Health and Safety and Accident Prevention Policy

1 Health & Safety & Accident Prevention Policy

This section details the arrangements for the effective management of health and safety within Inspired PLC and covers all corporate subsidiaries as listed on the UK Companies House register.

A copy of our current general statement of health and safety and accident prevention policy can be found in Part 1. This sets out our commitment to provide and maintain safe working conditions for our employees and others who may be affected by our activities.

We will ensure that the objectives of this statement are communicated to our employees, initially through our induction training and our Employee Handbook. We will also monitor progress towards these objectives at senior management level and we will review them annually in consultation with our employees and other interested parties.

The policy is supported by our health and safety management system which details our arrangements for the effective management of our significant risks and exposures. This includes detailed policies and procedures, our process for assessing risk, and our arrangements for emergencies, fire and first aid etc.

To meet the objectives of our health and safety and accident prevention policy we have established and implemented clear responsibilities for health and safety; see the chart in Part 2.

We are aware that senior managers within the company are individually and collectively responsible for health and safety. Therefore, specific responsibility for health and safety has been assigned to Nick Bell (see Part 3). We have appointed Nick as the person with overall responsibility for health and safety.

Nick is responsible for managing health and safety matters on a day-to-day basis; Nick and Andrea Clay (Group Office Manager) may also be assisted by local Managers as delegated. Nick will manage our health and safety programme, ensuring that all the essential elements of the system are implemented, monitored and reviewed including management of third-party expertise that the company brings in for advisory services. However, we are aware that we can only meet our objectives through the efforts of our employees; therefore, we have established clear lines of communication and encourage our employees to co-operate with us in achieving our objectives.

We have established a clear policy on consultation. We recognise that the key to successful health and safety management is to ensure each employee is competent to carry out their responsibilities. To this end we have developed and implemented a training policy which clearly defines who is responsible for training and identifies what training each individual needs, based on the results of our risk assessments. Each individual's training requirements are identified in a training matrix, and this is supported by general responsibilities contained in the Health and Safety Handbook and individual work instructions for specific tasks and processes.
 

2 Part 1 - Health & Safety - General Statement of Intent

The following is produced in pursuance of the company's obligations under, Section 2 (3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Inspired PLC recognises and accepts its responsibilities as an employer for providing a safe and healthy workplace and environment for all its employees. The company will take all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that the Health, Safety and Environment considerations affecting the general public and any other persons who may be affected by its activities are controlled.

The company will take all steps within its power, so far, as is reasonably practicable to meet this responsibility, and undertake all risk assessments as required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Management of Health and Safety Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.

All employees must abide by the company's policy and the organisation and arrangements for implementing the policy and must accept and carry out their individual responsibilities to ensure work is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Inspired PLC recognises that this safety policy cannot be successful without the active participation and commitment of all staff and must be observed by all members of staff at all times.

Whilst the Management of the Company accepts its prime responsibilities for ensuring the Health and Safety of its employees, it is required that all employees accept and fulfil their duties under Section 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 wherein they are required:

• a) To take all reasonable care for their own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
• b) To co-operate with Management to enable them to fulfil any statutory requirements.
• c) Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for their Health and Safety.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and all associated statutory legislation and any Work Rules or Procedures must be complied with at all times. All employees must contribute to making the Company's work areas as safe and environmentally friendly possible.

The company will take all steps under their control to comply with The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 so far, as is reasonably practicable to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees whilst at work. This will include the providing of a safe and healthy workplace, working environment including access and egress routes and welfare facilities.

Effective communication is essential for the achievement and maintenance of high standards. Good communication involves the flow of relevant communication in all directions throughout the company. All employees, irrespective of their position and responsibilities have an important part to play in communicating effectively.

The company’s policy statement will be reviewed and added to or modified from time to time in respect of new legislative changes and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by further statements relating to the work of a particular section(s) or groups of employees. The Board of Directors will give their full support to all those who endeavour to implement and carry out the Company Policy.

