Health & Safety Policy (CDM 2015)

Statement of Intent: 4 Woods Carpentry and Construction Limited ("the Company") is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, subcontractors, clients, and anyone else affected by our business activities. We believe that all accidents and work-related ill health are preventable and that a safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental right of every worker and a key to our success. We will comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and all other applicable health and safety legislation, as well as the specific duties of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our works are carried out safely, without risks to health, and in a manner that protects the public and the environment.

Our health and safety objectives are to:

 

• Prevent accidents, incidents, and cases of work-related ill health.

• Proactively identify hazards arising from our work (including on-site construction activities, use of equipment, handling of materials, etc.) and implement effective control measures to mitigate risks.

• Provide clear instructions, information, and adequate training to all employees and subcontractors to carry out their work in a safe manner.

• Consult and communicate with our employees (and where applicable, their representatives) on health and safety matters, encouraging active participation and feedback in improving safety performance.

• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions, provide and maintain plant, equipment, and machinery in safe condition, and ensure safe storage/use of substances.

• Continuously improve our health and safety management system and performance through regular monitoring, audits, and review of policies and procedures.

 

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or when there are significant changes in our operations or legislation, and updated as necessary. Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the Company's Director(s); however, all employees and contractors are expected to adhere to this policy and take personal responsibility for health and safety as far as they are able. We have appointed [Name/Position] with day-to-day responsibility for implementing this policy.

 

Responsibilities:

 

• Directors/Management: The Directors of the Company are fully committed to health and safety. They will provide leadership and resources (time, money, training, equipment) to implement this policy. They are responsible for ensuring risk assessments are conducted, the necessary safety arrangements are in place, and that CDM 2015 duties are fulfilled when we are acting as a contractor or principal contractor. They will set health and safety objectives and monitor performance (including accident investigation and trends analysis). They also ensure that competent health and safety advice is available to the Company (either internally or via external consultants).

 

• Site Managers / Supervisors: On each project or site, a competent person (Site Manager or Supervisor) will be designated to oversee day-to-day health and safety. Their duties include:

  • Planning, managing, and monitoring construction work so it is carried out safely and without risks to health.

  • Preparing or contributing to the Construction Phase Plan (CPP) for projects (as required by CDM for projects with more than one contractor) and ensuring it is followed and updated.

  • Briefing workers (including subcontractors) on site rules, emergency procedures, and risk assessments via inductions and regular toolbox talks.

  • Enforcing the use of necessary safety measures, PPE, and safe systems of work on site. For example, ensuring that fall protection is in place for work at height, proper scaffolds are used, excavations are supported, electrical tools are 110V or battery-operated, etc.

  • Conducting (or arranging) regular site inspections to identify unsafe conditions or behaviours and correcting them promptly.

  • Coordinating between contractors (if multiple trades on site) to avoid conflicts and ensure cooperation in line with CDM principles. If we are the Principal Contractor, ensuring all contractors comply with the CPP and site safety rules.

  • Reporting any accidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences to management immediately, investigating minor incidents on-site, and preserving evidence for serious incidents for further investigation.

  • Ensuring welfare facilities are adequate (toilets, washbasins, warm water, rest area, etc., as required by CDM and Workplace regulations) and maintained.

 

• Employees (including Apprentices & Trainees): Every employee has a legal duty to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. All employees must:

  • Follow the training and instructions given to them; use equipment properly and in accordance with safety procedures.

  • Wear any personal protective equipment (PPE) provided, as instructed (e.g., hard hats, high-vis, safety boots, goggles, ear defenders, gloves, harnesses, etc., as appropriate for tasks).

  • Report any work-related injuries, incidents, near-misses, or any unsafe conditions/equipment immediately to their supervisor or manager.

  • Not engage in horseplay or any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk. Never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs (which is strictly prohibited).

  • Stop work and seek guidance if they believe the work is unsafe or if they are unsure how to perform a task safely. We encourage a "stop work authority" culture – no employee will be penalised for halting work due to safety concerns.

