Health and Safety Policy Statement of intent: It is the policy of Step by Step School to comply with the terms of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and subsequent legislation to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment. The health and safety objective of the school is to minimise the number of instances of occupational accidents and illnesses and ultimately achieve an accident-free and healthy workplace. General Principles: It is the policy of the School, so far as is reasonably practicable, to: Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the School. Establish and maintain safe working procedures among staff and pupils. Make arrangements for ensuring safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances. Ensure the provision of sufficient information, instruction and supervision to enable all employees and pupils to avoid hazards and contribute positively to their own health and safety and to ensure that they have access to health and safety training as appropriate or as and when provided. Maintain all areas in a condition that is safe and without risk to health and to provide and maintain means of access to and egress from that place of work that are safe and without risk. Formulate effective procedures for use in case of fire and for evacuating the school premises. Lay down procedures to be followed in case of accident. Teach safety as part of pupils' duties where appropriate. Provide and maintain adequate welfare facilities and to make recommendations to the Board of Trustees as appropriate. Policy implementation and arrangements Responsibility of the Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees is responsible for implementing this policy within the School. In particular, they will: Appoint a designated Governor with responsibility for liaising with the Health and Safety Officer. 1
Monitor the effectiveness of the safety policy and the safe working practices referred to within it and shall revise and amend it, as necessary, on a regular basis. Conduct an annual audit of health and safety procedures and recommend necessary action to be taken. Responsibility of the School Director Prepare an emergency fire evacuation procedure and arrange for periodic practice evacuation drills to take place and for the results of these to be recorded. Make arrangements to draw the attention of all staff employed at the school to the school and departmental safety policies and procedures and of any relevant safety guidelines and information issued by the Authority. Make arrangements for the implementation of the School's accident reporting procedure and draw this to the attention of all staff at the school as necessary. Make arrangements for informing staff and pupils of relevant safety procedures. Other users of the School will be appropriately informed by reading the Visitors Information Sheet when signing in the Visitors book. Ensure that regular safety inspections are undertaken. Arrange for the withdrawal, repair or replacement of any item of furniture, fitting or equipment identified as being unsafe by the Health and Safety inspection team. Report any defect in the state of repair of the buildings or their surrounds which is identified as being unsafe and make such interim arrangements as are reasonable to limit the risk entailed. Monitor, within the limits of their expertise, the activities of contractors (in liaison with their staff), hirers and other organisations present on site, as far as is reasonably practicable. Identify any member of staff having direct responsibility for particular safety matters and any member of staff who is specifically delegated to assist the Board of Trustees and School Director in the management of health and safety at the School. Such delegated responsibility must be defined as appropriate. Inform all staff of the Employee Wellbeing Service. Duties of the Person Delegated to Assist in the Management of Health and Safety (Health and Safety Officer) The Health and Safety Officer shall: Assist the School Director in the implementation, monitoring and development of the Health & Safety policy within the School. 2
Monitor general advice on safety matters given by the Authority and other relevant bodies and advise on its application to the School. Designate a health and safety representative for each class with whom to coordinate and communicate regarding health and safety matters. Co-ordinate arrangements for the design and implementation of safe working practices within the School. Investigate any specific health and safety problem identified within the school and take or recommend (as appropriate) remedial action. Order that a method of working ceases on health and safety grounds on a temporary basis subject to further consideration by the Board of Trustees and School Director. Assist in carrying out regular safety inspections of the school and its activities and make recommendations on methods of resolving any problems identified. Ensure that staff with control of resources (both financial and other) give due regard to safety. Co-ordinate arrangements for the dissemination of information and for the instruction of employees, students, pupils and visitors on safety matters and to make recommendations on the extent to which staff are trained. Report each term to the Board regarding health and safety matters/progress within the School. Responsibilities of all Employees All employees have a duty to: Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of any person who might be affected by their acts or omissions at work. See dos and don ts list appendix 1 Co-operate in meeting statutory requirements and not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare. Make themselves aware of all safety rules, procedures and safe working practices applicable to their posts; where in doubt, they must seek immediate clarification from the Health and Safety Officer. Ensure that tools and equipment are in good condition and report any defects to the Health and Safety Officer. Use protective clothing and safety equipment provided and ensure that these are kept in good condition. Ensure that offices, general accommodation and vehicles are kept tidy. Ensure that any accidents, whether or not an injury occurs, and potential hazards are reported to the Health and Safety Officer. 3
