Health & Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Hampstead Renovations, the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, clients, contractors, and members of the public is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all our renovation and construction activities.

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and visitors to our sites and premises.

2. Legal Compliance

We comply with all applicable UK health and safety legislation, including but not limited to:

Legislation	Application
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974	Overall duty of care to employees and others affected by our work
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)	Planning, manageing, and monitoring construction projects
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999	Risk assessments, safety management, competent persons
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)	Manageing hazardous materials (paints, solvents, adhesives, etc.)
Work at Height Regulations 2005	Safe use of ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992	Provision and use of PPE (hard hats, safety boots, goggles, etc.)
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989	Safe electrical installation and equipment use
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012	Manageing asbestos in refurbishment and demolition
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005	Fire prevention and emergency procedures on site

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for:

• Setting the company's health and safety objectives and standards
• Ensuring adequate resources (time, money, personnel) are allocated to health and safety
• Monitoring health and safety performance and initiating improvements
• Leading by example and promoting a positive safety culture
• Reviewing this policy annually and after significant incidents
• Ensuring all employees and contractors are competent and properly trained

3.2 Site Supervisors and Project Managers

Our site supervisors and project managers must:

• Implement this policy on all projects
• Conduct site-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Ensure all workers have appropriate training and competence
• Monitor adherence to safety procedures and correct unsafe practices
• Maintain site safety records and documentation
• Report accidents, near-misses, and hazards immediately
• Conduct daily site inspections and toolbox talks
• Coordinate with Principal Designer and Principal Contractor (where applicable)

3.3 All Employees and Subcontractors

Every worker on our sites has a duty to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others
• Follow all safety procedures, risk assessments, and method statements
• Use all equipment, tools, and PPE correctly and as instructed
• Report hazards, defects, near-misses, and accidents immediately
• Not undertake work they are not trained or authorised to perform
• Not interfere with or misuse safety equipment
• Participate in safety training and toolbox talks
• Maintain a clean and tidy work area to prevent trips and falls
• Arrive fit for work (not under the influence of alcohol or drugs)

3.4 Client Responsibilities

Our clients must:

• Provide accurate information about the property (e.g., asbestos surveys, structural reports)
• Ensure safe access to the site
• Not enter active work areas without permission
• Follow all safety instructions when on site
• Keep children and pets away from work areas
• Notify us immediately of any safety concerns

4. Risk Assessment and Method Statements

4.1 Risk Assessment Process

Before any work begins, we conduct comprehensive risk assessments following the HSE's five-step approach:

1. Identify the hazards - What could cause harm?
2. Decide who might be harmed and how - Workers, clients, public, etc.
3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions - Implement control measures
4. Record findings and implement them - Document in writing
5. Review and update as needed - Ongoing monitoring

4.2 Control Hierarchy

We apply controls in the following order of effectiveness:

Level	Control Measure	Example
1. Elimination	Remove the hazard entirely	Use prefabricated components instead of cutting on site
2. Substitution	Replace with something safer	Use water-based paints instead of solvent-based
3. Engineering Controls	Physical measures to reduce risk	Install edge protection on flat roofs, use dust extraction
4. Administrative Controls	Procedures and training	Permit-to-work systems, toolbox talks, safe working procedures
5. PPE	Last line of defence	Hard hats, safety boots, gloves, goggles, respirators

4.3 Method Statements

For all significant activities, we prepare written method statements (also called Safe Systems of Work) that detail:

• The task to be performed
• Hazards identified
• Personnel involved and their competencies
• Equipment and materials required
• Step-by-step procedure
• Control measures and PPE required
• Emergency procedures

5. Common Hazards and Controls

5.1 Working at Height

5.2 Electrical Safety

• All electrical work performed by qualified electricians (Part P registered)
• Portable appliances tested (PAT) annually
• 110V tools used on site (safer than 240V)
• RCD protection on all power supplies
• Overhead and underground services located before excavation
• Isolation and lock-off procedures for electrical installations

5.3 Manual Handling

• Mechanical aids used where possible (trolleys, hoists, pallet trucks)
• Team lifts for heavy items (over 25kg)
• Training in safe lifting techniques
• Materials delivered as close to point of use as possible
• Regular breaks to prevent fatigue

5.4 Dust and Respiratory Hazards

• On-tool dust extraction for cutting and grinding (HEPA filters)
• Wet cutting methods to suppress dust
• RPE (respiratory protective equipment) for high-dust activities
• Isolation of work areas with dust barriers
• Regular cleaning with HEPA vacuums (not sweeping)
• Health surveillance for workers regularly exposed to dust

5.5 Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

• Safety data sheets (SDS) available for all chemicals
• Proper ventilation when using paints, adhesives, or solvents
• Storage in original containers with labels intact
• Spill kits available on site
• Safe disposal of waste in accordance with environmental regulations
• Skin protection and barrier creams for dermatitis prevention

5.6 Asbestos

5.7 Noise and Vibration

• Quieter equipment used where available
• Noise assessments for prolonged noisy work
• Hearing protection (ear defenders or plugs) provided and worn
• Time limits on use of high-vibration tools (to prevent HAVS - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome)
• Health surveillance for workers regularly exposed

5.8 Site Welfare and Hygiene

• Clean, accessible toilets provided on all sites
• Handwashing facilities with soap and clean water
• Sheltered area for breaks and meals
• Drinking water available
• First aid kit and trained first aider on site
• Facilities for drying wet clothing

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

6.1 Minimum PPE Requirements

All personnel on our sites must wear:

