Health & Safety Policy
Roles and Responsibilities
The Board of Governors has ultimate control of the school. They will:
• Decide policy. • Give strategic guidance. • Monitor and review health and safety issues. • Ensure adequate resources for health and safety are available. • Take steps to ensure plant, equipment and systems of work are safe. • Ensure that the school provides adequate training, information, instruction, induction and supervision to enable everyone in the school to be safe. • Maintain the premises in a condition that is safe and without significant risk. • Provide a working environment that is safe and healthy. • Provide adequate welfare facilities for staff & pupils. • In their critical friend role, maintain an interest in all the health and safety matters. • Review and monitor the effectiveness of this policy. • Appoint Health & Safety, Estates Committee to assist, support and promote health and safety within the School.
The Head is responsible for the day to day running of the school. They will:
• Promote a positive, open health and safety culture in school • Report to Governors on key health and safety issues via the Health & Safety, Estates Committee. • Seek advice from other organisations or professionals, such as the Health and Safety Executive, safety advisers etc. as and when necessary • Ensure that all staff co-operate with the policy • Devise and implement safety procedures • Ensure that risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis • Ensure relevant staff have access to appropriate training • Meet with the Estates Manager to ensure any building/grounds issues are dealt with in a timely manner
Senior Management Team within the school will support the Head in their role. They will:
• Ensure risk assessments are accurate, suitable and reviewed annually • Deal with any hazardous practices, equipment or building issues and report to the head teacher if they remain unresolved • Provide a good example, guidance and support to staff on health and safety issues • Carry out a health and safety induction for all staff and keep records of that induction • Keep up to date with new developments in Health and Safety issues for schools • Carry out investigations into accidents and produce reports I statements for any civil or criminal action which may arise • Ensure any contractors on site are competent in health and safety matters
The Estates Manager is responsible for day to day maintenance and other buildings/grounds issues. They will:
• Ensure that any work that has health and safety implications is prioritised • Report any concerns regarding unresolved hazards in school to the senior management team immediately • Ensure that all work under their control is undertaken in a safe manner • Carry out checks of the grounds and building to spot any disrepair or other hazards such as broken glass etc. in the play areas • Ensure that all cleaning staff are aware of safe working practices, especially regarding reporting of hazards, the use of hazardous substances and manual handling • Carry out a weekly test of the fire alarm • Ensure all contractors are 'inducted' and shown the relevant risk assessments, asbestos records and are made aware of any fragile roofs or other hazards in the areas where they will be working • Fully co-operate with health and safety arrangements during larger building projects
All School Staff will:
• Read the Health and Safety Policy • Comply with the School's health and safety arrangements • Take reasonable care of their own and other people's health and safety • Leave the classroom I playground I sports facilities I office in a reasonably tidy and safe condition • Follow safety instructions when using equipment • Supervise pupils and advise them on how to use equipment safely • Report practices, equipment or physical conditions that may be hazardous to their line manager and/or the appropriate member of staff • Follow the accident reporting procedures • Contribute to and highlight any gaps in the school's risk assessments
In accordance with the school rules and procedures, Pupils will:
• Follow safety and hygiene rules intended to protect the health and safety of themselves and others • Follow safety instructions of teaching and support staff, especially in an emergency