Health and Safety Policy - Hallfare Group of Companies
Last reviewed: 01 February 2025
1. Policy Statement
Hallfare Limited is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations. Our goal is zero harm. Health and safety are integral to our business performance and our values.
This policy applies to all Hallfare divisions, including construction, plant hire, lettings, sales, and material handling operations.
2. Objectives
To support our commitment, Hallfare Limited aims to:
• Provide and maintain a safe working environment, including safe systems of work, safe plant and equipment, and safe access to and from workplaces.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and relevant Approved Codes of Practice and guidance.
• Identify hazards and assess risks to eliminate them where possible, or to reduce them to an acceptable level using control measures.
• Develop a safety culture where all individuals understand their role in preventing harm and feel empowered to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
• Offer comprehensive training and supervision to ensure everyone can work safely and without risk to health.
• Continuously monitor and improve our health and safety performance through audits, inspections, and management reviews.
3. Responsibilities
3.1 Directors and Senior Management
• Provide strong leadership and visible commitment to health and safety at all levels.
• Allocate sufficient resources, including personnel, time, and budget, to manage health and safety effectively.
• Establish measurable health and safety objectives and review performance regularly.
• Ensure that this policy is communicated, understood, implemented, and reviewed at least annually or when changes occur.
3.2 Site Managers and Supervisors
• Implement company health and safety procedures on-site and ensure they are followed by all personnel.
• Conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments and ensure method statements reflect safe working practices.
• Supervise works to ensure safe execution and compliance with legislation, client requirements, and site rules.
• Carry out daily briefings, toolbox talks, and regular site inspections.
• Record and report any incidents, unsafe acts, or near misses immediately and ensure follow-up actions are taken.
3.3 Employees and Subcontractors
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Follow all training, instructions, and safety procedures provided.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and report any defects or safety concerns to their supervisor.
• Refrain from any horseplay, misuse of equipment, or working while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Actively participate in health and safety initiatives and training sessions.
4. Arrangements
4.1 Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)
• Risk assessments will be conducted for all activities involving significant hazards.
• Method statements will describe how risks are controlled, and these documents will be communicated to relevant staff and contractors.
• All RAMS will be reviewed regularly and updated in response to changes in scope, equipment, or site conditions.
4.2 Training and Competence
• All employees and subcontractors will undergo a full health and safety induction before starting work.
• Ongoing training, including formal qualifications (e.g., CSCS, CPCS, SMSTS), will be provided in line with job roles.
• Regular toolbox talks will address specific risks, seasonal topics, or lessons learned from incidents.
• A training matrix will be maintained to monitor competence and expiry dates of certifications.
4.3 Plant, Tools and Equipment Safety
• All plant, vehicles, and equipment must be suitable for the task and regularly inspected and maintained.
• Operators must hold valid and appropriate certification for each type of plant or machinery.
• Pre-use checks will be documented, and any defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately.
• Safe storage and security of tools and machinery will be enforced.
4.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Minimum site PPE includes hard hats, high-visibility clothing, safety boots, and gloves.
• PPE must be worn at all times on site unless a specific exemption has been approved and documented.
• All users are responsible for maintaining their PPE and reporting any damage or issues.
4.5 Accident and Incident Reporting
• All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported immediately to a supervisor or manager.
• An accident book will be maintained in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Serious incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Notifiable incidents will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR requirements.
4.6 Emergency Procedures
• Emergency plans will be established for each site and include procedures for fire, first aid, severe weather, and evacuation.
• Emergency contacts and assembly points will be clearly displayed and explained during inductions.
• Fire extinguishers and first aid kits will be provided, regularly checked, and replaced as needed.
• Appointed first aiders will be trained and listed on each site.
4.7 Subcontractor Management
• All subcontractors will be pre-qualified through a competence and compliance assessment.
• They must provide copies of RAMS, insurance, and relevant training or certification before work begins.
• Subcontractors must attend inductions, follow site rules, and comply with Hallfare’s policies.
• Performance and compliance will be monitored, and unsafe contractors may be removed from site.
5. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• Regular site inspections, audits, and health and safety performance reviews will be undertaken.
• Any trends or recurring issues will be analysed and addressed through corrective and preventive actions.
• Health and safety meetings will be held at regular intervals to discuss concerns, progress, and opportunities for improvement.
• This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation, incidents, or organisational changes.