Health and Safety Policy

Buildings and Trust – Health and Safety Policy

1. Introduction

At Buildings and Trust, we are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, and the public during all building and trust house clearance activities. This policy outlines our approach to preventing accidents, injuries, and hazards while complying with health and safety regulations.

2. Legal Compliance

We adhere to all relevant health and safety legislation, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (UK)
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations
• Waste Management and Disposal Regulations

3. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety laws.
• Provide employees with proper training, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Maintain clear emergency procedures and first aid provisions.

Employee Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
• Use PPE provided, such as gloves, masks, and safety footwear.
• Report any hazards, near misses, or accidents immediately.
• Handle items safely, avoiding manual handling risks where possible.

Client and Public Safety

• Secure work areas to prevent unauthorized access.
• Communicate potential risks to clients and the public.
• Dispose of hazardous materials following safety and environmental regulations.

4. Risk Assessment and Hazard Management

We conduct risk assessments before each house clearance project to address:

• Manual Handling Risks – Heavy lifting techniques and use of lifting aids.
• Hazardous Materials – Safe disposal of asbestos, chemicals, and sharps.
• Structural Risks – Identifying unstable buildings or damaged properties.
• Electrical and Fire Safety – Ensuring power is safely managed and fire hazards are minimized.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All employees are provided with and required to wear appropriate PPE, including:

• Safety gloves and masks for handling waste.
• High-visibility clothing when working in public areas.
• Safety boots with slip-resistant soles.

6. Safe Waste Handling and Disposal

• Waste is sorted and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Hazardous materials are handled only by trained professionals.
• Recyclable and reusable items are processed responsibly.

7. Emergency Procedures

• First aid kits are available on all job sites.
• Employees are trained in emergency response, including fire safety and first aid.
• Accident and incident reports are completed for any workplace injuries or near misses.

8. Training and Continuous Improvement

• Employees receive regular health and safety training.
• Risk assessments and policies are reviewed annually to improve safety standards.
• Feedback from employees and clients is used to enhance safety practices.

9. Reporting and Compliance

All accidents, near misses, and safety concerns must be reported to management immediately. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and necessary actions will be taken to prevent recurrence.

For further information or safety concerns, contact buildingsandtrust@gmail.com.