Specific responsibilities of Staff towards Pupils and Others in their care All staff members are responsible for the health and safety arrangements in relation to staff, students, pupils and volunteer helpers under their supervision. In particular, they will monitor their own work activities and take all reasonable steps to: Exercise effective supervision over all those for whom they are responsible, including pupils. Be aware of and implement safe working practices and to set a good example personally. Identify actual and potential hazards and introduce procedures to minimise the possibility of mishap. Ensure that any equipment or tools used are appropriate to that use and meet accepted safety standards. Provide written job instructions, warning notices and signs as appropriate. Provide appropriate protective clothing and safety equipment as necessary and ensure that these are used as required. Minimise the occasions when an individual is required to work in isolation, particularly in a hazardous situation or on a hazardous process. Evaluate promptly and, where appropriate, act on any concerns raised regarding the health and safety arrangements. Provide the opportunity for discussion of health and safety arrangements. Investigate any accident (or incident where personal injury could have arisen) and take appropriate corrective action. Provide for adequate instruction, information and training in safe working methods. N.B. When any member of staff considers that corrective action is necessary but that action lies outside the scope of his/her authority, he/she should refer the problem to the Health and Safety Officer. Individuals at special risk The school recognises that some individuals (pupils, staff or visitors) may be at an increased risk of injury or ill-health whilst attending or working at the school. This may be due to: Being a newly appointed employee A volunteer helper Someone returning to the school after injury or illness An expectant mother Someone with a disability 4
In all cases the school will do everything that is reasonably expected to mitigate any additional risk experienced by the individuals affected. To assist with this, it is important that all relevant health and safety matters are drawn to the attention of the school at an early stage. Appropriate evacuation plans are in place for all pupils to ensure the safety of individuals who may be at enhance risk during emergencies. See Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) - Appendix 2. Whilst it is a management responsibility to instruct all employees in safe working procedures in relation to their posts and work places, employees may from time to time find themselves in unfamiliar environments. In such cases, the employee concerned should be particularly alert for hazards and whenever possible ensure they are accompanied by a person familiar with the environment or that they are advised of specific hazards. All volunteer helpers will be expected, as far as reasonably possible, to meet the same standards required of employees. Responsibilities of Pupils All pupils are expected, within their expertise and ability, to: Exercise personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and their fellow pupils. Observe standards of dress consistent with safety and/or hygiene (this would preclude unsuitable footwear, knives and other items considered dangerous); Observe all the safety rules of the school and in particular the instructions of the teaching staff in the event of an emergency. Use and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere with things provided safety purposes. N.B. The School will make pupils (and where appropriate the parents) aware of these responsibilities through direct instruction, notices and the parent handbook. Visitors All visitors and other users of the premises (e.g. parents, professionals, contractors) are expected, as far as reasonably possible, to observe the safety rules of the school. These are set out in our Visitor Safeguarding Guide which is provided on arrival. 5
Arrangements Risk Assessment Risk assessments will be carried out independently, jointly or collectively by the Health and Safety Officer, Teacher in Charge, Group Leader or Class Leader. Regular risk assessments will be conducted for each and every Classroom, offsite visit and play area, as well as for certain activities carried out within school (for example cooking). The findings of the risk assessments will be reported to the Health and Safety Officer and other staff members who need to be informed. Action required will be approved by the Health and Safety Officer and followed by all relevant staff members. The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring action required is implemented and they will check that the implemented actions have removed/reduced the risks. Assessments will be reviewed on a regular basis according to the requirement of individual assessment. All risk assessments will be reviewed at least once a year or sooner if there is any reason to believe the assessment is no longer valid. Fire (see Fire Policy) Fire is a significant risk within any workplace. All staff have a duty to conduct their operations in such a way as to minimise the risk of fire and they have a duty to report immediately any fire, smoke or potential fire hazards. The school will ensure the maintenance, testing