2.26 Vulnerable & Young Persons Policy and Procedures Table of Contents

Transcription

1

2 Table of Contents Section 1 - Policy Purpose Scope Requirements Responsibilities Procedure... 4 Section 3 - References Statutory Documents Abbreviations Definitions Managing the Risk associated with Vulnerable and Young Persons... 5 Appendix 1 Risk Assessment Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 2 of 7 October 2014

3 Section 1 - Policy 1.1 Purpose The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) is committed to, so far as is reasonably practicable through good practice, to minimise the risks to vulnerable and young workers through development of a proactive approach to the management of the safety of all vulnerable and young persons. 1.2 Scope This policy and these procedures apply to all SATCoL locations including shops and Head Office facilities. Certain people may require special consideration to ensure their safety and welfare is protected. Our recruitment practices and Volunteering procedures are designed to highlight circumstances where control measures may be required. Health and Safety/Equality legislation applies to everyone - regardless of age and defines vulnerable workers as those who are at risk of having their workplace entitlements denied, and who lack the capacity or means to secure them. By law, employers should be protecting those that may be vulnerable including older workers, and carrying out risk assessments and training - furthermore young people have an additional protection because health and safety law recognises that they may well be vulnerable because they lack awareness of danger and may also lack experience or physical maturity. 1.3 Requirements Under the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Equality Act 2010, SATCoL has a responsibility to ensure persons are not exposed to additional risk due to their classified status. Further guidance in respect of the Recruitment and Induction of Volunteers is included in the following documents: SATCoL Volunteering Policy Volunteer Groups Volunteer Welcome Pack Volunteer Induction Checklist Refer also to other Health and Safety Policy and Procedures. 1.4 Responsibilities Property Services Are Policy & Procedures Owners Human Resources/Property Services Are available to provide advice and guidance where required Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 3 of 7 October 2014

4 All Line Managers including Location Managers Managers are responsible for ensuring: This policy and these procedures are implemented and made known to all staff and volunteers within their area of responsibility. When recruiting or accepting a new member of staff or volunteer you take into account the person s physical and psychological capacity and any particular needs/requirements, for example due to health conditions, learning difficulties or the like by completing the Vulnerable and Young Persons Risk Assessment. If taking on a new member of staff or volunteer from a placement agency you discuss the placement with the organisers in advance to identify any particular needs/requirements. Obtain a copy of the placement organization s risk assessment/training information. Consider what work the person will be doing or observing, the risks involved and how these are managed. Staff Staff, including volunteers are responsible for ensuring that: This policy and these procedures are adhered to at all times They follow the training they have been given They immediately report any concerns to their Line Manager Comply with the findings of the risk assessment 1.5 Procedure All Line Managers including Location Managers Managers are responsible for ensuring: This policy and these procedures are implemented and made known to all staff and volunteers within their area of responsibility. When recruiting or accepting a new member of staff or volunteer you take into account the person s physical and psychological capacity and any particular needs/requirements, for example due to health conditions, learning difficulties or the like by completing the Vulnerable and Young Persons Risk Assessment. If taking on a new member of staff or volunteer from a placement agency you discuss the placement with the organisers in advance to identify any particular needs/requirements. Obtain a copy of the placement organization s risk assessment/training information. Consider what work the person will be doing or observing, the risks involved and how these are managed. Staff Staff, including volunteers are responsible for ensuring that: This policy and these procedures are adhered to at all times They follow the training they have been given They immediately report any concerns to their Line Manager Comply with the findings of the risk assessment 2.26 Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 4 of 7 October 2014

5 Section 3 - References 3.1 Statutory Documents Document Ref. Title MHSWR Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 EA 2010 The Equality Act Abbreviations Abbreviation HSE MSLA Definition Health and Safety Executive. Minimum school leaving age. 3.3 Definitions Child Is anyone who has not yet reached the offical minimum school leavers age (MSLA). Pupils will reach MSLA in the school year in which they turn 17. Staff - refers to any persons carrying out SATCoL business whether they are paid or unpaid. The definition is extended to include volunteers, contractors and exhibition staff. PPE personal protective equipment Young Person - Is anyone under the age of Managing the Risk associated with Vulnerable and Young Persons The following consideration may assist in completing the risk assessment:- the layout of the workplace the physical, biological and chemical agents they will be exposed to how they will handle work equipment how the work and processes are organised the extent of health and safety training needed risks from particular agents, processes and work 2.26 Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 5 of 7 October 2014

6 Young People Lack of experience. Being unaware of exisiting or potential risks. Lack of maturity. Restrictions in the use of equipment Danger of violent or abussive customers and colleagues Avoidance of working in isolation with others who may pose a threat or risk Induction procedures and Welcome packs provide information and guidance at the commencement of duties. As employees, young people have a duty of care for their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Children under 13 are generally prohibited from any form of employment. Older Employees and Vulnerable groups: Assess the activities involved in jobs and modify the workplace if necessary to accommodate all ages and both genders. Make adjustments on the basis of individual and business needs - not age and gender. Don t assume that certain jobs are too demanding for older workers- base decisions on capbility and objective risk Consider adjustments to help an employee with a health issue or consider a request to work flexibly Carry out risk assessments routinely not just when an employee reaches a certain age. New to the Job and Migrant workers: Individuals are at particular risk within the first 6 months of commencing the job as they may be unaware of exisiting or potential risks. Language and understanding may hinder good communication Any health and safety training provided must take into account the worker s capabilities, including language skills. Disabled Workers Each case must be considered individually, taking into account the effects of the impairment on the individual. The tasks involved and the working environment New & Expectant Mothers Once pregnancy has been confirmed to the line manager he/she must take account of the potential and actual hazards in the workplace which could adversely affect the wellbeing of the new or expectant mother and/or unborn child. See also 2.19 New and Expectant Mothers - Policy and Procedures For all the above groups undertake a risk assessment to identify key issues and ensure documented control measures are put in place including a review date. (Appendix 1 & Appendix 2) 2.26 Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 6 of 7 October 2014

7 Appendix 1 Risk Assessment Name: Vulnerable and Young Persons - RISK ASSESSMENT Assessed by: (Name) Signature: Date: Hazard: Existing Controls already in place: Yes No Initial Risk Rating HML Further Improvements required to Reduce Risks are: (Management action plan) By Whom? By When? Residual Risk Rating HML Done H= High M= Medium L=Low Persons at Risk ( ) Add as Appropriate: All employees Volunteers Young worker (under Other visitors Cleaner 18) Shop staff Customer Disabled worker Contractors Other: 2.26 Vulnerable and Young Persons Policy and Procedure Page 7 of 7 October 2014