Health & Safety Policy.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT:

Midatt Ltd acknowledges and accepts legal responsibility for securing the health, safety and welfare of employees and sub contractors working on their behalf, and all persons, livestock and property affected by their activities.

It is the intent of Midatt Ltd to allocate appropriate resources to develop programmes to prevent occupational injuries and illness.

It is the policy of Midatt Ltd to promote and support all health, safety and industrial hygiene and to manage it in a manner that seeks to eliminate occupational injuries and illnesses. In support of this policy, Midatt Ltd will strive to achieve excellence in all matters relating to health and safety. In this respect, Midatt Ltd require all employees and sub contractors to:

  • Observe and comply with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

  • Co-operate in ensuring the health and safety and welfare of themselves and their colleagues whilst at work.

  • Every effort will be made to provide and maintain a safe, healthy and efficient working environment for all employees

  • To achieve this the active co-operation of all employees is essential so that accidents and damage to the health of themselves and others are avoided.

  • The policy may change with the company and legislation, the safety arrangements, will be developed and amended over time with the consultation and co-operation of all involved with Midatt Ltd.

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY:

Midatt Ltd recognises that the talent and energy of all persons involved with the company are its most valuable assets. It is our aim to achieve a working environment, which is free of work related accidents and illnesses and to this end we will pursue continuous improvements from year to year. All persons involved with Midatt are encouraged to contribute actively towards achieving an accident free working environment. Statutory duties for all Midatt Ltd employees and sub contractors:

  • Identifying hazards in the workplace, assessing the risks related to them and implementing appropriate preventative and protective measures.

  • Providing and maintaining safe plant and work equipment.

  • Establishing and enforcing safe methods of work.

  • Ensuring that tasks given to employees are within their skills, knowledge and ability to perform.

  • Ensuring that competence is maintained through training where necessary.

  • Promoting awareness of health and safety and of good practice through effective communication and relevant information.

We realise that site-specific conditions are changing all the time. With this in mind it is vital that an attitude to the prevention of accidents is maintained at all times and safe working is imperative.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Due to the nature of the work undertaken by Midatt Ltd, it is the responsibility of the senior person on site to promote Health and Safety at work and ensure that working practices are in accordance with the statutory requirements and the company policy. The Employees’ responsibility in this objective is to:

  • Comply with all safety procedures and controls as dictated by Midatt Ltd when at work, so long as these procedures are in keeping with the Statutory requirements and are not in detriment to the law.

  • Ensure reasonable care is taken for the well being, health, and safety of themselves and any persons livestock or property likely to be affected by their actions whilst working for or on behalf of Midatt Ltd.

  • To utilise and respect all the safety devices and protective equipment provided to ensure the safety of personnel.

  • To report accidents and near misses that could lead to injury.

  • To co-operate fully in the investigation of incidents to ensure that these incidents do not re-occur.

THE PROVISION AND USE OF WORK EQUIPMENT REGULATION 1998 (P.U.W.E.R):

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) place a duty on employers to ensure the work equipment they own, operate, and have control over is safe to use at all times. It applies to any place of work within Great Britain whenever work equipment is used on a business premises.

While the guidance provided in the PUWER Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (PUWER ACOP) is not law, it has special status under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Following this guidance is therefore usually enough to comply with the law, and doing so will keep employees and subcontractors safe, as well as ensuring that Midatt passes all on-site health and safety inspections.

In practice, PUWER requires Midatt to:

  • Ensure all work equipment is maintained in good condition and efficient working order.

  • Keep an up-to-date maintenance log for each piece of work equipment.

  • Ensure that all people operating work equipment on-site are provided with adequate levels of training regarding the correct use of the equipment as well as clear and detailed health and safety information.

  • Take all necessary measures to prevent or control any risks associated with the operation of work equipment.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

The personal protective equipment at work regulation 1992 clearly states that PPE should be used when risks cannot be avoided or sufficiently reduced by other preventative measures or through work re-organisation. Relevant PPE will be provided to all Midatt Ltd personnel.

Minimum PPE requirement for all attendance is:

  • Safety foot ware (boots or shoes BS EN 345 S1 or S2)

  • High visibility vest or jacket

Additional PPE required for specific works are:

  • Gloves (BS EN388) - At all times unless specific works prevent doing so

  • Safety headgear (BS EN 397) - At all times unless specific works prevent doing so

  • Protective eyeware (BS EN 166 1F or 1S) - When using power tools. When carrying out an activity above eye level. When carrying out any task likely to cause airborne debris.

  • Dust inhalation protective masks to EN149 - As required by supervisor

SAFETY TRAINING:

Health, Safety and Welfare form an integral part of Site induction and job training to ensure that all employees are aware of general safety requirements and their responsibilities regarding safety to themselves and others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Specific Safety Training, Information and the use of Safe Systems of Work will also be provided where appropriate.

Employees and sub contractors will always familiarise themselves with client procedures when first attending site, in particular site access, emergency procedures and high risk work activities including permit to work systems. Clients site procedures and specific instructions will be followed at all times.

MANUAL HANDLING:

There are some simple things to do before and during any manual handling:

  • Remove obstructions from the route.

  • For a long lift, plan to rest the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

  • Keep the load close to the waist. The load should be kept close to the body for as long as possible while lifting.

  • Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body.

  • Adopt a stable position and make sure your feet are apart, with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance

WORKING AT HEIGHT:

As working at height forms a major part of Midatt Electrical Services day to day tasks; The Working At Height Regulation 2005 will be enforced, personnel will be trained to erect mobile towers and operate MEWPS.

