Company Policy Statement for Health, Safety and Welfare

1.1 General Policy

Acheson Construction places the greatest importance upon the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others in the working environment, encouraging a culture that recognises that health and safety is not an extra. The Company observes its moral and lawful duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all its employees at work and of those who may be affected by its operations. The Company will strive to ensure:-

All aspects of the health, safety and welfare of employees.

Safe and healthy working conditions and safe systems of work.

Effective prevention of accidents and work related ill-health.

Adequate control of the risks associated with work activities...

Provision and maintenance of safe plant, machinery, equipment and appliances

Safe methods for handling materials and substances.

Provision of health and safety information and instruction for employees.

Employees are competent, adequately trained and have suitable supervision for their tasks.

Employees are consulted on matters affecting their health and safety.

This policy will be reviewed, revised and updated either annually, or as legislative amendments necessitate.

1.2 Application

This policy meets the legal obligation of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to have a health and safety policy and to bring it to the attention of employees.

2. ORGANISATION, RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Company will use all practicable means to ensure that everyone working on its behalf complies with the provisions of this policy and health and safety legislation. This will be achieved through a comprehensive training programme, effective communication (team meetings, notice boards, and other means) and the strict enforcement of safety rules.

The following sections cover the main groups with health and safety responsibilities.

2.1 The Directors

The Managing Director, R D J Acheson, is the Director with responsibility for health and safety within the Company and will maintain a watching brief to ensure that the health and safety policy is being correctly implemented; however, all the Directors have responsibility for directing strategy, standards and policy on Health and Safety. Directors will oversee implementation of this policy and the accompanying arrangements and allow for adequate budgets and resources for health and safety.

2.2 Managers

Within this policy, 'Manager' refers to employees whose responsibilities may include line management over other employees, the safety of buildings or plant, or the engagement of contractors to undertake work on behalf of the Company.

All Managers have a legal duty of care and general responsibility for the health and safety of their employees. They are ultimately responsible and accountable for the implementation of this policy and for compliance with health and safety legislation.

In addition they are responsible for ensuring that:-

New employees receive appropriate safety induction information and training on commencing employment.

Risk and other assessments required by health and safety legislation are carried out, and necessary measures implemented to control risks.

They monitor compliance with health and safety legislation and the effectiveness of the Company health and safety policy.

They carry out routine safety inspections of the workplaces under their control and record their findings.

They make supervisory checks to satisfy themselves that safety rules are being observed by employees and record their findings.

Health surveillance is carried out where the nature of the work requires it.

They attend appropriate health and safety training courses and that their employees have sufficient training, information, instruction and supervision to carry out their work in a safe and healthy manner

Other specific duties upon Managers are detailed in the individual health and safety arrangements.

2.3 Health and Safety Manager

The Health and Safety manager will provide an advisory service to the Directors and Managers. He will be responsible for auditing the effectiveness of the Company in both complying with legal responsibilities and in implementing this policy. This will include safety audits in the workplace. He will set standards for, and may place constraints upon the purchase of safety equipment for use within the Company. He has the authority of the Managing Director to insist that any activity, which he regards as likely to cause injury to persons or damage to property, ceases until the matter can be referred to and resolved by the relevant Manager. He is responsible for the continuing review and up-dating of this policy and the health and safety arrangements.

2.4 All employees

The Company expects employees at all levels to set an example of safe behaviour and maintain an interest in health and safety.

All employees have a legal obligation to co-operate with Directors, the Health and Safety Manager, and their Managers to ensure that the Company is able to fulfil its health and safety responsibilities. They must take reasonable care for their own health and safety at work and that of those who may be affected by their acts or omissions. They must be vigilant at all times to health and safety issues or hazards, and swiftly notify their Manager of any health and safety concerns they have. They have a duty not to misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety.

2.5 Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action leading to dismissal will be considered for any employee who disregards this policy and the accompanying arrangements, or any health and safety legislation.

2.6 Non-employees

The Company recognises its responsibility towards anyone that, although not directly in its employment, may be affected by its activities and shall ensure that they are not exposed to risks to their health or safety. All contractors working for the Company will be expected to adhere to the requirements of this Policy and the accompanying arrangements as part of the terms of their contract.

Individual Managers are responsible for monitoring the safety performance of Sub-contractors working on their premises.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENSURING HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Health and Safety Manager has drawn up a series of health, safety and welfare arrangements to cover both the scope of the Company's activities and any procedures in place for ensuring health and safety. These arrangements are found in the Acheson Construction Health and Safety Manual. Amendments to these arrangements will be brought to the attention of employees through team meetings, toolbox talks and health and safety notice boards.

The Health and Safety Manual is available in electronic format on the Company computer network at G:\Admin\Template\Health and Safety Manual. The wide availability of these documents will ensure that all employees can easily access them.

R D J Acheson

Managing Director