1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 

This policy has been prepared and published under the requirements of Health and Safety legislation.  The purpose of the policy is to establish general standards for health, safety and welfare at work and to distribute responsibility for their achievement to all staff and associates.  

The Health & Safety Officer is Charlotte Edwardes, whilst overall and final responsibility for health and safety is that of Jane Knight.  

Successful Mums Limited‘s robust Health and Safety Policies will be regularly reviewed to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable:  

That the declared statement of the Health and Safety at Work Policy is achieved.  

That all employees and associates within Successful Mums Limited are made fully aware that health and safety is regarded as having equal ranking with other responsibilities.   

The Health and Safety at Work Policy is reviewed regularly, and any changes are brought to the attention of Charlotte Edwardes and Jane Knight.  

Day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to Charlotte Edwardes.  

Consultation with employees is provided by Jane Knight.  

2. SCOPE 

This policy covers the Health and Safety Act 1974 and the scope of this policy applies to all staff, suppliers, learners, contractors all of which have individual responsibility to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others who might be affected by their acts or omissions. They must cooperate with those persons who are responsible for health and safety to enable them to carry out their duties 

3. THE APPROACH 

3.1 HEALTH AND SAFTEY MANAGEMENT PROCESS  

Successful Mums Limited believes that consideration of the health, safety and welfare of staff and associates is an integral part of the management process. The provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act, associated Codes of Practice and E.C. Directives will be adopted as required standards within Successful Mums Limited.  Responsibility for Health, Safety and Welfare matters shall be explicitly stated in management job descriptions.  

Successful Mums Limited requires managers to approach Health, Safety and Welfare in a systematic way, by identifying hazards and problems, planning improvements, taking action and monitoring results so that the majority of Health, Safety and Welfare needs will be met through of day-to-day management, although many Health and Safety problems can be rectified with little additional time and cost.  

For major additional expenditure, cases of need will be submitted to the Founder, Jane Knight.  

If unpredictable Health and Safety issues arise during the year, the Founder must assess the degree of risk, in deciding the necessary resources and actions to commit to addressing these issues.  

3.2 HEALTH AND SAFTEY REPRESENTATIVE  

The Health and Safety Representative is a nominated manager responsible for co-ordinating effective health and safety policies and controls across the organisation.  

The Health and Safety Representative is responsible for:  

• the production and maintenance of Successful Mums Limited’s policy and ensuring that all guidelines are consistent with the policy;  

• its application;  

• monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the policy;  

• the provision of general advice about the implication of the law;  

• the identification of health and safety training needs.  The Health and Safety Representative also acts as Successful Mums Limited’s formal link with the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Health Departments and other external agencies;  

• the production and maintenance of Health and Safety Codes of Practice for each aspect of the services within Successful Mums Limited.  

3.3 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SPECIFIC WORKPLACES 

The Health & Safety Representative will ensure, as far as is reasonable and practicable the health, safety, security and welfare of all persons employed by Successful Mums Limited. It is the responsibility of all employees to accept their personal involvement in the practical application of this Health and Safety policy  

• Any problems with equipment will be reported to Charlotte Edwardes.  

• The Health and Safety Law poster is displayed in all Successful Mums Limited premises.  

• First aid equipment is located at the head office and is clearly marked.  

• The accident book is kept at the head office.  

• All employees and learners must:  

• Co-operate with staff and associates on health and safety matters  

• Not interfere with anything provided to safeguard their health and safety  

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety  

• Report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person (as above)  

• Risk assessments will be undertaken by Health and Safety Representatives at each site, managed by Charlotte Edwardes. The findings will be reported to Jane Knight, who will also be responsible for actions to remove/control risks.  

3.4 RECORDS, STATISTICS AND MONITORING  

Successful Mums Limited will operate systems for the recording, measuring, analysis and presentation of information about accidents, hazard situations and untoward occurrences.  Advice on systems will be provided by the Health and Safety Representative, in conjunction, where appropriate with specialist advisory bodies for example local Environmental Health Departments. Information obtained from the analysis of accident statistics must be acted upon and, where necessary, bids for additional expenditure made to the Founder.  

