1. General Statement of Safety Policy

The responsibility for the Health & Safety and Welfare of employees and clients using GEARS+ lies with the Chief Executive and the Board of GEARS+. The Chief Executive is responsible for managing and overseeing all activities, and programmes as well as implementing this policy and in so far as is reasonably practicable to:

a) ensure the health, safety and welfare of the employees who are actively involved in the delivery of GEARS+ programmes.

b) ensure Health & Safety and welfare of its clients.

c) take steps to ensure the Health & Safety of other persons who may be affected by the delivery of activities externally.

2. Statement of Safety Policy to Staff and Clients

The management shall so far as is reasonably practicable ensure the Health & Safety and Welfare of staff and clients in two ways:

a) by constantly assessing the environment used and activities delivered by GEARS+

b) by monitoring and requesting improvements to the environment and equipment

This can be achieved by the provision and maintenance of:

a) buildings, grounds and equipment, which are safe, have been manufactured to a valid British, European or International Standard where appropriate, is regularly inspected, tested or examined as appropriate and where necessary offers protection from assessed dangers. This would include such items as heating, hot water appliances, portable electrical appliances, activity apparatus, passenger transport and all safety equipment and other specialist workshop equipment and tools.

b) delivery methods and working procedures that are healthy and safe. These may be written guidelines or codes of practice drawn up by GEARS+ and on occasions may be confirmed verbally.

c) arrangements for the healthy and safe handling, lifting, storage and transport of articles and substances such as fuel, tools, sprays, chemicals and bottled gas.

d) sufficient information, instruction and training to enable staff and clients to carry out their activities healthily and safely and to contribute positively to other people’s health and safety. All clients will be given an introduction to the activities, which will emphasise health and safety issues that are relevant to that site and the necessity to wear personal protective equipment where identified and to heed general instructions relating to the participation in the activities.

e) where buildings are used they should have safe access and exit, paying specific attention to electrics, drainage, glazing, floors, corridors, steps, doorways, fire escape routes, fire systems, security arrangements and ventilation.

f) a healthy environment considering effective illumination, temperature, dust, smoke fumes, noise, cleanliness, food hygiene and adequate protection against occupational disease and infestation.

g) positive arrangements such as eating, washing, toilet facilities and accommodation for clothing and personal belongings.

i) ensure suitable protective equipment and clothing, which should be worn, when deemed necessary by GEARS+.

3. GEARS+ Chief Executive Declaration

3.1 This Safety Policy document will be brought to the attention of all GEARS+ delivery staff and will be used as a basis for actively encouraging all persons involved with delivery of GEARS+ alternative education programmes.

3.2 This policy will be reviewed annually and amended where necessary.

3.3 Health & Safety Risk Assessments shall be undertaken to identify and control activities delivered to ensure that we operate as safely as is reasonably practicable. Risk assessments will form an integral part of the operation of this policy.

3.4 Staff meetings and personal supervision will include an agenda item on Health & Safety where issues can be discussed and hopefully resolved.

3.5 Professional advice on all aspects of occupational Health & Safety is available from the Salford Council’s Safety Officers currently based at 196 Station Road, swinton, Manchester M27 6BY, Tel 0161 603 4070. The Council’s Safety Officers will carry out an annual independent audit and appraisal of equipment and procedures to assist with any independent, external inspections.

3.6 Professional advice on all aspects of GEARS+ work programmes is available from a variety of external bodies.

3.7 Day to day responsibility for Health & Safety lies with GEARS+ Chief Executive who will always be available to discuss Health & Safety issues.