  • Co-operate with the Company on health and safety matters, including attending mandatory training sessions and medical surveillance if required (e.g., hearing tests for noisy work, etc.).

 

• Subcontractors and Self-Employed (Working on our Sites): We expect all subcontractors to manage health and safety to standards equivalent to our own. They must:

  • Provide evidence of their risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) relevant to the work they will undertake. These will be reviewed and agreed with our site management before work starts.

  • Ensure their workers are competent (CSCS or other certification as appropriate), have necessary PPE, and are informed of site rules and their own company’s safety procedures.

  • Co-operate with our Site Manager’s instructions and with other trades. If acting as contractors under CDM, they must comply with CDM requirements appropriate to their role (including providing information on any hazards their work may create, and reporting incidents).

  • Provide their own plant and equipment that is safe and in good working condition, with valid inspections or certificates (e.g., PAT tested tools, lifting gear inspections). They must not use our equipment without permission and proper training.

  • Take care of the health and safety of their own employees and any others affected by their work, in line with this policy and legal duties. Any negligence or unsafe practice by a subcontractor may result in removal from the site.

 

• Competent H&S Advisor: The Company has appointed [Name/External Service] as a competent health and safety advisor (under Regulation 7 of Management of Health and Safety at Work Regs). The advisor’s role is to provide guidance on compliance, assist with risk assessments, audits, and training, and keep us updated on any changes in H&S legislation or best practices.

 

Arrangements (Practical Implementation):

Risk Assessment: We carry out general risk assessments for our workshop and site activities, and specific risk assessments for significant hazards or non-routine tasks (e.g., working at height, manual handling of heavy beams, using woodworking machinery, hazardous substances like solvents). Findings of risk assessments are communicated to those affected and are kept under review (at least annually or when the work situation changes). For each construction project, a site-specific risk assessment is conducted and recorded, forming part of the Construction Phase Plan as needed.

 

Safe Systems of Work & Method Statements: Based on risk assessments, we develop method statements or safe operating procedures for tasks identified as high risk (e.g., demolishing a structure, lifting operations, use of chainsaws, etc.). These documents outline step-by-step how to perform the task safely, required control measures, and PPE. They are briefed to the workforce doing that task. Employees are required to follow these procedures. Examples include:

• Work at Height: We avoid work at height where possible; otherwise, we use appropriate access equipment (scaffolds built to standard, mobile elevating work platforms, ladders only for short-duration low-risk tasks). Edge protection and fall prevention are used as required. We comply with the Work at Height Regulations and ensure any scaffolding is erected by competent persons (PASMA or CISRS certified). Harnesses are a last resort and only used by trained persons with proper anchor points and rescue plan in place.

• Electrical Safety: Only qualified electricians (e.g., NICEIC registered contractors) will conduct electrical installations. We use 110V tools or battery tools on construction sites to reduce the risk of shock. Cables are routed safely to prevent trips. Live electrical work is avoided; power is isolated before work wherever practicable. Portable tools are PAT tested periodically.

• Machinery and Tool Use: Woodworking machinery in our workshop (saws, planers, drills) is used only by trained personnel. Guards and safety devices must be in place during use. Appropriate PPE (eye protection, hearing protection) is mandatory when using loud or cutting equipment. Machinery is maintained and inspected regularly. Similarly, hand tools and power tools on site are kept in good condition; damaged tools are removed from service.

• Manual Handling: We assess manual handling tasks (like moving timber, drywall sheets). We use mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists) where possible. For heavy or awkward loads, team lifting is employed. Staff are trained in proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. If a load is too heavy or risky, we re-plan the task (e.g., cut into smaller loads or use a crane).

