Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Welfare and First Aid
Welfare and first aid are essential components of a comprehensive health and safety strategy in the workplace. Welfare provisions encompass a range of facilities and services that promote the health, comfort, and well-being of employees, such as adequate sanitation, drinking water, rest areas, and proper ventilation, as mandated by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. First aid refers to the immediate care provided to individuals who suffer injuries or illnesses at work, ensuring that timely and effective assistance is available to mitigate the severity of incidents. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers in the UK are required to conduct risk assessments to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision, including trained personnel and adequate supplies. Together, these measures ensure a safe and supportive environment, enabling employees to perform their duties with confidence and security.
Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…
Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.
The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;
- An assessment is made to ensure adequate welfare facilities, that reflect the site size, nature of the work, and number of people who will use them, are provided for all employees at work, with hot/warm water for washing, and a suitable supply of drinking water
- Adequate facilities are provided for taking rest and meal breaks
- Non-smokers can use the facilities without suffering discomfort from tobacco smoke
- Provision is made for the changing, storage and drying of clothing used at work
- Someone is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of all welfare facilities provided
- Where the clients facilities are used/shared, precautions are taken to prevent damage/contamination to the client’s property and contents
- First Aid boxes are situated in the company transport and site office/canteen as/if applicable.
- Each supervisor will hold a recognised first aid certificate (1day emergency aid as minimum)
- Each supervisor is responsible for the contents and upkeep of their first aid box
- A full list of nominated First Aiders will be displayed in the Company staff room, a list of site specific First Aiders will be displayed in the relevant site office, canteen, or in a suitable prominent position.
- Accident Record books are situated at any specific site office, and the company depot.
- Accident/incident/disease report forms F2508/F2508A are available from the company office.
Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- HSE’s L24 – Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare code of practice
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