Health & Safety Policy
This policy includes
Statement of General Policy on Health, Safety and Welfare
Organisation and Responsibilities for Health, Safety and Welfare
Arrangements and Procedures for Health, Safety and Welfare
Location Management
Part 1: Statement of General Policy on Health, Safety and Welfare
1. The Owners of the Trail Academy (hereafter referred to as the Owners):
Recognise and accept their responsibilities to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, students and visitors,
Act in accordance with the general health H&S policy of Belmont School.
Require all employees, in the community, to act in accordance with H&S policy and procedures, and require the same of persons that they supervise and take responsibility for.
Ensure that adequate insurance covers all activities under insure4sport policy number I4S514746
2. The Owners will provide as necessary, policy, procedures, arrangements and supervision, sufficient to ensure to comply with all relevant H&S legislation, and will, so far as is reasonably practicable ensure:
A workplace in a safe condition.
A safe working environment.
Safe systems of work.
Safe plant and equipment.
Safe access and egress to all areas of the school and usable locations.
The safety of articles and substances for use at work and in school.
Sufficient Instruction and Training Supervision
In support of the above, the Owners will ensure an adequate process for all necessary risk assessments for the Trail Academy to be carried out and communicated to all relevant persons, and for the significant finding to be properly incorporated into the H&S procedures.
Part 2: Organisation and Responsibilities for Health, Safety and Welfare
The following H&S organisational structure, and roles and responsibilities are approved by the Owners.
1. The Owners
1.1 The Owners approve the H&S Policy and monitor its successful implementation. The Owners further ensures, as administrators of the delegated budget that sufficient and appropriate resources are allocated to implement the H&S Policies. The Owners will specifically:
Include Health and Safety targets in the Business Development Plan.
Targets may include,
Provision of facility for health and safety purposes.
Reductions in accidents/incidents.
Training for staff where necessary, and
revision of policy/procedure
1.2 Nominate a member of staff (H&S) as an H&S link between the Trail Academy and the wider community, who will stay up to date with local and national H&S initiatives and disseminate the information accordingly.
1.3 Be informed and updated of changes to relevant local H&S policies
1.4 Ensure that H&S is an agenda item in meetings, and receive a bi-annual H&S report from the Owners at this time. This report should include information on,
Progress of the H&S targets in the BDP.
Accident/incident analysis
Relevant H&S information received.
Suggestion on future H&S initiatives.
1.5 Facilitate any necessary review of the H&S policy and procedure as may become apparent via the strategies above.
2. H&S Manager
2.1 As H&S Manager, and of all on & off site Trail Academy related activities, the H&S Manager is responsible for the day to day management of H&S. The H&S Manager will advise the Owners of any H&S issue where their support or intervention, either via system or finance, is necessary & appropriate in order to effect the requirements of this policy. In particular the H&S Manager will ensure that:
The contents of this policy are brought to the attention of all relevant persons.
A process for risk assessments is applied within and across the Trail Academy,
and that:
All appropriate areas/activities are covered, (as per “core” Risk Assessment schedule attached, together with any risks identified as specific to the Trail Academy).
Appropriate control measures are implemented, and that
Assessments are monitored and reviewed as necessary.
2.2 There is a management system for monitoring the effectiveness of health and safety arrangements, which form part of this policy.
2.3 Appropriate staffing levels for safe supervision are in place.
2.4 An adequate schedule of inspection & maintenance is in place to ensure a place of work in a safe condition and a safe working environment. Inspection and maintenance will include:
Coaching equipment.
Fire appliances if applicable.
Portable electrical appliances.
First Aid/medical facility and equipment.
Premises staff equipment
2.5 An adequate needs analysis of H&S training is undertaken for all staff, and sufficient resources are put in place to ensure appropriate training is carried out.
Appropriate training may include:
H&S Manager H&S awareness
H&S Induction booklet (all new and temporary staff)
Emergency/Fire Training
First Aid
Risk Assessment
Lifting and Handling
and any further specific H&S training identified by the training needs analysis as being necessary and appropriate.
2.6 Adequate and easily retrievable health and safety training records are available and up to date.
2.7 The Trail Academy secures and maintains an arrangement for obtaining competent H&S advice as required by the management of H&S regulations.
