Health and Safety at Work Act, 1975

Statement of Playful Doses Drama CIC

Health and Safety Policy

PART ONE

General Statement of Policy, Duties & Responsibilities

1. Policy Statement

Playful Doses Drama CIC recognises and accepts its health and safety duties for providing a safe and healthy working environment (as far as is reasonably practicable) for all its workers (paid or volunteer) and other visitors to its premises under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, other relevant legislation and common law duties of care.

Throughout this Statement, terms such as “staff”, “workers”, “employees”, include both paid and volunteer workers.

It is the policy of the Group/Organisation to promote the health and safety of the committee members, volunteers, staff and of all visitors to the Groups/Organisation’s premises (“the Premises”) and to that intent to:

• Take all reasonably practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all personnel on the premises;
• Provide adequate working conditions with proper facilities to safeguard the health and safety of personnel and to ensure that any work which is undertaken produces no unnecessary risk to health or safety;
• Encourage persons on the premises to co-operate with the Organisation in all safety matter, in the identification of hazards which may exist and in the reporting of any condition which may appear dangerous or unsatisfactory;
• Ensure the provision and maintenance of equipment and systems of work that are safe;
• Maintain safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles;
• Provide sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision to enable everyone to avoid hazards and contribute to their own safety and health;
• Provide specific information, instruction, training and supervision to personnel who have particular health and safety responsibilities (eg a person appointed as a Health and Safety Officer or Representative);
• Make, as reasonably practicable, safe arrangements for protection against any risk to health and safety of the general public or other persons that may arise for the Groups/Organisation’s activities;
• Make suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of employees and of persons not in the employment of the Groups/Organisation arising out of or in connection with the Groups/Organisation’s activities;
• Make specific assessment of risks in respect of new or expectant mothers and young people under the age of eighteen;
• Provide information to other employers of any risks to which those employer’s workers on the Groups/Organisation’s premises may be exposed.

This policy statement and/or the procedures for its implementation may be altered at any time by the Groups/Organisation’s Management Committee (“the Committee”).  The statement and the procedures are to be reviewed in the (autumn) of each year by the Health and Safety Sub-committee or by other persons appointed by the Committee.  A report on the review, with any other proposals for amendment to the statement of procedures, is to be made to the next following ordinary meeting of the Management Committee.

1. Statutory Duty of the Group/Organisation

The Group/Organisation will comply with its duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of its workers and of visitors to its premises and, in general, to:

• Make workplaces safe and without risks to health;
• Ensure equipment is safe and that safe systems of work are set and followed;
• Ensure articles are moved, stored and used safely;
• Give volunteers/ workers the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary for their health and safety.

In particular, the Group/Organisation will:

• Assess the risks to health and safety of its volunteers/workers;
• Make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified as necessary by this assessment;
• Record the significant findings of the risk assessment and the arrangements for health and safety measures;
• Draw up a health and safety policy statement; including the health and safety organisation and arrangements in force, and bring it to the attention of its workers;
• Appoint someone competent to assist with health and safety responsibilities;
• Set up emergency procedures;
• Provide adequate First Aid facilities;
• Make sure that the workplace satisfies health, safety and welfare requirements, eg for ventilation, temperature, lighting and for sanitary, washing and rest facilities;
• Make sure that work equipment is suitable for its intended use as far as health and safety is concerned, and that it is properly maintained and used;
• Prevent or adequately control exposure to substances that may damage health;
• Take precautions against danger form flammable or explosive hazards, electrical equipment, noise or radiation;
• Avoid hazardous manual handling operations and, where they cannot be avoided, reduce the risk of injury;
• Provide health surveillance as appropriate;
• Ensure that appropriate safety signs are provided 
• Report certain injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to the appropriate health and safety enforcing authority.

1. Statutory Duty of the Groups/Organisation’s Workers

Employees also have legal duties, and the Organisation confidently requests non-employed (voluntary) workers also to observe these.  They include the following:

• To take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of other persons who may be affected by what they do or do not do;
• To co-operate with the Group/Organisation on health and safety;
• Not to interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes;
• To report at the earliest opportunity injuries, accidents or dangerous occurrences at work, including those involving the public and participants in activities organised by the Group/Organisation;
• Health and Safety law applies not only to employees in the workplace, it also applies to organisations and people who occupy or use community buildings to which members of the public have access.

PART TWO

Organisation of Health and Safety

• Health and Safety Sub-committee

The Management Committee will appoint a Health and Safety Sub-committee, including representation both of themselves and of staff (both paid and volunteer):

• To have a broad overview of Health and Safety matters;
• To keep the Organisation’s Health and Safety policy and procedures under review;
• To ensure that risk assessments are carried out, including assessments regarding substances hazardous to health (COSSH Regulations);
• To take such action as may be required to ensure that the Organisation’s responsibilities for Health and Safety are fulfilled;
• To report to the Management Committee on their performance of these responsibilities.

