Health and Safety

The physical environment for children must be safe and secure and protect them from harm or the risk of harm.

The manager and responsible individual must ensure that the physical environment is maintained to a high standard, meets the needs of the children and feels and looks like a family home for children. Any damage or wear and tear should be quickly and regularly repaired.

Risk assessments must be regularly reviewed and updated and comply with statutory requirements. See Risk Assessment and Planning Procedure

After consultation with the fire and rescue authority for the area in which the Home is located, the registered person must:

• Take adequate precautions against the risk of fire, including the provision of suitable fire equipment in the Home;
• Provide adequate means of escape from the Home in the event of fire;
• Make arrangements for persons working at the Home to receive suitable training in fire prevention; and
• Ensure, by means of fire drills and practices at suitable intervals, that persons working at the Home and, so far as reasonably practicable, children are aware of the procedure to be followed in case of fire.

A record must be kept of every fire drill or fire alarm test conducted, with details of any deficiency in either the procedure or the equipment concerned, together with details of the steps taken to remedy that deficiency.

At Hamann Care , we prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals within our residential children's home. Our unwavering commitment is to provide a secure and nurturing environment that safeguards residents, staff members, visitors, and contractors. We acknowledge the importance of complying with relevant government legislation and best practices to create a safe and healthy living space for our children and young people and staff and visitors.

Policy Statement:

Hamann Care are committed to and accept our moral and legal duties for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the Health, Safety, Welfare and Wellbeing for all our employees within the work environment.

We take safety seriously and we will set clear action plans to continually improve our performance. Everybody in the company must ‘play their part’ so if you see something that is unsafe, ‘don’t walk by’, take appropriate action.

In particular we will:

• Provide adequate control of the Health and Safety risks arising from our work activities.
• Consult with our employees on matters affecting their Health and Safety;
• Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment;
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and use of substances;
• Provide information, instruction, and supervision for employees;
• Ensure all employees are competent to do their tasks and give them adequate training;
• Ensure sufficient resources are provided to meet the needs of the Health and Safety Policy;
• Prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health;
• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions;
• Review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.

To assist us in complying with our legal duties, all employees are required to cooperate with Hamann Care to ensure that they promote a positive safety culture and that their acts or omissions do not cause harm to themselves or others. Any dangerous activity will be subject to review which may result in disciplinary action for breach of the company policies and procedures.

Hamann Care also recognise our duty of care to ensure that the Health and Safety of visitors, contractors and the public is not affected because of coming into contact with our premises and activities. These persons will be given the relevant information and instruction prior to visiting the premises/working with us and ensure that their activities are controlled and monitored in such a way as to identify health and safety failings early, so as not to cause harm to our employees or themselves.

Legal Framework:

Our Health and Safety Policy is underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of key legislations and regulations that govern health and safety in the workplace, including residential children's homes:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: This cornerstone legislation sets out our responsibility as employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our employees and those affected by our activities;
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations define the systematic approach we follow to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively. This includes risk assessments, training, and emergency planning;
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002: Our commitment to control and manage hazardous substances in the workplace minimises the risks of exposure to harmful agents;
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: Our rigorous fire safety measures, including fire risk assessments and emergency evacuation procedures, are in line with this order's requirements;
• RIDDOR 2013: We incorporate a robust RIDDOR reporting process to promptly identify, record, and communicate workplace incidents as a cornerstone of our commitment to maintaining a safe working environment;
• Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015: We adhere to these specific regulations to ensure the well-being and safety of the children entrusted to our care.

Responsibilities:

• Management: Our management team leads by example, ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into all aspects of our operations;
• Staff: All staff members play a vital role in upholding our commitment to health and safety. This involves implementing safe practices, promptly reporting hazards, and actively participating in training programs and completion of mandatory health and safety checks;
• Children and Young People: Our children and young people are encouraged to follow safety guidelines to contribute to a safe living environment. Their feedback and concerns are valued and considered in our continuous improvement efforts.

Risk Assessment and Risk Management:

Risk assessments are at the core of our approach to health and safety. We systematically identify potential hazards and assess their associated risks. Our goal is to prevent incidents and mitigate risks through targeted measures, ensuring the safety of all individuals within our premises. Each home has individual risk assessments, which are updated regularly.

Training and Competence:

We recognise the importance of providing our staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain a safe environment. Comprehensive health and safety training is provided during onboarding and on an ongoing basis. Training covers a wide array of topics, including emergency procedures, hazardous material handling, and fire safety protocols.

Fire Safety:

Our commitment to fire safety is unwavering. Regular fire risk assessments are conducted to evaluate potential fire hazards and the effectiveness of our prevention and mitigation measures. Fire drills are conducted periodically to ensure that all occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures.

Reporting and Investigation:

Transparency and accountability are central to our incident reporting and investigation process. All accidents, incidents, or near misses are reported promptly and thoroughly investigated. The insights gained from these investigations are utilised to enhance our safety practices and prevent recurrence.

Communication and Consultation:

Effective communication is key to maintaining a safe environment. We ensure that staff, residents, and visitors receive relevant health and safety information. Regular consultations with staff and residents allow us to address concerns and gather valuable input to improve our practices.

Review and Improvement:

Our commitment to safety is an ongoing endeavour. Our Health and Safety Policy undergoes regular reviews to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Lessons learned from incidents, feedback, and changing regulations guide our continuous improvement efforts.

Compliance and Legislation:

Compliance with health and safety legislation is non-negotiable. We are dedicated to strictly adhering to all relevant laws and regulations. Failure to comply is taken seriously and may result in appropriate disciplinary actions.

Through the meticulous implementation of this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to provide an environment where our residents thrive, staff work confidently, and all individuals are safeguarded. This policy is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of everyone at  Hamann Care.

See Health and Safety.

Useful Websites

Health and Safety Executive