About Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope

Health and Safety Policy

Statement of General Policy

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope fully accepts the obligations placed upon it by the various Acts of Parliament covering health and safety. The organisation requires its Chief Executive to ensure that the following policy is implemented and to report annually on its effectiveness.

Management Organisation and Arrangements

Introduction

This policy has been prepared and published in line with the Health & Safety at Work legislation. Its purpose is to establish general standards for health and safety at work and to distribute responsibility for their achievement to all managers, supervisors, and employees through the normal line management structure.

Management Responsibilities

Chief Executive

The Chief Executive holds overall responsibility for implementing this policy. In particular, they are responsible for ensuring the policy is communicated widely and that its effectiveness is monitored.

Directors and Senior Managers

These individuals are accountable to the Chief Executive for implementing and monitoring the policy within their specific areas of responsibility.

Health and Safety Management Process

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope believes that the health, safety, and welfare of staff are integral to the management process. The provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and associated Codes of Practice will be adopted as required standards.

Health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined in management job descriptions. Managers are expected to identify hazards, plan improvements, take action, and monitor results. Most health and safety needs will be met from day-to-day budgets, but unplanned issues will be escalated to the Chief Executive.

Health, Safety and Welfare Guidelines

Managers are required to produce departmental health and safety policies or guidelines, to be updated in consultation with Health and Safety Representatives. These guidelines should include:

  • Department roles

  • Regulations and safe working methods

  • Health and safety concerns (e.g., fire exits, first aid)

  • Training standards

  • Identity of Health and Safety Representatives and specialist advisers

  • Accident reporting and departmental safety rules

  • Fire procedures and approved company policies

Identification of Hazards
Annual Audit and Risk Assessments

Each department must conduct an annual Safety Audit. Audits will evaluate:

  • Policy standards

  • Guidelines and regulations

  • Environmental and working conditions

  • Staff awareness and instructions

  • Risk records and contingency planning

The Safety Officer is responsible for carrying out the audit. Managers must involve Health and Safety Representatives and ensure all deficiencies are resolved swiftly.

Additionally, department managers must inspect all portable equipment at least quarterly and conduct regular risk assessments following the Health and Safety Executive’s 5-step process.

Safety Representatives

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope supports Safety Representatives in their role and expects them to work closely with managers to report and address hazards. All formal reports must be responded to in writing.

Training

Health and Safety training is included in the annual training programme and prioritised as follows:

  1. Training for managers on legal responsibilities

  2. Training for Safety Representatives

  3. General staff training on legislation and policies

  4. Induction and ongoing training for all levels

Records, Statistics, and Monitoring

A system for recording, analysing, and presenting data on accidents and hazards will be maintained. Managers are responsible for using this information to improve safety and for raising budget requests if needed.

Reporting to HSE

The Chief Executive, via the Safety Officer, will ensure compliance with RIDDOR requirements for reporting injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

Specialist Advisory Bodies

Managers may seek additional health and safety advice from external experts as necessary, including local Environmental Health Departments.

Occupational Health Service

Independent Occupational Health advice may be obtained, including counselling, hazard investigation, health assessments, and medical checks.

First Aid

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope will comply with the First Aid Regulations 1982. The Safety Officer is responsible for first aid training and provision.

Fire Safety

Fire training and safety are delegated to Managers by the Chief Executive. A designated Fire Officer will oversee standards, training, and investigations into fire incidents.

Condemnation and Disposal of Equipment

The Chief Executive oversees the procedure for equipment condemnation and disposal. All new equipment must be checked by the Safety Officer.

Food Hygiene

Managers responsible for food services must ensure legal hygiene standards are met and report any suspected food-related incidents to the Safety Officer.

Lifting and Handling

Managers are responsible for safe lifting training, supported by the Safety Officer, who will identify and provide necessary instruction.

Non-Smoking Policy

Smoking, including e-cigarettes/vaping, is prohibited in all Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope buildings to prevent health risks and fire hazards.

COSHH Compliance

The Safety Officer will ensure compliance with COSHH regulations. All hazardous substances must be identified, assessed, and controlled.

Computer Installations & VDUs

All new computer installations must comply with British Standards and Display Screen Equipment Regulations. New staff must review HSE guidance and undergo sight screening if applicable.

Working Time Control

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope complies with the Working Time Regulations, ensuring no staff member works more than 48 hours per week unless under exceptional conditions.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees are legally required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. Failure to comply will be addressed via counselling or the Disciplinary Procedure.

Non-Employee Workers

Contractors and external workers must adhere to Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope’s Health and Safety Policies. This obligation will be included in all contractual agreements.

Visitors and the Public

Visitors must be safeguarded to the highest standard. Any unsafe behaviour should be reported to the Head of Department or addressed immediately in emergencies.

Contractors

Contractors must ensure their operations are safe and compliant with Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope’s fire and safety procedures. A Company Manager has authority to halt unsafe contractor activities. Contractors must provide evidence of their own Health and Safety Policy and performance will influence future contracts.

 

Approved by:

Blessing Olalemi: May 30th

Kerry- Ann Batten: May 29

John Olalemi: May 30th

 

Last reviewed: May 30th 2025 | Next review: June 2026