• Health and Safety Rules

All workers must exercise ordinary care to avoid accidents in their activities at work and comply with the following general rules and with any further rules which the Group/Organisation may publish from time to time.

Accident Forms and Book

The book must be kept in a locked drawer once completed.

Any injury suffered by a worker or visitor in the course of employment or otherwise on the Groups/Organisation’s premises, however slight, must be recorded, together with such other particulars as are required by statutory regulations, on an accident form maintained by the Organisation.

Fire Precautions

All personnel must familiarise themselves with fire escape routes and procedures and follow the directions of the Group/Organisation in relation to fire.

Equipment and Appliances  

No equipment or appliance may be used other than as provided by or specifically authorised by or on behalf of the Group/ Organisation and any directions for the use of such must be followed precisely.

Safety Clearways 

Corridors and doorways must be kept free of obstructions and properly lit.

Maintenance

Defective equipment, furniture and structures must be reported as such without delay.

Hygiene and Waste Disposal 

Waste must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and in accordance with any special instructions relating to the material concerned.

Food Hygiene 

When handling or preparing food there are specific hygiene requirements:

• Regularly wash hands before and during food preparation and especially after using the lavatory;
• Tell your supervisor or representative of the Committee of any skin, nose, throat, or bowel problem;
• Ensure cuts or sores are covered with correct waterproof dressings;
• Keep yourself clean and wear clean clothing;
• Remember that smoking in a food room is illegal;
• Never cough or sneeze over food;
• Clean as you go.  Keep all equipment and surfaces clean;
• Prepare raw and cooked food in separate areas.  Keep perishable food covered and either refrigerated (less than 8”C) or piping hot (above 63”C);
• Ensure waste food is disposed of properly.  Keep the lid on rubbish bin and wash your hands after putting waste in it;
• Avoid handling food as far as possible;
• Tell your supervisor or representative of the Committee of any defects or concerns regarding the facilities – eg uncleanness, refrigeration malfunction, cracked food preparation surfaces.

Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco  

Smoking within the premises and the use of Drugs (except under medical supervision) on the premises are prohibited at all times.  The use of intoxicants (alcohol) is prohibited during working hours, and no employee/volunteer may undertake his/her duties if under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except under medical supervision)

PART THREE

Arrangement and Procedures

The Health and Safety Officer, nominated by the Management Committee, is responsible for ensuring that the safety policy is carried out and that responsibilities for safety, health and welfare are properly assigned and accepted at all levels.  His/her details and contact number will be displayed.

• First Aid and Accident Reporting
  • Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures

3.1.1 First Aid

• The current First Aider(s) for Playful Doses Drama CIC is Sandy Beech.

• Accidents
• In the event of an injury or illness, call for a member of staff or ring for an ambulance directly.  To call an ambulance – dial 999 and ask for “ambulance”;
• All accidents must be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or another member of staff on duty immediately or as soon as practicable;
• All accidents must be entered on an accident form.  The procedures for “notifiable” accidents as shown in Appendix A below must be followed;
• The Health and Safety Officer will investigate incidents and accidents, writing a detailed report for the Organisation’s Management Committee to consider the actions necessary to prevent recurrence.

• Fire Drills and Evacuation ProceduresFire Drills
• All workers and volunteers must know the fire procedures, position of fire appliances and escape routes.

• in the event of Fire
• Persons discovering a fire should sound the nearest alarm;
• The first duty of all workers is to evacuate all people from the building by the nearest exit immediately the fire is discovered;
• All persons must evacuate the building and, where possible without personal risk, leave all doors and windows closed;
• No-one should leave the assembly point without the permission of a member of staff;
• If any fire occurs, however minor, the Fire Brigade must be called immediately by dialling 999 and asking for “Fire”;
• When the Fire Brigade arrives advise whether all persons are accounted for and location of fire.

• Bomb Warnings
• If you receive a warning try to find out from the caller:
• The approximate location of the bomb and likely time of detonation;
• Whether the police and fire brigade have been notified;
• Try to RECORD EXACTLY WHAT IS SAID:
• Notify the Police immediately on 999;
• DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM but evacuate the building taking into consideration any information form the bomb warning;
• Assemble in the car park unless the bomb warning implies otherwise.

