviour for Learning Policy’

The Local Authority Councils have a duty to provide certain health and safety services for schools. In summary these cover: a)

To provide a model Health and Safety policy, outlining the clear policy statement, roles and responsibilities and the arrangements necessary to implement the health and safety standards.

b)

To provide advice to schools and Governors on complying with health and safety legislation.

c)

Monitor performance of health and safety in schools, such as through audits, inspections (e.g. carrying out Fire Risk Assessment as a bought in service by the school), accidents and identifying trends and analysis.

d)

HSE reporting on behalf of schools on RIDDOR reportable accidents. (For a full range of services refer to the Service Level Agreement)

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Worle Community School – H&S Organisational Chart Board of Governors

Headteacher

Site Team

Business Manager

Head of Departments

Health & Safety Officer

Teaching Staff

Support Staff Contractors / Visitors 2nd September 2015 (review date Sept 2016)

Students