Options include:

  • Mobile Tower

  • Mobile elevated work platform (MEWPS)

  • Fixed scaffolding (by others)

  • Ladder

  • Step ladder

  • Hop ups and trestles

In each case risk assessment should consider other issues to ensure that the chosen method is the safest option e.g. Weather conditions / full body harness / use of stabilisers / securing devices. All work at height must be properly planned and organised. Those involved in working at height must be competent and have been trained. If someone is still being trained they must be being supervised by someone competent.

YOUNG PERSONS:

A young person is a term given to a person who has not yet reached 18 years of age. An assessment of the activities required of a young person shall be carried out to ensure there is no risk to their health and safety. The assessment shall take into consideration the tasks to be carried out, the person’s physical capabilities and their experience of the work required.

Wherever necessary the person shall be supervised by a competent person and shall not be asked or allowed to carry out activities that are beyond their capabilities, or present an unacceptable risk to themselves or others.

FIRE:

All Midatt Ltd personnel will adhere to all site-specific procedures. Evacuation procedures and muster points will be designated by the person responsible for Site Inductions (main contractor).

No Midatt Ltd employee will fight a fire

No Midatt Ltd employee is trained to fight a fire

Midatt Ltd employees will raise the alarm but avoid danger

In order to avoid fires whilst on site all Midatt Ltd personnel will:

  • Put all combustible materials carefully away

  • Put all waste paper etc in bins provided

  • Observe the NO Smoking signs displayed

  • Remove all clothing, paper, etc from near heaters

  • Switch off all electrical appliances

  • Ensure in case of fire, exits locations are known

ELECTRICITY AT WORK ACT 1989:

The Electricity At Work Regulations will be adhered to and any work undertaken on any electrical system will be performed by a qualified and suitably trained person. The current IEE regulations although not statutory will be used as a guideline. Isolation procedures will be maintained and no live work tasks will be performed.

Isolation Procedure:

  • Disconnect all loads.

  • Locate the source of supply.

  • Isolate the source of supply.

  • Lock off and place warning signs.

  • Test voltage indicator on a known source (proving unit)

  • Test the supply is isolated.

  • Re-test voltage indicator using known source. (Proving unit again)

  • Start work if all the above has been followed and the circuit intended to be worked on is dead.

  • Keep padlock key and don’t allow anyone else to retrieve it until work on circuit is completed.

NOISE:

Midatt Ltd will ensure as far as reasonably practical that no employee is subjected to levels of noise whilst at work that may cause damage to their hearing. Sufficient hearing protection as part of PPE will be provided and used in conjunction with appropriate risk assessments.

ACCIDENT REPORTING:

All accidents and near misses no matter how minor must be reported your supervisor immediately, and recorded in the accident book (situated in the site office). Following all logs into the accident book, Midatt Ltd will carry out an appropriate investigation. The seriousness of the incident and circumstances will depend on whether further action is to be taken.

ASBESTOS:

The likelihood of any Midatt Ltd representative coming into contact with asbestos is very likely. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulation 2006 indicates that all employees must have the site-specific asbestos register made available to them by the client as and when required. If asbestos is noted within the work area operatives must:

  • Stop work immediately

  • Prevent any dust /fibres being released by turning off power tools and minimise air movement.

  • Evacuate the immediate area and prevent access by others. (Public included)

  • Inform those responsible for the premises and Health and Safety Manager.

  • Do not return to the area until informed that it is safe to do so.

  • If you are uncertain as to the content of the material. Stop work and seek advice.

FIRST AID:

Adequate First Aid provision will be made Midatt Ltd. First Aid Box and Eye Wash Station can be found in the site office. All Midatt Ltd supervisors are first aid trained and qualified. On project sites wherever possible prior to visiting site arrangements aremade so that Midatt Ltd can use the principal contractors facilities for first aid. All accidents however minor must be reported using the correct site procedures.Serious accidents, where hospital treatment is required must be reported in accordance with Accident/incident report procedure.

EMPLOYEES / SUB-CONTRACTORS:

Section 7 of the Health and Safety Act 1974 States that it shall be the duty of every employee while at work;

(A) To take reasonable care for the health and safety of them and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work and

(B) As regards to any duty or requirements imposed on their employer (or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions), to co-operate with them so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.

The responsibilities of general employees and sub contractors are to:

  • Understand the company policy on health and safety and to carry out work in accordance with the requirements.

  • Use correct tools and equipment for the work to be carried out in accordance with training, instruction and procedures.

  • Ensure all PPE is properly used in relation to any training given.

  • Tools and equipment is kept in good condition.

  • Report any defective tools or plant to the manager / supervisor.

  • Work in a safe manner report hazards and DO NOT take risks that could endanger persons, livestock or property.

  • Only use plant if trained to do so.

  • Warn other employees, in particular young or new employees of known hazards.

  • Report any near misses however minor or accidents to the manager / supervisor.

  • Report any abuse to Welfare facilities to the Manager or Supervisor.

All persons involved with Midatt Ltd are encouraged to contribute actively towards achieving an accident free working environment.

Together with the statutory regulations and the company safety procedure this document is reasonably comprehensive, we realise that site-specific conditions are changing all the time. With this in mind it is vital that an attitude to the prevention of accidents implemented at all times and safe working is imperative.

Midatt Ltd requests that our staff, sub contractors and site visitors fully read, understand and agree to operate within the terms set out within this Health and Safety Policy

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Last updated 26.09.23. To be reviewed yearly.