Health & Safety
POLICY FOR HEALTH & SAFETY AT WORK November 2008
Introduction
The following document is the synagogue policy for health and safety, which will be revised as and when necessary with amendments made on a regular basis to incorporate any changes in legislation.
The aim of the policy is to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for the employees, of the Synagogue and for other persons who use or work in the premises or who may be affected by its activities.
The policy outlines the organisation and arrangements set out by the synagogue to fulfil this commitment. The success of this policy requires the co-operation and the involvement of the paid staff and voluntary personnel at all levels. It is therefore vital that all employees and volunteers have access to this policy and any codes of practice associated with it.
General Health and Safety practices shall be adhered too by all who use our buildings. Common sense shall prevail in most cases. This document is for guidance and may be deficient in certain areas. If you feel that this is the case please let me know and I will see that it is amended.
There are a number of practices included which we are currently not doing. Council need to discuss a number of items and implement them if felt necessary. The Synagogue Administrator will bring these to the attention of Council at a Council meeting in the future.
The policy consists of 5 parts:
I. The Statement of Policy – the Synagogue’s commitment to safety
II. The Organisation for Safety – the management structure demonstrating levels of responsibility for safety
III. Roles & Responsibilities
IV. The Arrangement for Safety – the practical means for putting the policy into practice
V. Specific Areas to look for
Section 1
The Statement of Policy
1. The Trustees (Council Members) of THE SYNAGOGUE recognise and accept their statutory responsibility as an employer (under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 and associated legislation) to provide safe and healthy working conditions for its employees, and will take all reasonable steps to do so. It also accepts the duty to ensure the safety of persons who are not employees who use THE SYNAGOGUE premises or who may be affected by its activities.
2. The Trustees (Council Members) of THE SYNAGOGUE wish to promote a sense of safety awareness at all levels within the organisation.
3. The Trustees (Council Members) of THE SYNAGOGUE will, so far as is reasonably practicable, meet the responsibilities placed upon it by ensuring the provision and maintenance of:
a) equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risk to health;
b) procedures for the safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances;
c) information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure the safety of employees;
d) a safe environment without risk to health;
e) premises in a safe condition, including adequate means of access and escape;
f) arrangements which accord persons who are not employees with the same level of safety and protection against risk to health as are offered to employees;
g) Arrangements for consultation on health and safety matters at staff meetings, Honorary Officers’ and Council meetings as appropriate.
4. The Trustees (Council Members) of THE SYNAGOGUE accept there responsibility (under the Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996) to consult with its employees on any changes to be made to their working conditions which could impact on their health & safety.
5. Duty for employees: Section 7 of the act places a duty on employees within THE SYNAGOGUE’S service to take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their actions. To this end employees are to ensure that they observe all aspects of THE SYNAGOGUE’S’ general policy, organisation and arrangements for safety.
6. Duty not to cause damage: Section 9 of the Act places a duty on everyone not to misuse or damage anything provided by THE SYNAGOGUE, in the interests of health, safety and welfare. Those covered in this document are:-
Paid Personnel
Rabbi (responsible to the Chair of Council)
Synagogue Administrator (responsible to the Chair of Council)
Head Teacher (Responsible to the Chair of Education)
Teachers (responsible to the Head Teacher)
Madrechim (responsible to the Head Teacher
JJBS Office Staff
Colin Joseph & Mitzi Kalinsky (guided by the Chair of House and the Synagogue Administrator)
Section 2
The Organisation for safety
1. DELEGATION OF SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY
1.1 Direct Responsibility
Each person employed by THE SYNAGOGUE and the JJBS has a responsibility in respect to Health and Safety. They are responsible to their line managers for the proper carrying out of those duties whilst working at the synagogue. The responsibilities are outlined below:
1.1.1 The Chair of House in conjunction with the Administrator is responsible to the Chair of Council for establishing and communicating the appropriate Health and Safety Policy for THE SYNAGOGUE and the JJBS offices.
1.1.2 The Chair of House is responsible to the Trustees (Council Members) ensuring that all emergency equipment and signposting on site is maintained to a satisfactory standard
1.1.3 The Head Teacher is responsible for ensuring that Teachers and Madrechim and voluntary leaders at the Cheder are aware of their responsibilities under the terms of this policy.
1.1.4 The Chair of House is responsible for ensuring maintenance of safe premises and equipment for all areas of THE SYNAGOGUE and the JJBS offices.
1.1.5 The Chair of House is responsible for ensuring that in-house codes of practice with regards to the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 are observed.
1.1.6 The Chair of Council is responsible for ensuring consultation with employees and the JJBS staff on any changes, which could affect their health and safety.
1.1.7 All Senior Staff and Line Managers are responsible for the effective induction and training of their direct staff and voluntary workers in matters of Health and Safety. Line Managers are responsible for undertaking periodic workplace risk assessments with each of their direct staff.
1.1.8 All Line Managers are responsible for ensuring that any amendments to the Health and Safety Policy are brought to the attention of all employees.