•  Cleaning Materials, General Machinery and High Risk Areas
• All portable machinery must be switched off and unplugged when not in use;
• Wandering cables are a hazard; use with caution and safety in mind;
• Slippery floors and dangerous; use warning signs;

• General
• All thoroughfares, exits and gates must be left clear at all times;
• Corridors and fire exits must not be blocked by furniture or equipment;
• Vehicles must not be parked near to the building so as to cause any obstruction or hazard;
• Hazards or suspected hazards or other health and safety matters should be reported to the Health and Safety Officer or the staff member on duty immediately or as soon as practicable, so that action can be taken.  If the hazard is of a serious nature, immediate action must be taken to protect or clear the area to prevent injury to staff or other users.

PART FOUR

Appendices

APPENDIX A – ACCIDENT REPORTING

1. Accidents

All accidents which occur during work for the Group/Organisation and/or for the User/Hirer, or on premises under the control of the Group/Organisation must be recorded.

• Accidents to Workers or Contractor’s Staff
• For ALL Accidents

Complete Accident Form and give to Health & Safety Officer

• For accidents reportable to the Health & Safety Executive (for contractors see c))

If accident results in incapacity for work for more than 3 calendar days then complete the online form F2508 with copies to the Chair of the Management Committee.

If accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury (see section 4, below) then immediately notify:

Health & Safety Executive on HSE’s Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055 

     And the Chair of the Management Committee

Follow up within seven days with completed online form F2508 with copies to the Chair of the Management Committee

• If a reportable accident involves a contractor’s employee and the premises are under the control of someone other than the contractor then the person in control of the premises is responsible for reporting the accident.

If a contractor’s employee is at work on premises under the control of the contractor then it is the contractor or someone acting on his/her behalf who is responsible for reporting the accident.

• Accidents to Members of the Public
• For ALL Accidents

Complete Accident Form and give to Health & Safety Officer

• For accidents reportable to the Health & Safety Executive

If an accident results in fatality, fracture, amputation or other specified injury (see section 4 below) then immediately notify:

Health & Safety Executive 

And the Chair of the Management Committee

Some injuries may not be fully identified until the casualty has been to hospital.  It is therefore essential that, if it is known that an individual has gone to hospital as a result of an accident, follow up action is carried out.

• Definition of Specified Major Injuries or Conditions
• Fracture of the skull, spine or pelvis; any bone in the arm or wrist, but not a bone in the hand; any bone in the leg or ankles, but not a bone in the foot.
• Amputation of; a hand or foot, a finger, thumb or toe; any part thereof if the joint or bone is completely severed
• Other specified injuries and conditions:
• The loss of sight of an eye; a penetrating injury to the eye, or a chemical or hot metal burn to an eye
• Injury (including burns) either requiring immediate medical treatment, or involving loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from electric shock from any electrical circuit or equipment, whether or not due to direct contact
• Loss of consciousness resulting from lack of oxygen
• Decompression sickness requiring medical treatment
• Either acute illness requiring treatment, or loss of consciousness, resulting (in either case) from absorption of any substance by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin
• Acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a pathogen or infected material
• Any other injury which results in the person injured being admitted immediately into hospital for more than 24 hours

IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT

• Dangerous Occurrences

In the event of any of the following:

• Collapse/Overturning of machinery
• Explosion/collapse of closed vessel/boiler
• Electrical explosion/fire

Notify the following immediately:

Health & Safety Executive

And the Chair of the Management Committee

• Occupational Diseases

• Poisoning
• Skim Diseases
• Lung Diseases
• Infections

Notify the following immediately:

Health & Safety Executive

And the Chair of the Management Committee

Full details of Dangerous Occurrences and Occupational Diseases can be found in HSE RIDDOR Booklets 11 and 17.

IF IN DOUBT REPORT IT

Appendix B – HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION

1. Risk Assessment
2. Risk assessments relate to activities within the premises or grounds
3. Risk assessments NEED to be carried out in relation to every activity undertaken, whether by groups or individuals and including the work of paid staff AND volunteers
4. Special attention should be paid to the circumstances of workers under the age of eighteen and to expectant mothers, women who have given birth within the past six months or who are breastfeeding
5. A risk assessment needs to be carried out whenever a new activity is envisaged
6. Assessments need to be repeated whenever circumstances change:
   1. Changes in layout of equipment
   1. Observing trends on the accident form
   1. Changes in staff
   1. Introduction of new procedures, processes or materials

We request that our Staff, Volunteers, Member and Visitors respect this Policy, a copy of which will be available on demand.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Approved by the Management Committee 

This policy was adopted by PLAYFUL DOSES DRAMA CIC on 27th January 2024.

This policy is reviewed annually.

Last reviewed by Sandy Beech, Senior Director on 27 January 2025.