Health and safety policy

Threshold will do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its staff and others who are involved in our activities

This policy covers all those who are working with or for Threshold including, but not limited to, paid employees, volunteers and contractors. For simplicity, these individuals are referred to throughout this policy as ‘staff’, although this does not imply an employee/employer relationship.

Whilst we ensure that the relevant legal requirements are met to the highest standards across the organisation and that risk is minimised and controlled, we aim to continually improve our health & safety culture, practices and procedures. We will maintain an active interest in health and safety matters.

Policy statement

Threshold is committed to providing and maintaining, so far as is reasonably practicable:

• Plant, equipment and systems of work which are safe and without risk to health (PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) conducted annually.
• Facilities for safe handling, transport and storage of substances which may be hazardous to health (in compliance with COSHH 2002).
• Safe water systems (control risk of Legionella and Legionnaires disease) in line with duties under the HSWA (1974), MHSWR (1999 & 2006 Amendment) and COSHH 2002.
• Systems to prevent fire, minimise the impact if fire were to occur, and provide robust contingency response should fire destroy a Resettlement Property or other place of work.
• A workplace which is safe and without risk to health.
• Safe access to and from any workplace.
• A working environment which is safe, without risk to health and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for the welfare at work of its employees.
• A workplace which supports employee wellness.
• A workplace that empowers everyone to take personal responsibility and one in which our organisation acts on feedback that support innovation and continuous improvement.

Threshold will provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety of its staff.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for Health & Safety lies with Threshold’s Board of Trustees (‘Board’) who give delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’). The Operations Manager is Threshold’s Health & Safety Officer (‘HSO’) and oversees and audits compliance with this Health & Safety policy and acts as the primary source of Health & Safety advice within Threshold.

Board of Trustees

• Understand their responsibility in relation to Health & Safety
• Monitor Threshold’s Health & Safety performance at Board Meetings including approval of the Health & Safety policy

CEO

• Ensure that adequate resources are available to implement the Health & Safety policy
• Ensure Health & Safety performance is regularly reviewed at SMT and Board meetings
• Monitor the effectiveness of the Health & Safety policy
• Ensure the Board has access to Health & Safety performance information relating to incidents, risk assessments, reports and action plans

SMT

• Support the implementation of Threshold’s Health & Safety policy
• Support the development of long-term plans to improve safety performance
• Ensure that all members of their team are aware of their responsibilities and have received appropriate training
• Ensure Health & Safety is a standing agenda item at team meetings etc.
• Ensure that areas of particular concern are escalated to the Operations Manager who is the Health & Safety Officer (HSO)
• Investigate and where necessary, take action in respect of any Health & Safety issue highlighted by staff
• Review incident reports produced by the HSO and investigate all accidents/incidents that occur within their areas of responsibility

Operations Manager (HSO)

• Oversee and audit compliance with the Health & Safety policy
• Act as the primary source of Health & Safety advice within Threshold
• Oversee the Health & Safety inspection programme to ensure gaps are identified and addressed
• Carry out audits of Health & Safety compliance as required
• Ensure that any actions arising from the Health & Safety audits are addressed
• Report to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) as required by Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
• Identifying the implications of changes in legislation or HSE guidance and cascading information to the SMT
• Assessing the Health & Safety impact of the introduction of new services, offices, procedures and systems
• Liaising with the HSE, Threshold’s insurers and other external bodies
• Sourcing additional specialist Health & Safety assistance when necessary
• Identifying Health & Safety training needs and maintaining records
• Ensure All risk assessments are up to date.

First Aider(s)

• Stay Calm: Keep calm and take control of the situation.
• Assess the Situation: Quickly check what has happened and what needs to be done.
• Protect Everyone: Make sure you and others are safe from harm.
• Provide First Aid: Give immediate help to anyone who is injured or sick.
• Call for Help: Arrange for more help if needed, like calling an ambulance.
• Keep Skills Updated: Make sure your first aid training is current.
• Explain Actions: Tell the person what you are doing to help them.
• Treat with Respect: Always treat the person with dignity and respect.

