Health and Safety

Aim The aim of the session is to introduce students to Health and Safety considerations within the workplace.

Learning Outcomes At the end of the session students will be able to: State the purpose, principles and application of successful Health and Safety management State the levels of responsibilities State the benefits of promoting a positive Health and Safety culture.

Why take the management of Health and Safety seriously

Moral reasons As caring employers, fire brigades want to ensure the safety of their employees at all times As professional bodies, brigades aim to discharge their duties to the community to the highest possible standards at all times.

Economic reasons Good Health and Safety management is always cost effective The time and money invested in safety is always outweighed by the savings made by reductions in compensation and legal costs.

Legal reasons Fire Authorities have many legal duties in respect of safety.

Levels of responsibilities The Chief Fire Officer is responsible for the exercise of powers and duties required to be undertaken by the Brigade as an employer But due regard must be had by ALL employees for the duties placed upon them by section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Employee duties It shall be the duty of every employee of Humberside Fire Brigade, whilst at work to; Take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions Comply with any duty or requirement imposed upon them Be familiar with the contents of the Brigade Health and Safety strategy Safety Policy.

Statement of intent Humberside Fire Brigade recognises and accepts its responsibility as an employer to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees The Brigade is commited to full compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and regards compliance as a minimum standard.

The Brigade will, as far as is reasonably practicable, maintain a safe place of work and safe working practices in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Paying particular attention to the provision and maintenance of;

Plant, equipment and safe systems of work Safe arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transportation of articles and substances

Information, instruction, training and supervision allowing all employees to avoid hazards and remain safe at all times A healthy working environment The provision of an effective occupational health and welfare facility.

Specific procedures Reporting of accidents and ill health Medical examinations Disciplinary procedures relating to health and safety offences.

Reporting of accidents All premises have the necessary records and procedures to comply with the relevant legislation, individuals should; Report any accident as soon as possible to your line manager Know the location of first aid boxes Know the identity of qualified first-aiders.

Accident book Details of all accidents or injuries, must be entered in the `Accident Book` Minor injuries, not reportable to the Health and Safety Executive must be recorded on Form F(HS)1.

Disciplinary procedures It is incumbent upon all employees to comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and Brigade Orders Failure to comply with either, may result in the use of the disciplinary procedures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) The Brigade has a statutory duty to provide PPE, and employees are required to use the protective equipment and maintain it in good working order at all times.

Information sources All employees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Health and Safety information contained in; Brigade Orders Routine Orders Health and Safety notice boards.

Firefighter`s role The firefighter usually operates in a hostile environment at incidents where normal systems, processes and equipment, to ensure safety have failed. It is therefore essential that assessments of risks are undertaken, safe systems of work are in place and personal protective equipment is used at all times.

Confirmation Learning Outcomes Assessments will be based on this session and the corresponding study note Learning Outcomes State the purpose, principles and application of successful Health and Safety management State the levels of responsibilities State the benefits of promoting a positive Health and Safety culture.

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