Appendix 22 – Health & Safety

The Company is responsible for:

  • Assessing the risk of the health and safety of its employees and others who may be affected, and identifying what measures are needed to comply with its health and safety obligations.

  • Arranging hearing tests bi-annually for all staff that work in production and warehouses

  • Providing and maintaining locations and, where appropriate, that equipment, protective clothing and systems of work are safe and without risks to health.

  • Ensuring that all necessary safety devices are installed and maintained on equipment.

  • Providing information, instruction, training and supervision in safe working methods and procedures.

  • Providing and maintaining a healthy and safe place of work and providing a means of access there from.

  • Promoting the co-operation of employees to ensure safe and healthy conditions and systems of work by discussion and effective joint consultation.

  • Establishing emergency procedures as required.

  • Monitoring and reviewing the management of health and safety at work.

  • Keeping this safety policy under review and making any revision it deems necessary from time to time. All such revisions will be brought to the attention of employees.

This policy needs the full co-operation of all employees who are expected to give all possible assistance aimed at its successful implementation, to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. In order to achieve this end, you must:

  • Comply with any safety instructions and directions issued by the Company;

  • Attend and partake in bi-annual hearing tests if you work in production or warehouse;

  • In the case of fire, you must evacuate the building in accordance with the fire instructions.  It is your responsibility to be aware of these instructions and where the nearest fire exit and fire appliances are located;

  • Take reasonable care for your health and safety and the health and safety of other persons (e.g. other employees, contractors, customers, workmen, etc) who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work, by observing safety rules that are applicable to you;

  • Co-operate with the Company to ensure that the aims of the Health and Safety Policy Statement are achieved and any duty or requirement imposed on the Company by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions is complied with;

  • Report and co-operate in the investigation of all accidents or incidents that have led to or may lead to injury;

  • Use equipment or protective clothing provided in accordance with the training they have received;

  • Report any potential risk, hazard or malfunction of equipment to the appropriate authority.

Reduce the Risk of Injury

To reduce the risk of injury when lifting or carrying any objects during the course of your duties always follow these general principles:

  • Proper hold – use a broad grip.

  • Straight back – spine straight.  Lift by straightening the legs.

  • Chin in – lock the spine and relieve the muscles.

  • Proper foot position – good balance.  Avoid twisting the body.

  • Arms into the body – load is held close to the centre Line of gravity.

  • Assistance – obtain assistance if the load is too heavy or awkward.

To reduce the risk of injury when using a computer or VDU during the course of employment, you should always follow these general principles:

  • Sit properly – adjust the chair and/or workstation as necessary;

  • Take frequent breaks away from the workstation;

  • Ensure you have sufficient lighting to avoid straining your eyes;

  • Wear glasses if prescribed for computer or VDU use.