• Hazardous Substances (COSHH): We maintain Safety Data Sheets and COSHH assessments for substances we use (solvents, adhesives, cement which contains silica, wood dust, etc.). Controls include ventilation (using dust extraction on tools), wearing masks (at least FFP3 respirators for fine dust or silica), using less hazardous substitutes when available (water-based products instead of solvent-based, etc.). We avoid or strictly control high VOC or toxic substances. Workers are informed about the hazards and necessary precautions for each substance. Any decanting of substances is into properly labelled containers.

• Noise and Vibration: We assess and reduce noise from tools (preferring quieter equipment, limiting exposure time). Hearing protection is provided for tasks above 80 dB and required above 85 dB. We monitor for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome risk by controlling use time on vibrating tools (like jackhammers, sanders) and using anti-vibration gloves or equipment where possible.

• Emergency Preparedness: On each site, we establish emergency procedures. This includes clearly marking emergency exits, assembly points, and fire-fighting equipment (e.g., extinguishers appropriate to site risks). Workers are briefed on what to do in the event of a fire, major injury, or other emergency. First aid kits are on site and we aim to have a trained first aider present (legal minimum followed: we always have at least an Appointed Person, and when >5 workers are on site, at least one person with Emergency First Aid at Work training, and more for larger sites). Accidents are recorded in our accident book and reported under RIDDOR if they meet reporting criteria.

• Welfare: As required by CDM, we provide suitable site welfare from the start: a clean toilet, washing facilities (with hot and cold or warm running water, soap, towels), drinking water, and a rest area with means to heat water/food (if hot food is not readily accessible). These are maintained throughout the project. On short-duration jobs or when working in occupied premises, we arrange access to welfare either via the client's facilities (with agreement) or portable solutions.

CDM 2015 Compliance:

• When the Company is appointed as Principal Contractor for a project (involving multiple contractors), we will fulfil all principal contractor duties: plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the construction phase; prepare a Construction Phase Plan (detailing how risks will be managed); set up site rules; ensure effective communication and coordination between contractors; ensure only authorised personnel access the site (with sign-in and site induction); consult with workers (e.g., via toolbox talks and allowing feedback); secure the site against unauthorised entry (fencing, signage); and maintain a health and safety file (as applicable) for handover at project completion.

• If we are working for another Principal Contractor, we will comply with their site rules and the directions of the Principal Contractor and Principal Designer, and provide any information about our activities needed for the health and safety file.

• For domestic client projects (like private residential work) that involve multiple contractors, we acknowledge that CDM client duties may fall to us by default if no Principal Designer or Principal Contractor is formally appointed. In such cases, we will assume the role of Principal Contractor (and Principal Designer if we carry design elements) to the best of our ability to ensure compliance.

• Prior to starting work, for any project that is notifiable under CDM (lasting more than 30 working days with 20+ workers simultaneously, or exceeding 500 person-days), we will assist the client (or ensure it is done) in submitting an F10 notification to the HSE.

 

Training and Competence:

• We invest in training our workforce. All new hires receive a safety induction covering general policies, emergency procedures, and job-specific hazards.

• We ensure that workers have appropriate qualifications for their tasks: e.g., only those with CITB Site Manager Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) or equivalent manage sites; operatives carrying out skilled tasks have NVQs or are under proper supervision if trainees; plant operators hold CPCS or NPORS cards for the machinery they operate; scaffolders are CISRS qualified, etc.

• Regular refresher training or toolbox talks are provided on topics such as working at height, asbestos awareness (especially since refurbishment work can disturb asbestos; we always assume unknown materials could contain asbestos and either survey or proceed with caution accordingly), manual handling, etc.

• We encourage and sponsor training when regulations change or new techniques emerge. For example, if new equipment is introduced, the supplier might conduct a safe use training for our staff.

• Supervision levels are determined by risk and experience: inexperienced workers (apprentices, labourers) are supervised closely by experienced staff until they demonstrate competence.

 

Consultation and Communication:

• We have an open-door policy for safety suggestions or concerns. Employees can raise H&S issues directly to a manager or anonymously. We also conduct periodic safety meetings on larger projects with representatives of the workforce to discuss site issues.

