Health and Safety Policy for Practice Contracts Ltd

1. Introduction
Practice Contracts Ltd is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all our employees, contractors, clients, and visitors. We recognise that a safe and healthy working environment is essential for the well-being of everyone involved and for the success of our business. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks and the responsibilities of all employees in maintaining a safe workplace.

2. Objective
The aim of this policy is to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent accidents, ill health, and injuries. We are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and industry standards.

3. Responsibilities

  • Employer's Responsibilities: Practice Contracts Ltd is responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment. This includes:

    • Ensuring compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations.

    • Providing appropriate training, guidance, and resources to employees.

    • Regularly assessing and managing health and safety risks in the workplace.

    • Reporting and investigating accidents and incidents to prevent recurrence.

  • Employees’ Responsibilities: Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

    • Following all health and safety procedures and instructions.

    • Using personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety tools as required.

    • Reporting any hazards, unsafe practices, or accidents to their supervisor or manager immediately.

    • Cooperating with health and safety training and assessments.

4. Risk Assessment
We conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace. This helps us to take appropriate action to eliminate or control risks, including:

  • Conducting site-specific assessments for work on client locations.

  • Identifying hazards such as machinery, equipment, chemicals, and manual handling.

  • Implementing control measures to minimise risk, such as training, safe work practices, and PPE.

5. Training and Awareness
Practice Contracts Ltd will provide health and safety training to all employees, including:

  • Induction training for new employees on safety procedures and protocols.

  • Ongoing training on specific hazards, first aid, fire safety, and emergency procedures.

  • Refresher training as needed, particularly when new equipment, tools, or safety regulations are introduced.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Where necessary, employees will be provided with the appropriate PPE for the tasks they are required to carry out. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Safety helmets, gloves, and goggles.

  • Hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory equipment.

  • Employees must wear the required PPE when working in hazardous environments and ensure that it is kept in good condition.

7. Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents, near misses, and incidents, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately. We have a clear procedure for reporting and investigating accidents, which includes:

  • Completing an accident report form.

  • A supervisor or manager conducting an investigation to identify causes and implement corrective actions.

  • Keeping records of accidents and incidents for monitoring purposes and compliance.

8. Emergency Procedures
In case of an emergency, such as a fire, injury, or other serious incidents, employees must:

  • Follow the established emergency procedures, including evacuations and first aid.

  • Be familiar with emergency exits, assembly points, and emergency contact numbers.

  • Report any unsafe conditions or emergencies to the designated safety officer or supervisor immediately.

9. Health and Wellbeing
Practice Contracts Ltd is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all employees, including:

  • Encouraging a positive work-life balance.

  • Offering support for mental health, including access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) where available.

  • Promoting good ergonomics and breaks from repetitive tasks to avoid strain or injury.

10. Review and Continuous Improvement
We will regularly review and update this Health and Safety Policy, including:

  • Ongoing risk assessments and safety audits.

  • Employee feedback on safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.

  • Monitoring incidents and trends to ensure that corrective actions are effective.

11. Conclusion
The health, safety, and welfare of our employees is a priority at Practice Contracts Ltd. By working together, we can maintain a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. All employees are expected to adhere to this policy, and management is committed to providing the support and resources necessary to achieve this goal.

Signed:

Brian Doran
Managing Director
Practice Contracts Ltd
NOV 2024

This Health and Safety Policy ensures that all employees of Practice Contracts Ltd understand the importance of maintaining a safe working environment and are equipped with the knowledge and resources to do so.