2 HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
THE SYNAGOGUE has a responsibility to ensure that:
2.1 Equipment
2.1.1 is to a recognised British or European standard and is suitable for its purpose;
2.1.2 instructions, regarding installation, maintenance or use are in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions or other relevant standard;
2.1.3 safe systems, including the use of protective clothing (if necessary) are used;
2.1.4 sufficient information, instruction, training and supervision is provided to enable staff to work safely;
2.1.5 periodic inspection and servicing of all equipment is carried out and service records maintained
2.2 Article and Substances
2.2.1 are safe and properly controlled;
2.2.2 processes involving Substances Hazardous to Health have been sufficiently assessed to identify the extent and nature of any risk to health, and records kept;
2.2.3 safe systems of working, including the use of appropriate control measures, are employed;
2.2.4 safe methods of storage and handling are employed;
2.2.5 employees are sufficiently informed about the dangers and how to avoid any risk to their health and safety.
2.3 Premises
2.3.1 should be maintained in a safe condition to avert accident to staff or visitors;
2.3.2 fire and emergency procedure notices should be displayed and escape routes clearly marked and maintained for immediate use;
2.3.3 at the beginning of all public events the fire and emergency procedures should be announced;
2.3.4 staff should be instructed in emergency procedures and regular fire drills should be undertaken;
2.3.5 regular and systematic inspection of premises, plant, articles, substances and systems must be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of the Safety Policy and Arrangements;
2.3.6 Adequate provision of first aid boxes and provisions must be maintained;
2.4 Premises not within THE SYNAGOGUE’S control
2.4.1 Employees (i.e. the JJBS staff and contractors) working on premises outside THE SYNAGOGUE’S control must maintain safe working procedures and have full regard for the health and safety of their clients and visitors.
2.5 Travel
2.5.1 THE SYNAGOGUE has established a policy of only using mini buses/coaches fitted with approved seat-belts;
2.5.2 Only those companies recognised by THE SYNAGOGUE as reputable and as meeting our safety standards may be employed for SYNAGOGUE activities and contracting.
2.6 Training
2.6.1 Each line manger is to ensure that the appropriate level of training is
conducted to enable employees and other persons on the premises to work safely.
2.6.2 as part of staff induction, all new employees must be instructed in safe methods of working, emergency and security procedures by their Line Manger
2.6.3 Line Managers will ensure that employees are aware of any changes to health and safety arrangements;
2.6.4 Where appropriate codes of practice should be issued. Failure to comply with codes of practice by an employee who has been properly informed may result in disciplinary action;
2.6.5 All levels of staff must be aware of their health and safety responsibilities to enable them to make a positive contribution to accident prevention.
2.7 Consultation Supervision & Maintenance
2.7.1 The Council of the SYNAGOGUE will meet periodically to discuss health, safety and security matters and will act on issues or refer as appropriate;
2.7.2 THE SYNAGOGUE will consult its staff and the JJBS employees, as necessary, on health and safety and bring any matters of concern to the Council or other appropriate forum;
2.7.3 Where changes to the work environment may be considered which could affect the health & safety of employees, the Line Managers will consult directly with employees providing ample opportunity for their comments to be received and incorporated
2.7.4 line mangers must supervise their staff to ensure that correct working methods, handling and storage procedures are observed to avoid potential injury;
2.7.5 Management with responsibility for equipment must institute regular maintenance checks and the use of any necessary safety devices.
Section 3
3. Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Administrator
3.1.1 To liase with the Council of the synagogue, Chair of House and the JJBS staff on health and safety issues and to ensure that the Safety Policy is amended as necessary.
3.1.2 Will disseminate those parts of the policy for use of people hiring the
Building for private use
3.1.3 Will confirm to people (via a contract) who hire the building for private
use that they have to adhere to the synagogues Health & Safety Policy and that they are responsible to/for their own guests
3.2 Chair of House
3.2.1 Will ensure that all new JJBS employees receive a copy of this
schedule
3.2.2 Will ensure that new paid employees receive training in Health and Safety procedures as part of their induction
3.2.3 Will ensure that adequate First Aid boxes are provided and that they are regularly replenished
3.2.4 Will ensure that all accidents are adequately reported, noted in the synagogue’s Accident Book, and that the Administrator is also notified
3.2.5 Will keep an up to date list of all electrical equipment within the synagogue and to ensure that it is checked for safety on a regular basis
3.2.6 Will ensure that adequate Fire notices are on display
3.2.7 Will ensure that adequate emergency evacuation notices are on display
3.2.8 Will ensure that at the start of all SYNAGOGUE events participants are advised for the Fire and Emergency procedures
3.2.9 Will ensure that, as far as possible, the paid staff and visitors within their departmental premises enjoy a safe and healthy environment
3.2.10 Will bring to the attention of the Administrator/House Committee Chair any issues of immediate concern
3.2.11 will bring to the attention of Council any matters of a Health and Safety nature which affect the site and require expenditure
3.2.12 will ensure that paid staff are advised of any changes to the health and safety procedures and are given training;
3.2.13Will ensure that staff are aware of fire, emergency and security
procedures and that new employees are informed as part of their
induction
3.2.14 will ensure there is no unnecessary storage of flammable goods,
including paper
3.3 Paid Personnel & the JJBS Employees
3.3.1 Will ensure that they acquaint themselves with the general health and safety policy and with the specific departmental codes of practice
3.3.2 Will take responsibility for ensuring that they receive appropriate health and safety induction and training, and that they have periodic workplace assessments;
3.3.3 Will ensure that they conduct themselves in accordance with the general SYNAGOGUE health and safety policy and with any specific departmental codes of practice;
3.3.4 Will ensure that they are acquainted with the site Fire and Emergency procedures and with procedures relating to security;
3.3.5 Will ensure that they cooperate with the need to hold regular fire and emergency drills
3.3.6 Will ensure that they do not leave anything blocking emergency exits or routes to emergency exits
3.3.7 Will ensure that there is no unnecessary storage of flammable goods, including paper
3.3.8 Will bring to the attention of their Department Head any situation/defect that may be detrimental to the health and safety of employees and visitors;
3.3.9 Will inform their Department Head/Line Manager immediately of any faulty electrical equipment;
3.3.10 will bring to the attention of their Department Head/Line Manager any suggestions which may improve the health and safety of the premises.