3 Part 2 - Organisation and specific responsibilities

The simple organisational chart below shows the company's arrangements for managing health and safety. This document is provided purely for health and safety purposes and does not necessarily represent the organisation for other business activities. It is supported by the specific responsibilities detailed further in this section.

The following responsibilities have been assigned to competent people to enable us to meet the objectives of our health and safety and accident prevention policy.

3.1 Mark Dickinson – Chief Executive Officer

The CEO has overall responsibility for the formulation and implementation of the company's health and safety and accident prevention policy, and in particular for:

• Ensuring that the necessary arrangements are in place for managing health and safety effectively, and that senior managers are accountable for health and safety.
• Considering health and safety during the planning and implementation of business strategy.
• Ensuring there are sufficient resources for meeting the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy.
• Ensuring arrangements are in place for consultation with employees and that they are involved in decisions relating to health and safety, and that progress in relation to health and safety is communicated to them.
• Including health and safety on the agenda of Board meetings and senior executive meetings.
• Ensuring arrangements are in place to monitor and review health and safety performance across the company, including accidents and incidents; and ensuring that the necessary amendments are made to relevant policies, procedures and processes.
• Reviewing the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy on an annual basis.

3.2 Employees

It is the duty of all employees to take all reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves, and any other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. They must also co-operate with senior managers and other employees in fulfilling our objectives and statutory duties, and in particular:

• Comply with the training, information and instruction they have been given.
• Not attempt to carry out hazardous work or use hazardous machinery unless they have been trained and authorised to do so.
• Carry out their work safely and without undue risk to themselves, colleagues and others who may be affected by their actions, and not intentionally interfere, misuse or ignore arrangements, controls and items provide for health and safety purposes.
• Check tools and equipment before using them, and not to use equipment which they know to be faulty.
• Ensure that any damaged equipment is reported immediately to their manager/supervisor and removed from service until it is repaired.
• Not bring any equipment, tools, radios, etc. onto company premises without first obtaining permission from their supervisor/manager.
• Conduct themselves in a responsible manner while on company business, be alert for hazards and refrain from any form of horseplay.
• Comply with the arrangements for emergencies and fire as they have been instructed.
• Use the personal protective equipment, clothing or safeguards provided and ensure that personal protective equipment is stored correctly and kept in good condition.
• Co-operate with management, colleagues, safety representatives and advisers promoting safe working practices.
• Keep their work areas tidy and clear of hazards.
• Report accidents, incidents and hazards they observe to their manager/supervisor.

This content is included in our Employee Handbook

3.3 Natalie Heseltine – HR Director

Is responsible for, in addition to any duties set out in this document or elsewhere, assisting in meeting the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy, and in particular:

• Monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the health and safety and accident prevention policy.
• Ensuring that safety risk assessments are provided for all significant employee activities and the results of these assessments are implemented and communicated to employees.
• Ensuring that health risk assessments are provided for all employee situations and the results of these assessments are implemented and communicated to employee.
• Ensuring that relevant employee policies, procedures, and safe working practices are provided.
• Ensuring that the arrangements for communication, cooperation and consultation are maintained.
• Promptly informing the Board and senior managers of any significant health and safety failure.

3.4 Andrea Clay – Group Office Manager

• Investigating accidents and incidents and ensure that any improvements identified in relation to working practices are implemented and informing senior management immediately of any significant failures.
• Monitoring health and safety standards on site at regular intervals and ensure remedial action is implemented.
• Ensuring that health and safety records and documentation are complete and are systematically stored.
• Ensuring that employees receive adequate training, information, instruction and supervision to discharge to their specific health and safety responsibilities..
• Ensuring employees under their control comply with relevant health and safety legislation and follow approved procedures and safe systems of work.
• Ensuring that the arrangements for fire, first aid, accidents and emergencies are implemented.
• Ensuring that contractors are competent for the work they carry out, to operate an effective permit to work system, and to monitor contractors' performance.
• Ensuring that appropriate procedures are in place for the purchase, maintenance and use of work equipment, and that the health and safety aspects are fully assessed.
• Ensuring personal protective equipment is provided, worn and maintained.
• Implementing the recommendations made by external auditors, enforcement officers and other relevant parties, within the timescales allocated.

