Introduction

This document sets out the Health & Safety arrangements we have established in conjunction with SAFEcontractor.  We have adopted this standard policy and tailored it to represent our organisation.Penny Hydraulics Ltd is a general engineering, manufacturing, sales and service company with state of the art design capabilities.  The main product ranges are spread across a wide spectrum of industries from deep mining roof supports and lorry loading equipment to public house delivery lifts.  All products are backed up by nationwide installation and service from our own engineers.The unusual nature of much of the business means that in-house training and apprenticeships closely tailored to the Company’s needs by local training providers are essential to the future success of the Company.

Part 1 - General Statement of Policy

The Company acknowledges and accepts its legal responsibilities for securing the health, safety and welfare of all its employees, of sub-contractors working on its behalf and all others affected by their activities.The Company recognises and accepts the general duties imposed upon the companyas an employer under the Health and Safety at Work Act and subsequent health andsafety regulations appertaining to it’s operation

Our statement of general policy is: To provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our work activities. To consult with our employees, on matters affecting their health and safety.To provide and maintain, safe plant and equipment.To ensure safe handling and use of substances.To provide information, instruction and supervision for employees.To ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks, after receiving adequate training.To prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.To maintain a safe and healthy working environment for employees and non-employees.To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.The Company will carry out a regular review of this policy to ensure that thesestandards of health and safety are maintained.            

Date: 26. 11 2008 Name:  J. D. Penny Position: Managing Director

Part 2 - Organisation and Responsibilities

2.1 Head of Company

The Managing Director supported by the Board of Directors has overall responsibility for health and safety in the Company, and will:

• Ensure suitable financial provision is made for health & safety obligations

• Provide appropriate information and instruction to employees

• Ensure work is planned to take into account health & safety issues

• Ensure that staff at all levels receive appropriate training

• Monitor and assess risk to health and safety

• Understand the company policy for health and safety and ensure it is readily available for employees

• Set a personal example when visiting site by wearing appropriate protective equipment

• Actively promote at all levels the company’s commitment to effective health and safety management

2.2 Health and Safety Manager / Representative

The day-to-day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice is delegated to the Health and Safety Manager Mr. K. G. Naylor.Experience /qualifications of above person: 43yrs. experience I.O.S.H. Managing safelyThe Health and Safety Manager will undertake and be responsible for:

• Monitoring the implementation of the health and safety policy throughout the company and reviewing its appropriateness by regular safety audits/inspections carried out in various workplaces

• Investigating accidents and implementing corrective action

• Reviewing health and safety legislation and implementing any new requirements pertaining to the company’s undertaking

• Liaising with managers, employees, sub-contractors and specialists as and when appropriate

• Collating and reporting any accidents reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (R.I.D.D.O.R.) 1995

To ensure Health and Safety standards are maintained / improved, the following people have responsibility in the following areas.
R. Penny  ….            Overall responsibility of workshops.
R. Brough….            Swing Lift Cranes
T. Penny..…             Cellar lift / Outside fitters and service engineers, vehicles
A. Vandenbosch….. All processes in the annex workshop
K. Parkes….             Tail / Step lifts
.K. Thirtle….             Rams / Machine shop.

2.3 Employees

Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states the following:It shall be the duty of every employee while at work -(A) to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and(B) as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.In order for all employees to comply with their legal duties, they will undertake and be responsible for:

• Reading and understanding the Company’s health and safety policy and carry out their work safely and in accordance with it requirements

• Ensuring that all protective equipment provided under a legal requirement is properly used in relation to any instruction / training given and in accordance with this health and safety policy

• Reporting any defects to work equipment immediately to their line Manager

• Reporting to the management any incidents, which have led or might lead to injury or damage

• Reporting any accidents or near misses however minor to their line Manager

• Using the correct tools and equipment for the job in hand and in accordance with training and instructions

• Co-operating with any investigation, which may be undertaken with the objective of preventing reoccurrence of incidents.