Section 4
4. The Arrangement for Safety
4.1 Security
4.1.1 Any suspicious (unmarked or unidentified) packages should be reported immediately to the most senior person available. Under no circumstances should the package be touched.
4.1.2 Any person behaving in a suspicious or threatening manner should be reported immediately to the most senior person available
4.1.3 You must notify the Chair of House of any workers expected on site.
4.1.4 You must advise the Chair of House or Administrator of any visitors expected who are not well-known on site
4.1.5 You must advise the Administrator if they are going to be working on site and give times.
4.2 Mobile Phones and Driving (employees whilst on business for the synagogue))
4.2.1 Wherever possible, THE SYNAGOGUE advises its paid staff to turn off
their mobile phones when driving, ensuring that the phone is switched to voicemail before commencing the journey.
4.2.2 If it is not possible to turn off the mobile phone, a hand-free kit must
be used at all times. The use of a hand-held phone (or similar device),
is strictly forbidden. However you must drive with due care and
attention at all times. THE SYNAGOGUE will accept no responsibility
should you be prosecuted for any driving related offence.
4.2.3 Your phone must be stored in a cradle either in the dashboard or
steering wheel, even when using an ear piece. It is unacceptable to
use an ear piece whilst your phone rests on your lap or is held in your
hand.
4.2.4 If the phone rings whilst driving, let it ring and return the call when
safely parked. However, should you feel it necessary to answer
incoming call, THE SYNAGOGUE strongly recommend the call is kept to
a minimum with no outgoing calls made unless the vehicle is stationary
with the engine switched off.
4.2.5 Please be aware that it is still considered an offence to use a mobile
phone whilst stopped at traffic lights or during other hold ups that may
occur during a typical journey when a vehicle can be expected to move
off after a short while. In exceptional traffic jams, such as lengthy
stoppage on a motorway, it would only be clear that someone wasn’t
driving if the engine was switched off.
4.2.6 Any employee found to not be adhering to this policy, could face
disciplinary action.
Section 5
5. Specific Areas to Look For
5.1 Security
5.1.1 Secure rubbish collection and disposal after a function
5.1.2 Vigilance on receipt of postal deliveries and parcels
5.1.3 Vigilance on opening & closing of the building
5.1.4 Monitoring of gates and the leaving of open and unattended door and
gates.
5.1.5 Closing of all windows and doors securely after use including locking
those that have locks
5.1.6 Looking for suspicious objects, persons and cars
5.1.7 Check for packages etc. left after Services and events
5.1.8 Secure entrances and gates from obstructions and cars
5.1.9 Adequate security and monitoring of entrance doors during services
events and Cheder
5.1.10 Provision of adequate security on a Sunday morning.
5.1.11 Securing of Cheder block doors whilst toilets are accessible.
5.1.12 Monitoring access to keys and producing a key holder list
5.1.13 Working closely with CST
5.1.14 Ark grill gates to be locked after each
Service.
5.2 Safety
5.2.1 Safety of Children on Sunday both in and out of the building
5.2.2 Monitoring of contractors and tradesmen when using ladders
5.2.3 Monitoring of contractors when handling electricity
5.2.4 Monitoring of tradesmen when cropping trees
5.2.5 Monitoring of members when carrying or moving heavy items
5.2.6 Monitoring of children on the balcony
5.2.7 Monitoring the changing of light bulbs and access to high areas
5.2.8 Position. maintenance and covering of fire extinguishers
5.2.9 See to adequately stocked first aid boxes
5.2.10 Adhering to the Fire Risk Policy
5.2.11 Ensuring that the basement is clear of rubbish and objects.
5.2.12 Ensuring that all appliances are switch off on leaving the building
5.2.13 Ensuring that all doors and exit doors are kept clear at all times.
5.2.14 Ensuring that all matches kept on site are placed in a tin box whilst not
in use.
Any person requested to read this document by the Chair of Council, Administrator, Chair of House, Head Teacher, JJBS staff etc. is obliged to abide by its conditions