Health and Safety Policy

Lambourn Almshouses: Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction

The Lambourn Almshouses Charity is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all residents, employees, volunteers, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the steps we will take to ensure that we meet our legal obligations and maintain high standards of health, safety, and welfare.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that risks to health and safety are identified, assessed, and managed effectively. This policy applies to all activities carried out by the Lambourn Almshouses and is designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill-health.

3. Legal Obligations

Lambourn Almshouses will comply with the following legislation and regulations:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
  • Other relevant laws and guidance

4. Responsibilities

  • Trustees: The Trustees of Lambourn Almshouses are ultimately responsible for ensuring the implementation of this Health and Safety Policy. They will ensure that adequate resources are provided for the effective management of health and safety.
  • Employees: All employees are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that they work in a manner that does not endanger their health and safety or that of others and that health and safety standards are maintained.
  • Residents: All residents are expected to cooperate with the Charity to ensure that the environment is safe and secure. They must follow any safety procedures and report hazards or safety concerns promptly.

5. Risk Assessments

Risk assessments will be carried out regularly to identify potential hazards. These assessments will cover areas including but not limited to:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Fire safety
  • Electrical safety
  • Manual handling
  • Hazardous substances

Any identified risks will be mitigated as far as reasonably practicable. Actions to address risks will be recorded, monitored, and reviewed regularly.

6. Fire Safety

Lambourn Almshouses is committed to ensuring fire safety by:

  • Providing fire detection and warning systems in all relevant areas
  • Conducting regular fire risk assessments
  • Ensuring fire evacuation procedures are communicated to all residents and staff
  • Maintaining clear emergency exits and keeping evacuation routes free of obstruction
  • Conducting regular fire drills

7. Electrical Safety and PAT Testing

Lambourn Almshouses is committed to ensuring the safety of all electrical equipment used on its premises. All portable electrical appliances provided by the charity will undergo regular Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to ensure they are safe for use. PAT testing will be carried out annually by a qualified electrician, and any faulty or unsafe equipment will be repaired or replaced promptly. Staff, residents, and contractors are required to report any issues with electrical equipment immediately. Additionally, residents are encouraged to ensure that any personal electrical items they bring onto the premises are safe and well-maintained. The use of damaged or unsafe electrical equipment is strictly prohibited.

8. Accident Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near-misses must be reported and recorded in the Accident Log. Serious accidents will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013). Investigations will be carried out to identify the cause and prevent recurrence.

9. First Aid

Adequate first aid provisions will be made available, including first aid kits and trained personnel. All staff and residents will be informed of the location of first aid supplies.

10. Training

All staff and volunteers will receive appropriate health and safety training, including:

  • Fire safety procedures
  • First aid and accident reporting
  • Safe use of equipment and materials
  • Manual handling where applicable

Training will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

11. Contractors and Visitors

All contractors and visitors to Lambourn Almshouses must comply with this Health and Safety Policy. Contractors will be required to provide evidence of their own health and safety procedures and risk assessments before commencing work on the premises.

12. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure it remains up-to-date with current legislation and best practices. Reviews will take place annually, or more frequently if required by significant changes in the environment or work practices.

13. Approval

This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses:

Signature:

Name: Christian Noll
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 1 November 2024

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