Part 3 - Arrangements

3.1 Communication

In order to meet the legal requirements of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations, the company will communicate and consult with all employees on the following issues:

• The content of this policy
• Any rules specific to a site or job
• Changes in legislation or working best practice
• The planning of Health and Safety training
• The introduction or alteration of new work equipment or technology

• Induction training for new employees (Health and safety awareness, company procedures etc)

• The introduction or modification of new/existing machinery or technology

• A change in employee position/work activity or responsibility

Training is also specifically provided for work with hazardous substances, use of PPE and manual handling. Any training provided by the company will be formally recorded with a hard copy kept on file. Competency for tasks and training.In-house job specific training will be provided by experienced personnel and monitored by Departmental SupervisorsSpecific jobs requiring special training are:#  Machine operator (turning, milling etc.)#  Welding, flame cutting.#  Forklift truck driving.#  First aid training.All the above training will be handled by our appointed Training services / Colleges.A programme of refresher training will be undertaken to keep employees up to date with legislation and industry best practice.

3.3 Risk Assessments

The health and safety manager or an experienced supervisor and a competent person or the person the job related risk applies to will carry out formal risk assessments. In addition employees throughout their work carry out risk assessments continuously.  Hazards are considered and work methods established to minimize the risk of injury to themselves and others affected by the work.  Where the employee does not have sufficient knowledge about a specific hazard, such as work in confined spaces, they will take further advice from the H&S manager / Representative if required.  The Board of Directors of the Company ensures operators are provided with appropriate instruction and training on risk assessments. 

3.4 Method Statements

Formal method statements (safe working procedures) will be prepared in writing where the risk is particularly high. The method statements will provide site specific information on the task to be undertaken including site set up, chain of responsibility and will detail a clear sequence of work that would be followed in order to undertake the given task safely.

3.5 Co-operation with Clients

Employees such as service and installation engineers will always familiarise themselves with client procedures when first attending site, in particular general 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.

Welfare Facilities

• Toilet/washing facilities accessible on site

• Eating/rest facilities accessible on site

Workshop

Drinking water is available in the canteen at all times.  Hot water is provided at the appropriate break times to facilitate the making of tea / coffee.  Staff facilities for hot and cold drinks are in the staff room.There are adequate washing and sanitary conveniences for both staff and workforce in accordance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations.

3.7 Work Equipment

All work equipment (including Electrical equipment) used at work, as part of the Company’s undertaking will comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (P.U.W.E.R.).Before new equipment is introduced into the working environment, an assessment will be made by the health and safety manager / production Director, in order to ascertain that the equipment is suitable for its intended use.No employee will use work equipment for which they have not received specific training.No employee will knowingly misuse work equipment or remove any guards that are in place to minimise a specified risk.All work equipment will be maintained and inspected at suitable intervals either internally by a competent person or by specialist external companies. The frequency of work equipment maintenance or inspection will be based on manufacturers guidance and industry best practice. Any maintenance / inspections undertaken on company equipment will be formally recorded with a hard copy left on file.If any faults or damage are found on any equipment, stop using the work equipment and report the fault to your line Manager.

Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)

Appropriate personal protective equipment will be issued to employees as and when necessary for work activities.Training will be provided for employees on the safe use, storage and maintenance of the relevant equipment before issue, and the employees on receipt of the equipment will sign a written record detailing what PPE has been issued and the hard copy kept on file.Employees have a legal duty to wear PPE as specified in relevant site rules, risk assessments and method statements.Any defects or malfunction of PPE must be reported to in the first instance to individuals line Manager

3.9 Hazardous Substances

The risks associated with hazardous substances are considered for all work activities.  Alternative less harmful substances are used wherever possible.  In case of risks to health, PPE is provided and used by employees, and health surveillance undertaken where necessary. Before any hazardous substances are used during a work process, a material safety data sheet (MSDS) will be requested from the supplier and an appropriate assessment made of the risks from that substance undertaken by the Health and Safety Manager / Representative, in line with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).An inventory of all substances and materials hazardous to health is held at head office.