3.5 REPORTS TO THE HEALTH AND SAFTEY EXECUTIVE  

The responsibility for meeting the requirements of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 to the Health and Safety Executive shall rest with the Founder, as delegated to the Health and Safety Representatives.  

Charlotte Edwardes is responsible for reporting incidents.  

3.6 SPECIALIST ADVISORY BODIES  

Certain bodies and the individual members of those bodies have always had a Health and Safety role, most notably, the Health & Safety Executive, or local Environmental Health Departments. If further specialist advice is required, this may be obtained from expert individuals or bodies outside of Successful Mums Limited.  

3.7 FIRST AID 

It is the policy of Successful Mums Limited to make provision for First Aid and the training of ‘First Aiders’ in accordance with the First Aid Regulations (1982). The Health and Safety Representative is responsible for ensuring the Regulations are implemented and for identifying training needs.  

3.8 FIRE  

The Founder is responsible for ensuring that staff receives adequate fire training, and that nominated fire officers are designated in all Company premises.   

In addition, the Company will nominate a Fire Officer (this may be the Health and Safety Representative or this may be an external body to the Company) to:  

• report and advise on the standard of fire safety in the Company’s premises and the standard of fire training of its staff;  

• undertake overall responsibility for fire training;  

• assist in the investigation of all fires in the Company’s premises and to submit reports of such incidents.  

• Fire equipment is maintained regularly.  Successful Mums Limited ensures the management of the head office venue arranges testing and drills.   

3.9 CONDEMNATION AND DISPOSAL OF EQUIPTMENT 

Procedures for the condemnation and disposal of equipment are set out in the Successful Mums Limited’s Standing Financial Instructions.    

3.10 FOOD HYGIENE  

The Health and Safety Representatives shall be responsible for any food acquisition, storage, processing and serving, and staff induction and training. In addition, the Health and Safety Representative shall be responsible forensuring that these functions are undertaken to the necessary legal standards. Any suspected outbreak of food poisoning or other unexplained and possibly food related incidents must be reported to the Health & Safety Representative.  

3.11 LIFTING AND HANDLING 

The Health and Safety Representative will identify specific training needs and will ensure training in lifting and handling is provided to staff.  

3.12 NON-SMOKING ON COMPANY PREMISES  

In line with legislation, Successful Mums Limited has agreed that there will be no smoking in its buildings. The overall aim is to reduce smoking and so save life, reduce risk of fire, prevent unnecessary illness and chronic disability. The rules relating to smoking are available from the Health and Safety Representative.  

3.13 CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZAEDOUS TO HEALTH  

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) requires Successful Mums Limited to identify those substances which are in use and which are hazardous to health (as legally defined) and to assess the risk of those substances.  Successful Mums Limited must also provide and use controls to prevent exposure to substances hazardous to health; maintain controls by monitoring exposure or by health surveillance of employees; and provide information, instruction and training for employees on all these matters. The appointed Health and Safety Representative is responsible for implementing these Regulations.  

3.14 COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS AND VISUAL DISPLAY UNITS 

All new computer installations must adhere to the British Standard Specifications and comply with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. All new employees operating VDUs are issued with a copy of the Health and Safety Executive Booklet entitled ‘Working with VDUs’. Successful Mums will provide sight testing for applicable employees on request.  

3.15 CONTROL OF WORKING TIME   

Successful Mums Limited is committed to the principles of the Working Time Regulations (1998). No member of staff is expected to work more than 48 hours per week (including overtime) unless there are exceptional circumstances. Similarly, all other requirements of the regulations e.g. in relation to breaks, night workers etc. will be complied with by all staff.  

3.16 HEALTH & SAFETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL  

The Health and Safety at Work Act requires each employee ‘to take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by their acts and omissions’ and co-operate with management to enable management to carry out their responsibilities under the Act. Employees have equal responsibility with Successful Mums Limited for Health and Safety at Work. The refusal of any employee to meet their obligations will be regarded as a matter to be dealt with under the Disciplinary Procedure. In normal circumstances counselling of the employee should be sufficient. With a continuing problem, or where an employee leaves them self or other employees open to risk or injury, it may be necessary to implement the formal stages of the Disciplinary Procedure.  

3.17 INDIVIDUALS WORKING FROM HOME  

Persons working for Successful Mums from home or another remote location are required to take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves. 