3.5 Andrea Clay – Fire Wardens

• Fire Wardens are responsible for, in addition to any duties set out in this document or elsewhere assisting in meeting the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy, and in particular:
• Being familiar with the emergency procedures.
• Taking appropriate and effective action if a fire occurs.
• Identifying hazards in the workplace and recording and report their observations.
• Ensuring that escape routes and doors are kept clear and are available for use.
• Ensuring fire doors are kept closed.
• Checking suitable and sufficient notices are displayed.
• Ensuring appropriate extinguishers are in place and are subject to regular maintenance.
• Ensuring fire alarms and emergency lighting is checked and serviced.
• If a fire is discovered, the fire wardens should:
• Ensure that the alarm has been raised.
• Check that manufacturing processes have been made safe.
• Collect roll call register.
• Evacuate staff from the building or area involved and check that any staff or visitors with disabilities are assisted as planned.
• Ensure the fire service has been called.
• Go to the designated assembly point.
• Conduct a roll call.
• Ensure all persons have been accounted for and remain in the roll call area until instructed otherwise.
• Report to the senior manager to confirm all persons are accounted for and report any persons missing.

FIRE WARDENS MUST NEVER PUT THEMSELVES AT RISK WHILE UNDERTAKING THEIR ROLE

3.6 Andrea Clay – First Aiders

First Aiders are responsible for, in addition to any duties set out in this document or elsewhere, assisting in meeting the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy, and in particular:

• Being familiar with the emergency procedures and ensuring suitable and sufficient notices are displayed detailing the procedures.
• Maintaining a valid first aid at work certificate issued by an approved awarding body
• Attending appropriate additional courses to maintain their expertise as required remain up to date on the latest treatments.
• Being aware of the various hazards likely to be the cause of injury and the appropriate first-aid treatment necessary.
• Taking charge when someone is injured or falls ill and providing treatment or advice within the limits of their training and experience and referring any cases of doubt to a hospital or doctor.
• Checking that appropriate and sufficient first-aid boxes are sited about the premises and they are properly stocked and maintained.
• Checking that appropriate and sufficient eye wash facilities are sited about the premises and maintained.
• Recording details of all accidents and treatments in the appropriate incident log.
• Ensuring the Relevant Manager is advised of all accident and incidents to ensure the appropriate investigations can be completed.

3.7 Nick Bell – Director: Compliance and Integration

Is responsible for, in addition to any duties set out in this document or elsewhere, the day to day management of health and safety and ensuring that the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy are implemented, and in particular:

• Ensuring that health and safety is considered prior to the implementation of new processes.
• Ensuring that suitable policies and procedures are provided and implemented to meet the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy.
• Ensuring that there is a training policy in place so that employees are competent for their respective roles and their health and safety responsibilities.
• Ensuring that arrangements are in place for the elimination or control of risks in relation to health and safety.
• Ensuring suitable emergency arrangements are in place in relation to fire, accidents and first aid.
• Ensuring that the health and safety management system is implemented.
• Ensuring that responsibilities for health and safety are clearly allocated,
• Ensuring suitable controls are in place for the effective management of contractors.
• Ensure that reports and recommendations provided by enforcement bodies, external consultants and other such bodies are evaluated and actioned without delay.
• Management of third party Health and Safety providers, including the competent person and advisory service from Bill Rogerson Safety Services Ltd.
• Monitoring performance in relation to health and safety and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of progress against the objectives of the health and safety and accident prevention policy and providing the Board with regular reports on health and safety performance, including recommendations for improvements.
• Reviewing accidents and other incidents in relation to health and safety and reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board on the outcome of these investigations.
• Informing the Chief Executive Officer of any situation which may affect or incur adverse publicity.

Part 3 – Arrangements

• Inspired PLC have Policies and Procedures in place to ensure that the following are managed and controlled:
• Risk Assessment
• COVID-19
• COSHH
• Fire
• First Aid
• Manual Handling
• Display Screen Equipment
• Training
• Consultation
• Equipment
• Electricity
• Welfare
• Management of Contractors