2.8 The Trail Academy secures and maintains an arrangement for obtaining competent H & S advice as required by the management of H & S regulations.
2.9 A bi-annual H&S report is provided to Owners.
2.10 The Trail Academy cooperates and participates in the monthly H&S monitoring arrangements.
2.11 A Child Protection Officer is appointed and trained accordingly.
2.12 Contractors and other authorised visitors to the Trail Academy are appropriately managed and monitored.
2.13 Appropriate procedures are in place for the reporting, recording, investigation and follow-up of accidents and incidents.
2.14 Emergency/Fire arrangements are formulated and reviewed as necessary and tested at least quarterly.
2.15 The fire risk assessment is updated annually and/or whenever significant changes or building works might affect the mean of escape.
2.16 An appropriate Deputy is suitably instructed to take day to day responsibility for H&S in the absence of the H&S Manager.
2.17 The H&S Manager may delegate functions to other or single members of staff (e.g. an H&S Coordinator) who may be tasked with the H&S administrative arrangements for ensuring the above responsibilities are complied with. The H&S Manager will in any event retain the overall responsibility for ensuring that these responsibilities are carried out.
3. Deputy H&S Manager
The Deputy H&S Manager will take on the above responsibilities in the absence of the H&S Manager.
4. Individual Staff
All staff in charge of all areas of the Trail Academy are responsible to the H&S Manager for ensuring the application of this policy within the individual areas that they control. In particular all staff will ensure that:
4.1 The Trail Academy’s risk assessment process is applied within their area and that control measures are implemented in accordance with the assessment and monitored and reviewed accordingly.
4.2 All accidents and incidents occurring within their areas are reported, recorded & investigated in accordance with the Trail Academy’s procedure.
4.3 All persons they manage, or are responsible for, are aware of their specific roles in case of emergency.
4.4 Any equipment which has been identified as being unsafe is removed from service.
4.5 H&S inspections are carried out and a report to the H&S Manager is provided where necessary.
4.6 The H&S training needs of staff are identified and the H&S Manager informed accordingly.
4.7 Staff are properly consulted on any matters that may affect their health or safety whilst at work.
4.8 New and temporary staff receive appropriate H&S induction training.
4.9 First aid provision is adequate.
4.10 Students are given relevant H&S information and instruction prior to any coaching sessions.
5. Coaching Staff
All staff are responsible for the H&S of all students under their control and in particular must ensure:
5.1 Effective and appropriate supervision of the students that they are supervising.
5.2 That appropriate safety instructions are given to all students prior to commencing practical sessions.
5.3 That they are conversant with the H&S policy and any arrangements specific to their own department.
5.4 They know the emergency procedures.
5.5 Where relevant, that all personal equipment is suitable and in good condition prior to issue.
5.6 That, where relevant, safety devices such as helmets are in good condition and are used in accordance with good practice.
5.7 That they report any defective equipment to the H&S Manager.
5.8 All accidents and incidents are reported and reviewed or investigated.
6. Site Management
The H&S Manager is responsible to the Owners, and in particular will ensure:
6.1 The removal from service of any equipment which has been identified as unsafe.
6.2 That any identified hazard is appropriately removed, isolated or contained as necessary to prevent danger.
6.3 That periodic H&S inspections are carried out at a timescale agreed by the Owners, paying particular attention to the local environment,, access to/egress from the sites in use, and the main circulation areas.
6.4 That persons they supervise only undertake work for which they are competent.
6.5 That any personal equipment issued to staff is suitable for the task and that training is provided in the correct use of the equipment.
7. Health and Safety Manager
The Owners may appoint or nominate a Health & Safety Manager to carry out H&S functions and maintain an overview of the H&S organisation & management of the Trail Academy, and report to the Owners accordingly. Specific functions of the H&S Manager may include:
7.1 Having an overview of the H&S Policy and Arrangements, bringing amendments necessary.
7.2 Overseeing & supporting the Risk Assessment/Risk Management process and advising the Owners of any deficiencies.
7.3 Carrying out, with the Owners and others as appropriate, the accident/incident recording, reporting, and investigation arrangements.
7.4 Arrange for planned evacuation drills if necessary.
7.5 Advising the Owners of any defect in the state of repair of the buildings used or its surrounds which is identified as being unsafe, and take whatever local action is necessary to minimise the risk until repairs can be arranged.