and servicing of fire alarms, firefighting and detection equipment is maintained. Smoke detectors and manually operated fire alarms are located at strategic points throughout the workplace. If a smoke detector sounds or fire is discovered, it is the responsibility of any employee present to activate the alarm and evacuate the building in accordance with the building fire procedures. Fire extinguishers are also located at strategic points throughout the workplace. Fire doors designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke have been installed throughout the school at strategic points, fire doors must never be blocked or wedged open. Fire exits are also located at strategic points throughout the school, fire exit doors and corridors must never be locked, blocked or used as storage space. All staff must ensure they are familiar with their evacuation route and designated assembly point in case of fire. Practice fire drills will be conducted every term to ensure everyone is familiar with emergency evacuation procedures. 6
Emergency lighting has been installed in exit corridors and above emergency exit doors in case of power failure. First Aid and Accident Reporting Procedures (see First Aid Policy) A first aid box is available in the Staff Room and additional first aid boxes are in each classroom. The school has six appointed First Aid people. The people responsible for administering the accident reporting procedure, the notification of serious accidents causing death or major injury and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR) are the School Director and Health and Safety Officer. The accident book and report forms and the arrangements to be followed if the person injured is unable to complete an accident report form or who is not an employee of the School are to be found in the Health and Safety Officer s office. The arrangements for first aid for off-site visits are the responsibility of the supervising staff (see Off-Site Visits Policy). Monitoring The health and safety performance within the school is monitored in the following ways: Each classroom has a designated health and safety monitor who daily check the environment and reports back concerns to the Health and Safety Officer. The Health and Safety Officer reviews the health and safety performance each term and reports matters/progress within the school to the Board. Any accidents or incidents are reviewed to determine root cause and to make the necessary corrective action to prevent/minimise reoccurrence. The school has an annual health and safety inspection by an externally sourced specialist. The school governor who is the health and safety liaison with the school will conduct an annual inspection. 7
Policy Health & Safety Statutory requirement? Yes Approved March 2018 Responsible Officer SM/DF/CC Responsible Governor/s BM Date of previous version March 2016 Frequency of Review Annually 8
Appendix 1 Health and Safety List of Do s and Don ts To avoid injury to staff Do not lift pupils, this includes piggy backs. Very small pupils can be lifted onto swings. Don t let pupils run with objects in their mouths. Make sure pupils have finished eating before letting them run/jump etc. Don t use classroom scissors in the kitchen and vice versa. Don t push pupils on the swing unless they are holding on with both hands Keep all toothbrushes in bathroom cabinets or in pouches in a drawer and sterilise weekly. Toothbrushes to be renewed every 6 months. Throw away all fresh food reinforcers at the end of the day. Longer lasting food reinforcers can be kept in named sealed containers. Store overnight in fridge or cupboard in the kitchen. Do ensure hands are clean at all times, especially before snacks/lunch, and use anti-bacterial gel throughout the day. If food is being heated in the microwave do not leave unattended. Nothing else to be heated in microwaves. Be aware of small holes in equipment, for example in tricycles, playground equipment, hoses and taps ensure pupils do not insert fingers into any Make sure plug covers are put in all plug holes not in use Make sure all broken items are removed and thrown away. If they need replacing, inform your class leader and they will request a replacement be ordered. Toys and resources for the pupils should not be brought in by staff from home. All resources are to be ordered through the school. If pupils bring preferred items into school from home they should be kept in their bags during the school day and given back to them for the journey home. 9
Ensure all balloon pieces are picked up from the ground when using water balloons as these are a potential choking hazard. When out of use, scooter boards should always be stored leaning against a wall or inside a cupboard. Ensure that all fire extinguishers are accessible; don t block with clothes airers etc. Don t jam fire doors open. These doors are clearly labelled with a blue and white sticker. Don t open windows that open out onto walkway/playground areas. Do label all opened food with date opened and expiry date. Do throw away out of date food. Advise Class Leaders when food has been disposed of. 10
Appendix 2 Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan Name: Locations of study Building Room Notes Awareness of procedures The pupil has been assessed for evacuation awareness and requires the following assistance. Guidance Y/N Notes Written Guidance Writing with symbols 1:1 support during drills Sign-a-long Guidance Will hear alarm Will need visual alarm 1:1 Assistance Number of persons required Ability to respond to alarm system Notes Getting out of the building Staff roles Escape plan Notes 11
Specialist equipment needed to assist the pupil to evacuate Item Notes General notes to assist Fire Marshalls and staff Teacher / Therapist / Fire Marshal reviewed Name Date Signature Review date (annual) 12