Fire Marshal(s)

• Check for Fire Risks: Look for things that could cause a fire and report them.
• Keep Exits Clear: Make sure fire exits and escape routes are not blocked.
• Fire Drills: Organize and conduct fire drills to practice safe evacuation.
• Use Fire Equipment: Know how to use fire extinguishers and other fire safety tools.
• Help in Emergencies: Lead people to safety if there is a fire.
• First Aid: Provide first aid if someone is hurt during a fire.
• Fire Safety Training: Teach others about fire safety and what to do in case of a fire.

All Staff

• Cooperate at all times in the implementation of and adherence to the Health & Safety policy
• Take reasonable care for their own safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions at work
• Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for the purpose of Health & Safety at work
• Always use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as provided to them when undertaking the task for which it was provided
• Report all Health & Safety concerns to their Line Manager
• Assist with the completion of risk assessments relevant to your role
• Report all accidents, incidents and near misses

General Duties of Employees

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) places a duty on employees, not only to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, but also to cooperate with the organisation and its senior managers to enable it to carry out its responsibilities and provide and maintain safe working conditions.

The Act also requires employees not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided to protect their health and safety or welfare in compliance with the Act.

Health and Safety performance is monitored at a senior level, and we encourage everyone working within our organisation to challenge unsafe situations and report quickly health, safety and wellbeing concerns, near-miss incidents and accidents. Alongside regular workplace inspections, we develop and test incident response and recovery plans to protect our people and service users and minimise risk. Staff and volunteer feedback is therefore particularly essential to assist us in meeting our aims to provide the safest possible workplace and is the duty of all staff and volunteers to contribute feedback accordingly.

Health & Safety Arrangements

Safety Consciousness

The organisation will endeavour to create and develop a working environment in which there is an awareness of the vital importance of Health and Safety. In seeking to create a climate of safety consciousness, the organisation will encourage all employees, volunteers, contractors, and external stakeholders to participate in developing best practice, practicing safe methods and finding sustainable solutions the protect health, safety and well-being. We will encourage all individuals to have a regard for the welfare of themselves and others and it identify and report hazards and suggest solutions so we can all contribute to improve the workplace environment.

Training

The organisation will implement a training programme to give staff the necessary information to carry out the procedures defined in the Health and Safety section of the staff handbook. Threshold Housing Link will empower employees to work safely and effectively and ensure that they are competent and confident in the work they carry out by providing high quality information, instruction, training and supervision. We will make certain that everyone has the appropriate skills and resources to carry out the tasks they are expected to do, safely and without adverse impact on their health and wellbeing.

Accident Prevention and Investigation

The organisation will endeavour to prevent the possibility of accidents by improving and monitoring its policies and providing advice on Health and Safety. The organisation, through its Operations Manager, or in their absence the CEO, will investigate all accidents causing personal injury and ascertain the causes of the accident, taking steps, where reasonably practicable, to eliminate or reduce the possibility of such an accident reoccurring. Add incident reporting arrangements – who to, how etc.

Risk Assessments

The organisation will carry out risk assessments as required in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999) and provide information to the Board and staff of its significant findings, along with the management actions to be taken to reduce any risks identified.

The following are risk assessed:

• Buildings
• Staff
• Fire
• Activities
• Service users
• Sharps and needles

Risk assessments are reviewed annually unless:

• there is a change in legislation or following an incident
• following an incident
• substantial change in working practice
• introduction of hazardous substances

