Co-op Academy North Manchester

Health & Safety Policy

 Policy details

• Date created - September 2019
• Date reviewed - September 2023
• Date approved - September 2023
• Next review date - September 2026
• Policy owner - Nicholas Eddleston [North Manchester]

1. Introduction

• This statement is issued in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.  These set the standards that must be met to ensure the health and safety of all employees and others who may be affected by any work activity.  Other regulations also exist to cover work activities that carry specific risks, for example lifting and carrying, computer work and electricity.  The key pieces of legislation are listed below.

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
• The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
• The Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
• The Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006
• The construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
• The Co-op academies Trust will comply with the legal requirements as a minimum and will strive towards continual improvement.  A separate Trust policy is in place which details the overall Trust approach to Health and Safety.

• The Academy is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy working environment for the health, safety and welfare of pupils, staff, visitors and other persons using the buildings, grounds, equipment and any other facilities provided by or associated with the Trust.
• The Academy will strive to reduce the possible risk of accidents and injury to all users.  In supporting this, the arrangements outlined in this document and other safety precautions put in place by the academy cannot prevent accidents but will instil the adoption of safe methods of work and good practice.
• The Principal, governors, senior staff and designated health and safety staff will take all reasonable steps to identify and reduce hazards to a minimum.  To assist in this, all staff and pupils must be aware of their own and others personal safety, and safety in any of the Academy’s activities, both on and off site.

2.        General Guidelines  

The academy will:

• Ensure that staff are familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and any other health and safety legislation and codes of practice which are relevant to the Academy, in particular the Management of Health and Safety at work regulations 1992.
• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment through the Academy.  
• Establish and maintain safe working procedures among staff, pupils and other users.
• Ensure that arrangements are in place regarding the safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.  
• Ensure that there are effective and enforceable arrangements for the provision of health and safety throughout the Academy.
• Ensure that all staff and pupils receive information, instruction and supervision to enable them to recognise and avoid hazards minimising potential personal risk and that of others.
• Make sure that any health and safety training requirements are met.
• Ensure that all staff and pupils have a safe place to work including means of safe entry and exit.
• Ensure all necessary safety and protective equipment and clothing together with appropriate instruction and guidance is available to all users.
• Ensure effective procedures are in place in case of fire and for evacuating the premises or locking the premises down.
• Ensure accident and emergency procedures are in place.
• Practise safe emergency evacuation procedures at least once per term with the results recorded and any recommendations put in place.
• Ensure that an effective health and safety monitoring structure is in place and to periodically assess the effectiveness of these arrangements and to ensure that any necessary changes are implemented.
• Ensure that any health and safety working conditions take account of the appropriate statutory requirements.
• Ensure that there is an effective accident reporting procedure in place, and that staff and other users are aware that this reporting facility is in place and how to access it.
• Ensure that regular health and safety inspections are undertaken and done on a regular basis and that any recommendations made are acted upon as soon as is practicable.
• Ensure that any identified item of equipment, fittings and furniture which has been identified as being unsafe is safely removed and repaired or replaced.
• The staff operational handbook outlines relevant health and safety matters.  Staff who require instruction and training to ensure that they are able to carry out their duties in a safe manner without putting themselves or others at risk, will have this provided.
• Report to the appropriate authority/department any defect in the state of repair of the buildings or their surroundings which is identified as being unsafe or likely to cause harm.  To make any interim repairs or arrangements to limit the risk of harm.
• Collate accident and incident information, and when necessary, carry out accident and incident investigations.
• Monitor first aid and welfare provision.
• The responsibility for the day to day health and safety conditions for all staff, pupils, visitors and anyone else using the premises or grounds whilst engaged on Academy business will be overseen by the Site Manager.

3.        Staff Responsibilities

• All staff will be responsible for the implementation and operation of the academy’s health and safety policy and in helping other members of staff, pupils and others to comply with its regulations.  As part of their day to day duties they will:

• Assist with the implementation, monitoring and development of the procedures and codes relating to the Health and Safety Policy within the Academy.
• Carry out risk assessments of teaching practices and activities including equipment and substances.  That any general advice on safety matters given by the Local Authority, Trust or other relevant bodies in relation to the Academy are implemented, that this will be translated into written safe methods of working practice and every department is informed.
• Inform pupils, staff and visitors as to their own personal safety and make sure they are aware of the Health and Safety procedures in place.
• Investigate any specific Health and Safety issue which has been identified in regard to any Academy provision and implement any recommended or remedial action reasonably required.  
• Perform regular Health and Safety inspections within their area of responsibility as required by the Director as necessary by law.
• Ensure that any failure to meet Health and Safety requirements is recorded and that appropriate action is taken to cease the provision until the issue is resolved according to Health and Safety requirements.  
• Ensure appropriate protective clothing and equipment including fire appliances and first aid are provided and readily available in all areas of the Academy where required.
• Ensure hazardous, flammable and toxic materials and substances are correctly assessed, used, stored and labelled.
• Ensure any signage in relation to Health and Safety is clear and up to date and that everyone is able to understand the label and instructions.
• Attend regular training to ensure that they are as up to date and informed of existing and any new requirements in regard to Health and Safety.
• All staff are responsible for the Health and Safety arrangements in relation to the site and staff, pupils and visitors under their supervision.  They should make themselves familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at work act 1974 and any other safety legislation and codes of practice which are relevant to the work of the department in which they work.  They should:
• Exercise effective supervision over all those they are responsible for.
• Take any appropriate action to ensure their own safety and that of any other persons that may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Ensure all equipment, tools or materials used are appropriately used and that it complies with any Health and Safety directives required.
• Report any defects and faults with any tools and materials and or any protective equipment and safety devices to the appropriate Health and Safety person.
• Report accidents irrespective of any injuries to the Site Manager, member of SLT or designated Health and Safety person and that the report is logged.
• Attend training and awareness courses in regard to Health and Safety.
• Make sure that if they find themselves in an unfamiliar environment they perform an initial Health and Safety check and seek further advice to clarify any issues arising.
• Ensure all emergency fire fighting equipment is regularly checked and clearly signed; this will include the fire alarm system and evacuation procedures.

4.        Training

• The Academy will ensure that any new members of staff will be given appropriate training so that all relevant Health and Safety matters are drawn to their attention at the earliest possible stage of their induction.  In addition visitors should be provided with a leaflet that outlines the Health and Safety arrangements of the academy.
• All pupils are expected to be aware of the Academy’s surroundings and to exercise personal precautions to mitigate any possible injury to themselves and others around them.  To also observe the safety rules of the Academy, especially any instructions from staff in the event of an emergency.

5.      Lettings

• In cases where the Academy’s equipment, buildings or grounds are to be let the Site Manager will ensure that:

• Any means of access and egress are safe for the use of hirers.
• Any equipment to be used by hirers is safe and any operating instructions and Health and Safety precautions are clearly identified.
• All emergency doors are clearly identified and fire drill/evacuation procedures are understood.
• Telephones, alarms, firefighting equipment and other safety equipment are pointed out and that users are familiar with how to use them.
• After the hirers have vacated the premises a full security check of the site including any equipment used takes place and any faults are reported and recorded.
• Any Health and Safety signage is clearly displayed and uses are clear on their meanings.
• There is a contact person available for hirers to contact should there be any issues that may require attention.
• A separate lettings outline exists.

6.        Review

• The Academy will review this policy statement annually and update, modify or amend it as it considers necessary to ensure the Health and Safety welfare of all individuals using the Site.
• The Site Manager in conjunction with the Trust will ensure that risk assessments and related procedures are reviewed annually or sooner, especially if after an incident or accident.
• The Site Manager will implement all and any Health and Safety precautions required by law and those advised procedures required by Local government and keep the Principal up to date.

7.        Health & Safety responsibilities.

• Staff are urged to be mindful of all Health and Safety issues.
• Staff are reminded that they are responsible for their personal safety and the pupils within their classroom.  Staff must familiarise themselves with procedures to be followed in case of fire and other emergencies, and should be aware of the location of fire alarms and first aid equipment.  Staff should report any faults, defects or necessary maintenance to the Principal and Site Manager or the Health and Safety Coordinator.  
• To assist in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) and all other appropriate and subsequent health and safety legislation, including the carrying out of risk assessments/reviews in accordance with guidelines and codes of practice issued by the Academy Health and Safety office.
• To maintain and clear safe paths, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
• Complete fire alarm test weekly and document.
• Ensure all fire extinguishers are checked and correctly located.
• Always follow procedure.
• Make sure that all emergency routes, including fire doors and exits, are kept clear at all times.
• Assist in any emergency evacuation procedures.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you and your colleagues’ working environment and customer areas remain safe at all times.
• Do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with, or misuse, anything provided in the interest of health, safety and welfare.
• Make yourself familiar with all health and safety issues within the department.
• Report immediately all accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and damage to property involving staff and users of the Academy.
• Report any unsafe conditions or working practices to your supervisor immediately.
• Use personal protective equipment and uniform provided at all times.
• Address any minor issues on the spot, spillages, unsafe equipment etc.