• Toolbox talks are held at least weekly (or more frequently if needed) on sites, focusing on relevant risks or recent observations.

• Any changes to method or new significant hazards identified are communicated immediately to all affected.

• We display the "Health and Safety Law" poster at the workplace as required, and our Employers' Liability insurance certificate. Emergency contact numbers (first aider, local hospital, utility emergency lines for gas/electric) are posted on sites.

 

Monitoring and Audit:

• Site managers conduct informal daily checks on safety and formal weekly inspections using a checklist. Any issues are corrected or escalated.

• Management (or external H&S consultants) carry out periodic audits of sites and the workshop. These may be unannounced. The findings are recorded and reviewed by the Director. Actions are tracked until closed.

• We record all accidents and near-misses. Near-misses are given attention as learning opportunities to prevent future accidents (e.g., if a ladder slipped but no injury, we still investigate and may decide to only use secured ladders or towers for that task).

• In the event of any reportable incident (RIDDOR), a full investigation is carried out by [responsible person] with assistance from safety advisors. Root causes are identified and a report is produced with recommendations, which are implemented as soon as practicable.

• We measure performance by monitoring injury rates (if any), days without accident, audit scores, etc., and seek to improve year over year. Performance is discussed at management meetings.

 

Disciplinary Policy for Safety Violations:

• While we prioritise training and coaching, wilful or repeated breaches of safety rules by employees cannot be tolerated due to the risk to all. If an employee is found engaging in unsafe practices (especially after being instructed), they may face disciplinary action as per our HR policy, up to and including dismissal for gross misconduct (for example, disabling a safety device, or working at height without protection after warning).

• Similarly for subcontractors, serious safety breaches can result in removal from site or termination of contract. We much prefer to solve issues cooperatively, but the safety of everyone on site is paramount.

 

Emergency Contacts and First Aid:

• We maintain a list of trained first aiders and appointed persons, which is posted on the site notice board or known to all staff.

• All employees are given information on emergency procedures (e.g., in case of fire: how to raise alarm, exit routes, assembly point).

• Fire risk is assessed for each site and appropriate fire extinguishers (water, CO2, foam, etc.) are provided considering likely fuels and ignition sources. Everyone is instructed not to misuse them and only attempt to fight a fire if trained and it's safe to do so (small fires).

• For serious incidents (e.g., collapse, serious injury), the priority is to call emergency services. Key staff carry mobile phones. The Site Manager ensures access routes are clear for emergency vehicles and someone is designated to meet them and guide them in if needed.

 

Health Surveillance:

• Where our risk assessments show it is necessary, we implement health surveillance for employees. For example, carpenters exposed to significant wood dust might get periodic lung function tests; those using vibrating tools heavily may undergo annual HAVS checks or questionnaires; and hearing tests for those in high-noise environments. The purpose is early detection of any adverse health effects and to take action if needed (like reassigning duties or improving controls).

• All health surveillance records are kept confidential and handled according to medical data guidelines.

 

Mental Health and Welfare:

• We recognise that health includes mental well-being. We aim to provide a supportive environment. Bullying or harassment is not tolerated (see our Equality & Diversity Policy).

• We encourage work-life balance and try to schedule work to avoid excessive hours. If an employee feels undue stress related to work, they are urged to speak to management so we can address workloads or provide support.

• We may provide access to an Employee Assistance Program or resources if personal issues are affecting an employee's well-being.

 

Environmental Health & Safety:

• Though a separate topic, we integrate environmental safety too (e.g., safe disposal of waste to avoid hazards, using non-toxic materials when possible, controlling dust not only for health but to prevent nuisance).

• We coordinate with our Environmental Policy for issues like waste management and noise control to ensure our safety and environmental efforts are aligned.

 

This Health & Safety Policy will be displayed prominently at our workplace (and on sites where possible) and is available to all interested parties. It is endorsed by the undersigned, who is responsible for its implementation.