Stress

The organisation recognises that occupational stress is a collective as well as an individual problem and will pursue policies and operate procedures aimed at preventing or reducing the possibility of stress through organisational arrangements, training, and appropriate other methods. Staff and volunteers will receive regular group and individual supervision from senior managers or, if appropriate, independent professional supervision for registered health professionals if inhouse expertise is unavailable, to monitor performance, capability and stress. Supervision sessions will monitor stress levels, and any concerns raised will be documented and taken forward to the CEO. The immediate line manager of a staff member or volunteer raising concerns will be responsible to make recommendations, in collaboration with the staff member, or volunteer to mitigate concerns raised; a stress reduction/management strategy will be agreed and documented. Where issues raised are complex, medically related, or in other ways beyond the scope of expertise present within senior management then staff or volunteers may be referred for an Occupational Health Assessment. Additionally, the organisation has a contractual arrangement with an external HR service provider to provide Human Resources support to staff and at any point staff may raise stress related or other concerns directly with them as outlined in the staff handbook. Threshold Housing Link will continue to promote activities which encourage a culture whereby everyone looks after their physical and mental health. We will continue to provide access to a wide raft of additional health and wellness supporting activities and services.

Fire & evacuation

Due to vulnerability of service users (e.g. some may have cognitive impairments), key risks include the potential for rapid fire spread, inadequate evacuation routes and the presence of flammable materials.

To mitigate these risks, there are fire risk assessments, fire safety measures such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, fire drills every six months and evacuation routes are checked to ensure they are clear and accessible.

Project Workers are responsible for creating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for any residents who require them.PEEPs detail specific needs and assistance required during an evacuation.

Regular fire drills and staff training are crucial to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

A Fire Risk Assessment has been undertaken for all our properties. Copies are stored on SharePoint and on site in the fire box.Fire detection equipment is maintained and tested annually and all records are stored on Compliance Systems.Fire evacuation procedures are displayed in the properties.Fire doors should be kept closed and next blocked.

Please also see separate fire policy.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

PPE is supplied by Threshold and it is the responsibility of employees to make sure it is fit for purpose.All faulty equipment must be reported to the Line Manager.

Control of substances

The primary risks associated with the control of substances include exposure to hazardous chemicals, leading to health issues like respiratory problems, skin irritation and long-term illnesses such as cancer, as well as risks of spills, fires and explosions.

Currently Threshold does not have any hazardous substances.However, were there any, to mitigate these risks, there would be risk assessments, substances would be properly stored, comprehensive training would be provided, appropriate PPE would be provided, clear emergency procedures would be established and regular inspections and maintenance would be carried out.

DSE (include brief overview and refer to other policy)

Using display screen equipment (DSE) like computers and tablets can lead to health issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, visual fatigue, and mental stress if not managed properly.

To mitigate these risks, regular workstation assessments should be conducted, regular breaks and changes in activity should be encouraged, eye tests and appropriate corrective eye wear should be provided, offer training on proper DSE use, and adjustable equipment should be provided to ensure ergonomic setups.

RIDDOR

RIDDOR, or the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, is a UK regulation requiring employers, the self-employed, and those in control of work premises to report serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).Reportable incidents include specified injuries like fractures and amputations, occupational diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome and occupational asthma, dangerous occurrences like equipment failures and explosions, work-related fatalities and injuries to non-workers that require hospital treatment.

PAT testing

PAT testing, or Portable Appliance Testing, is a routine inspection of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use.This process involves both visual inspections and electrical tests to identify potential hazards and defects.The primary goal of PAT testing is to prevent electrical accidents, fires and injuries by ensuring that appliances are in a safe working condition.

Every 12 months a full PAT Test on every appliance is carried out by a qualified company.

Gas safety

A gas safety check is an inspection carried out by a qualified gas engineer to ensure that gas appliances, fittings, and flues in a property are safe and functioning correctly.This check is crucial for preventing gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards associated with gas appliances.

What Happens During a Gas Safety Check?

All properties with gas are checked every 12 months.

1.Inspection of Appliances:The engineer will check each gas appliance to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

2.Ventilation:They will ensure there is adequate ventilation for gas appliances to function properly.

3.Flue and Chimney Checks:The engineer will inspect flues and chimneys to ensure gases are being safely removed from the property.

4.Gas Tightness Test:A test to ensure there are no gas leaks in the system.

5.Safety Devices:Checking that safety devices on appliances are working correctly.

