Health and Safety Policy
Halton Holegate with Fenside Parish Council.
Adoped Feb 22
Background
Parish Council (hereafter ‘HH’) consists of 1 part time employed Clerk, and 7 elected Councillors. None of the above are formally trained in matters of Health and Safety.
HH meets circa 6 times per year in the Methodist School Room, any work conducted outside these Meetings would typically be within the Clerk’s / Councillor’s domestic environment.
All work conducted is of an “administrative” nature; no machinery / blades / chemicals etc. are used. Councillors and staff do move furniture when making ready the Methodist School Room for meetings, this is confined to lightweight tables and chairs. Councillors and staff may occasionally hold “site meetings” e.g., meeting with highways officers or repair contractors.
HH occasionally employ external contractors for a variety of reasons. HH will require that the contractors have a current H & Policy In-place, Risk Assessments for the work to be undertaken and will require Evidence of Training of their Staff and that they hold Relevant Insurances
Prior to this version of the document, it was deemed unnecessary to have a formal Health and Safety Policy, as the clerk is the only employee (lower than the 5-employee threshold). HH has now been advised that a policy is required as the Councillors now “count” toward the threshold.
Statement of Intent
This is the Health and Safety policy of HH Our Health and Safety policy is to:
- prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health
- manage Health and Safety risks in our workplace
- consult with employees and Councillors on matters affecting their health and safety
- encourage safe and healthy working conditions
- implement any necessary emergency procedures including evacuation routes in case of fire
See Appendix 1 Methodist Chapel Health and Safety Policy
Further information on Risk assessments is available – please contact the Clerk
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
As stated, a) HH does not have any personnel trained in Health and Safety, and b) all work done is of an administrative nature.
Taking these facts into account, it is expected that each individual will
1) assume responsibility for their own Health and Safety, to include self-monitoring of workstation ergonomics if prolonged periods of screen activity are anticipated, and 2) be aware of the Health and Safety of their colleagues.
All members of HH shall be encouraged to speak up / speak to others if they witness an act or situation that they consider to be unsafe.
All employees and Councillors shall:
- stay alert to Health and Safety matters and encourage others to do likewise.
- cooperate on Health and Safety matters
- take reasonable care of their own Health and Safety
- report all Health and Safety concerns to TPC
Arrangements for Health and Safety
Risk Assessments
- Risk assessments will be completed and where appropriate actions taken
- Risk assessments will be reviewed when working habits or conditions change
Training
Not currently considered applicable due to the nature of the work. Will be considered should circumstances change.
Consultation
HH will consult periodically with staff and Councillors on Health and Safety matters. The Clerk shall ensure that this policy is reviewed and considered annually as a formal council action.
Evacuation
HH shall ensure that escape routes are understood for any and all locations where meetings take place.
Adopted February 2022