7.6 Arranging for the repair, replacement or removal of any item of equipment which has been identified as unsafe.
7.7 Co-ordinating regular health and safety inspections, ensuring all areas of the coaching site and all activities are covered.
7.8 Reporting to the Owners any situation which is unsafe or hazardous to health and which cannot be remedied from readily available resources.
7.9 Liaising with and monitoring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the activities of visitors and others in the areas used to ensure that any risks to the health and safety of staff and others are kept to a minimum.
8. All Employees [including temporary & volunteers]
All employees are required to take care of their own safety and health whilst at work and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Employees must also cooperate with the management of the Trail Academy to ensure that all parties comply with their H&S responsibilities. In particular all employees must:
8.1 Participate in the risk assessment process and comply with findings.
8.2 Report any defects in the condition of the premises or equipment of which they become aware.
8.3 Report all accidents/Incidents in accordance with the appropriate procedure.
8.4 Be familiar with the procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency.
8.5 Make use, where relevant, of personal equipment provided for safety or health reasons.
8.6 To follow all relevant codes of safe working practice and local rules.
8.7 To report any unsafe working practices to the H&S Manager.
9. Staff Safety Representatives (if applicable)
Health and safety at work law provides for the appointment of trade union or staff appointed safety representatives from amongst the employees. Where the Owner is notified in writing of an appointment, the Safety Representative shall have the following functions:
9.1 To investigate potential hazards and to examine the causes of accidents in the workplace.
9.2 To investigate complaints by any employee they represent relating to that employee’s health and safety or welfare at work.
9.3 To make representations to the Owners on matters affecting the health, safety and welfare of employees.
9.4 To carry out workplace H&S inspections, subject to reasonable notice to their line manager.
9.5 To attend safety committee meetings.
A safety representative is not obliged to carry out any or all of the above functions, and has no legal responsibility other than that which applies to all employees.
Part 3: Arrangements and Procedures for Health, Safety and Welfare
The following procedures and arrangements have been established within the Trail Academy to eliminate or reduce health and safety risks to an acceptable level and to comply with minimum legal requirements:
Access Control/Security
From session start time to session finish time, the staff alone are permitted to work with students.
All staff are expected to challenge any adult seen in close contact with students for any reasons whatsoever.
Accident Reporting, Recording & Investigation
Incidents are reported and recorded in the accident book held online. Minor injuries are recorded and parents of any children suffering from a minor injury informed at the end of the session. The Owners are responsible for serious injury reports under RIDDOR and for carrying out any subsequent investigations.
Safety
Risk assessments are discussed with all employees and agreed. See separate risk assessments for specific areas.
Drugs & Medications
Individual student medication is carried by the coaching staff on their person for the duration of the coaching session.
First Aid
A list of trained staff, training and maintenance of records kept by staff, epipen & inhalers & controlled drugs training updated annually. First aid supplies are monitored and restocked by H&S Manager. .
Jewellery
No jewellery is to be worn during coaching sessions
Maintenance / Inspection of Equipment
Equipment to be used in the coaching sessions are inspected/serviced either once or twice a year
Safety
Coach:student ratios will vary depending on age and ability of the group. As a general rule: for groups of 3 or more, two coaches are required. For groups of 13 or more, three coaches are required.
Risk Assessments
All staff know they have a responsibility re risk assessments in relation to their own students health & safety, therefore all staff constantly assess risk situations and discuss with the H&S Manager as appropriate or if they need clarification.
See table at document end for definition of hazard and risk.
Off-Site Activities
Guidelines from the relevant risk assessments are followed at all times, the lead coach is responsible for ensuring the procedures are implemented and undertaking the risk assessment for each trip
Supervision
Pupils are not left unattended. Staff rotas are clear, more adults on duty for specific groups with individual needs. Off-site ratios independently agreed depending on activity and venues etc. CRB clearance for all except volunteers who do not work alone with students.
Vehicles on Site
All vehicles are restricted to car park areas which are coned off from pedestrian areas.
Violence to Staff / Personal Security
All staff are advised to report incidents of physical or verbal abuse to the Owners.
Hazard vs Risk
Definitions for Use