Asbestos

Asbestos, a group of fibrous minerals known for their heat resistance and strength, was historically used in various industries but is now recognised as a serious health hazard.Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause severe health issues, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other cancers.Due to these risks, asbestos use has been banned or restricted in many countries, though it may still be present in older buildings. If asbestos is suspected in the workplace, it's crucial to inform your line manager and contact a professional for safe testing and removal.

Manual handling

Manual handling involves moving or supporting loads by hand or bodily force, common in industries like construction and manufacturing.Improper techniques can lead to injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive strain injuries.Key principles include planning the lift, keeping the load close, adopting a stable position, avoiding twisting and using smooth movements.All staff must complete their manual handling training on Highspeed.

Working at height

Working at height poses significant risks, including falls, unstable surfaces, falling objects, and equipment failures.To mitigate these risks, it's essential to conduct thorough risk assessments, use proper and regularly inspected equipment, implement collective and personal protective measures, and ensure workers are adequately trained and supervised. Additionally, having clear emergency procedures in place is crucial for maintaining safety.

Waste management

Waste management involves the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste to reduce its adverse effects on health and the environment.Effective practices include waste segregation, recycling, composting, landfill management and waste-to-energy conversion, all aimed at conserving resources and minimising environmental impact.

All the household waste is collected by SBC which includes recyclable and non-recyclable waste.Large waste items are removed by Threshold staff and taken to the Swindon recycling centre. Other items like beds that our contaminated are removed by a specialist company like Nanogreen.

Management of contractors

Managing contractors involves several risks, including financial risks from cost overruns, legal risks from non-compliance with regulations, safety risks from inadequate training or unsafe practices, and operational risks from poor performance or delays. Effective contractor management requires thorough planning, clear communication of expectations, regular monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and legal standards.

All contractors are responsible for removing all the waste.

We check that they have a waste license or that the contractor they use has a valid license and insurance.

Driving at work

To help ascertain the suitability of drivers, regular (i.e. annual) checks should be carried out for any employee who is required to drive for work. If in some cases it is likely to be infrequent or one-off journeys, these checks may be completed as and when those employees are required to drive for work (or at least annually). These checks should include:

• Driver’s licences reviewed against the DVLA online system to ensure they hold a licence for the class of vehicle they are required to drive and to check if they have any convictions. Details of how to access licence information from the DVLA are available at: https://www.gov.uk/check-driving-information;
• confirmation of whether the employee has had prior accidents that were their fault.
• confirmation of whether the employee has any medical conditions, illnesses or prescribed medication that may affect their ability to drive.
• confirmation (and ideally proof, via a copy of the certificate of insurance) that if the employee is using their own vehicle, that they are insured for business use; and
• where employees use their own vehicles for work purposes, confirm that their own vehicles are taxed, MOT’d and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations (tax and MOT status of vehicles can be checked at: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/vehicle-tax-mot-insurance
• Staff should also be provided with guidance on how to complete pre-use safety checks of their own vehicles

Safety by Design

Threshold will ensure that all new Supported Housing Properties comply with the Workplace (Health and Safety and Welfare) Regulations (1992) and will, through a system of risk assessments and safety inspections, seek to improve existing properties owned or utilised by the organisation. Where a risk assessment or safety inspection highlights a risk to health and safety, the organisation will take all necessary action to reduce or eliminate the risk.

Monitoring

Threshold will continuously monitor its Health and Safety Policy and the guidance given within its Staff Handbook and will amend each document wherever it is deemed appropriate.

This monitoring will be carried out by the Operations Manager who will review the organisations systems for inspections, accident reporting and investigation. The Operations Manager will be responsible for the maintenance of statistical information.

Frequency of Health & Safety inspections:

• Regular maintenance and safety checks of premises are carried out every two weeks.
• Hygiene standards are carried out every week.
• Safe management of hazardous substances are carried out every two weeks.
• Health and Safety audits are carried out every two weeks.
• Collection of feedback from staff and service users as required.