First Aid & Accident Reporting

• any work related injury that leads to an employee being absent from work for more than 3 working days

•  fracture other than to fingers, thumbs or toes;

• amputation;

• dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine;

• loss of sight (temporary or permanent);

• chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye;

• injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to

• unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours;

• any other injury: leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or unconsciousness; or requiring resuscitation; or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours.

All accidents / incidents will be investigated by senior management and any action taken as a result of an investigation will be formally recorded.

3.11 Asbestos

Before any work commences on a client’s site, clients are asked for a health and safety plan with an asbestos register. The position and condition of any asbestos that may be in the area where Penny Hydraulics employees will be working should be noted within the asbestos register. If asbestos is noted within the potential work area, contact the Health and Safety Co-ordinator for further instruction.Due to the nature of our work activities on older buildings such as drilling holes into walls and floors, there could be a risk of exposure to asbestosIf, during our work , employees see a fibrous material that they  think may be asbestos, are advised to:

• stop work immediately
• prevent any dust/fibres being released e.g. turn off power tools, minimise air movement etc
• evacuate the immediate area and prevent access by others e.g. the public
• inform those responsible for the premises and the Health and Safety co-ordinator of the site, so that the necessary sampling can be arranged
• do not return to that area until informed that it is safe to do so

Remember, if you are uncertain as to the content of the material, stop work and seek advice.

3.12 Manual Handling

Manual handling risks are considered prior to each work activity. The method of work is adapted to minimise manual handling risks wherever possible, including use of alternative lifting and carrying methods. Our employees are advised not to manually handle loads which they feel incapable of moving safely.

3.13 Fire Safety & Emergency Procedures

It is the Company’s policy to take account of fire hazards in the workplace. All employees have a duty to conduct their operations in such a way as to minimize the risk of fire. This involves compliance with the Company’s smoke free policy, keeping combustible materials separate from sources of ignition and avoiding unnecessary accumulation of combustible materials.The person with responsibility for the maintenance and testing of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment is: the health and safety managerAny one discovering a fire, gas leak or other danger that requires evacuation,  Must raise the alarm immediately using the nearest fire break glass unit.In the event of the fire alarm being activated, or in any other emergency situation (e.g. bomb scare), all employees must leave the building by the nearest available exit and assemble at the designated assembly point.The Production Director or appointed person {or to avoid delay any other person} to call the emergency services on hearing the alarm, or receiving such an instruction from a responsible person. To call emergency services from an office phone. You must dial:  9-999 or 9-112.

3.14 Sub-Contractors

Sub-contractors are instructed primarily on the basis of their technical capability, though due regard is also taken of health and safety.  Serious breaches of health and safety and the contractors capability for specific risks will be taken into account during the selection process.Activities that we sub-contract include:

Sub-contractors health & safety arrangements are assessed by requesting the following documentsA contractor must have as a minimum ten million pounds public liability insurance before any work can be carried out.  A check is to be made that they are competent to carry out the necessary work. The contractor must supply a Health and Safety Plan.  This must include risk assessments of all tasks and activities, the provisions for the health, safety and welfare of all persons concerned.We manage / supervise / monitor sub-contractors activities by the following means:All visitors must report to reception and sign in.  They will be escorted at all times / or undergo the induction process. On leaving the premises the visitor must sign out.

3.15 Public safety

The safety of members of the public and other contractors is considered at all times whilst on site. Any work area that could place others at risk due to the Company’s activities will be closed off by appropriate means (e.g. safety signage, bollards, tape, hoarding) in order to restrict access.

3.16Other Important Health & Safety information

The Health and Safety law poster is displayed on the wall adjacent to the side of the main entrance door into the workshop.SecurityAccess to the site is via the entrance gate only.  All gates, doors and shutters to be locked shut when the premises are not occupied and the alarm set. Video surveillance is continuous and is monitored each morning.