Steps should be taken to prevent stress and to look after their mental health: 

• Stay in regular contact with your manager and colleagues 

• Talk to your manager about workloads and be open about how you’re feeling 

• Take regular breaks during the day and use your annual leave 

• Set and stick to a routine – don’t revisit your computer outside your regular hours 

• Check your employer’s ‘working from home’ policies and how to get help if you need it 

Steps should be taken to minimise the risks when working from a computer or laptop: 

• Ensure the workspace is comfortable and the correct posture is used – please refer to the video shared on Induction https://youtu.be/liaBs1-Zz3I?si=sRmOgv0l8WMMaY8E 

• Make sure to move around regularly and look away from the screen every 20mins  

• Check the device is working correctly and report any faults to SMT immediately 

• Speak to SMT if you require any reasonable adjustments 

Steps should be taken to keep the work space free from hazards: 

• arrange equipment and furniture to avoid trailing leads and cables 

• check that your plugs, leads, wires and cables are in good condition 

• keep your work area tidy and free from obstructions that could cause slips or trips 

• check you have adequate lighting in your work area to avoid eyestrain 

Successful Mums have the same duty for Health and Safety to its staff whether they are working in the office or from a home or remote location. The contents of this policy will still apply. Individuals should speak to SMT if they are concerned about their working environment or require an additional risk assessment, such as due to ill health, disabilities or pregnancy.  

Emergencies should be reported to SMT and any accidents that occur because of: 

• the work activity being done 

• the equipment you have provided to carry out that work 

will need to be reported by SMT under the RIDDOR regulations.  

3.18 PEOPLE WORKING ON COMPANY PREMISES NOT EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY  

Persons working in Successful Mums Limited premises who are employed by other organisations are expected to follow Company Health and Safety Policies with regard to their personal safety and their method of work. This responsibility will be included in contracts or working arrangements. Similarly seconded Company employees working in other host premises will be expected to follow the host employers Health and Safety Policy.  

3.19 VISITORS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC  

Successful Mums Limited wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable, the Health, Safety and Welfare of visitors to Company establishments will be of the highest standard.  

Any member of staff who notices persons acting in a way, which would endanger other staff, should normally inform the Founder.  If the danger is immediate, common sense must be used to give warning, call for assistance or give aid as necessary. It is equally important not to over-react to a situation.  

3.20 CONTRACTORS  

Successful Mums Limited wishes to ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable, the Health, Safety and Welfare of Contractors working in the Company’s establishments will be of the highest standards. In addition, Contractors and their employees have an obligation so far as is reasonably practicable to ensure all equipment, materials and premises under their control are safe and without risks to health.  

Contractors must also observe Successful Mums Limited’s Fire Safety Procedures. These obligations will be drawn to the attention of the Contractors in the contract document issued to them. In addition the Directors will be identified in the contract as having authority to stop the work of Contractors who are placing themselves, other staff, or visitors at risk. Any member of staff, who judges there is a risk where contractors are working, should inform the Founder immediately.  

In tendering, Contractors will be asked to confirm they have a written Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. The Company’s Manager responsible for managing the Contract will also be responsible for monitoring the Health and Safety performance of the Contractor and the Contractor’s performance will be a factor in deciding whether or not to invite the Contractor to tender again.  

3.21 THE SAFE LEARNER  

Successful Mums Limited is committed to support the principles of the Safe Learner, following the six key elements of the Safe Learner Blueprint.  All learners are afforded the same rights as employees with regard to working in a safe and healthy environment.   

3.22 SAFEGUARDING    

This Policy and procedure should also be looked at in relation to the safeguarding policy and procedures. Any items within the areas of concern within Health and Safety that may reflect on the learners safeguarding and or wellbeing should be also logged on the Safeguarding form.    

3.23 POLICY REVIEW  

This policy shall be reviewed annually and amended accordingly at intervals not exceeding 12 months.  

4. MONITORING AND REVIEW OF THE POLICY   

Successful Mums have the right to change this policy at their discretion if it meets the needs of the business. Staff will be notified of any changes. In addition, Successful Mums will review its policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with any relevant legislation, government policies or to remedy any deficiencies or weaknesses.