PPE Item	Requirement
Safety Footwear	Steel toe-cap boots (EN ISO 20345 S3) - mandatory at all times
Hard Hat	Required in areas with overhead work or falling object risk
Hi-Visibility Vest	Required on busy sites or where vehicles operate
Work Gloves	Task-appropriate (cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, etc.)
Safety Glasses	Required for cutting, grinding, chipping, overhead work
Dust Mask/Respirator	FFP3 for high-dust activities, appropriate filters for chemicals
Hearing Protection	Required when noise exceeds 85dB (power tools, concrete breaking)
Knee Pads	Recommended for flooring, tiling, and prolonged kneeling

6.2 PPE Provision and Maintenance

• We provide all required PPE free of charge to employees
• Subcontractors must provide their own PPE to the same standards
• PPE is inspected before each use and replaced if damaged
• Training provided on correct fitting and use
• Clients and visitors provided with PPE if entering active work areas

7. Training and Competence

7.1 Induction Training

All new employees and subcontractors receive:

• Company health and safety policy overview
• Site-specific hazards and controls
• Emergency procedures and assembly points
• PPE requirements and use
• Welfare facilities location
• Reporting procedures for incidents and hazards

7.2 Ongoing Training

We provide regular training including:

• Toolbox Talks: Weekly 15-minute safety briefings on specific topics
• CITB Health & Safety Awareness: Industry-standard certification
• CSCS Cards: All operatives hold valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
• Trade-Specific Training: IPAF (powered access), PASMA (scaffolding), abrasive wheels, etc.
• First Aid Training: Minimum one first aider per site
• Asbestos Awareness: Mandatory for all trades
• Manual Handling: Safe lifting techniques
• Fire Safety: Fire extinguisher use and evacuation procedures

7.3 Competence Verification

Before engageing any subcontractor, we verify:

• Relevant trade qualifications and certifications
• Valid CSCS or equivalent card
• Public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
• Employers' liability insurance (if they employ staff)
• References and previous work history
• Health and safety competence and track record

8. Site Management and Housekeeping

8.1 Site Organisation

• Clear access and egress routes maintained at all times
• Materials stored safely and securely
• Waste segregated and removed regularly
• Tools and equipment properly stored when not in use
• Designated areas for hazardous materials
• Fire extinguishers accessible and serviced annually

8.2 Daily Site Inspections

Site supervisors conduct daily inspections covering:

• Access routes and egress (trip hazards, obstructions)
• Scaffolding and edge protection integrity
• Electrical equipment condition
• Housekeeping and waste management
• PPE compliance
• Welfare facilities cleanliness

Findings are recorded, and corrective actions taken immediately.

9. Emergency Procedures

9.1 Fire

1. Raise the alarm - shout "FIRE"
2. Evacuate the building immediately via the nearest safe exit
3. Do not stop to collect belongings
4. Assemble at the designated assembly point
5. Call 999 (emergency services)
6. Account for all personnel
7. Do not re-enter until authorised by Fire Service

Fire Prevention:

• Hot works permit system for welding, grinding, or torch work
• Fire extinguishers and fire blankets on site
• Smoking only in designated areas
• Flammable materials stored in fire-safe containers
• Electrical equipment switched off when not in use

9.2 Accident or Injury

1. Stop work and make the area safe
2. Administer first aid (by trained first aider only)
3. Call 999 if serious injury (unconsciousness, major bleeding, suspected fracture, chest pain)
4. Do not move the casualty unless they are in immediate danger
5. Notify site supervisor immediately
6. Preserve the scene for investigation (if safe to do so)
7. Complete accident report form

9.3 Structural Collapse or Major Incident

1. Evacuate the area immediately
2. Call 999 (Fire and Rescue Service)
3. Do not attempt rescue unless safe to do so
4. Account for all personnel
5. Secure the perimeter to prevent re-entry
6. Notify management and HSE if reportable under RIDDOR

10. Accident Reporting and Investigation

10.1 Reporting Requirements

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported immediately to the site supervisor.

RIDDOR Reporting: We will report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013):

Incident Type	Reporting Deadline
Death or major injury	Immediately (by phone), then within 10 days (online)
Injury causing absence over 7 days	Within 15 days
Occupational disease (e.g., HAVS, dermatitis)	As soon as diagnosed
Dangerous occurrence (near-miss)	Within 10 days

10.2 Investigation Process

All incidents are investigated to:

• Identify immediate and root causes
• Determine what went wrong and why
• Identify corrective and preventive actions
• Share lessons learned across all projects
• Prevent recurrence

10.3 Records

We maintain records for at least 3 years (or longer as required by law) including:

• Accident book (BI 510)
• RIDDOR reports
• Incident investigation reports
• Near-miss reports
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Training records
• Inspection and maintenance logs

11. Monitoring and Review

11.1 Performance Monitoring

We monitor health and safety performance through:

• Monthly safety statistics (accidents, near-misses, observations)
• Site inspections and audits
• Toolbox talk attendance
• PPE compliance checks
• Training completion rates
• Client and subcontractor feedback

11.2 Annual Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect:

• Changes in legislation or regulations
• Lessons learned from incidents or near-misses
• Changes in work activities or processes
• Industry best practice developments
• Feedback from employees and stakeholders

12. Contact and Reporting

12.1 Health & Safety Contacts

12.2 Speak Up

We encourage all employees, subcontractors, and clients to raise health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal. You can:

• Speak to your site supervisor or project manager
• Email contact@hampsteadrenovations.co.uk
• Call 07459 345456
• Report anonymously if preferred

Remember: If you see something unsafe, say something. It could save a life.

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This Health & Safety Policy was last updated in November 2024 and will be reviewed annually. It is signed and endorsed by senior management and applies to all Hampstead Renovations operations.