Introduction

 

The Flourish Group CIC (hereafter "Flourish") is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members involved in our programs. Our policy ensures compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and other relevant UK legislation. This policy will be reviewed regularly to stay current with legal requirements and best practices.

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Responsibilities

 

Management Responsibilities

•    Ensuring that health and safety measures are implemented, monitored, and maintained.

•    Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks.

•    Providing training, supervision, and resources to ensure safe operations.

 

Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

•    Complying with all health and safety policies and procedures.

•    Reporting any hazards or health and safety incidents to the appropriate manager or supervisor immediately.

•    Ensuring tools and equipment are used properly and safely, reporting any defects or issues.

 

Community Members and Participants

•    Following safety guidelines as directed by staff and volunteers.

•    Reporting any accidents, incidents, or unsafe conditions to a Flourish representative.

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Volunteer Safety

 

Refurbishing Environments and Tool Use

• All refurbishing projects will be supervised by a qualified staff member or volunteer leader with relevant training in health and safety.

• Volunteers will receive a site induction covering specific risks associated with the refurbishment environment and tool use.

• Use of power tools and hazardous materials will be restricted to trained individuals, and volunteers will receive hands-on training in safe tool operation where necessary.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and hard hats will be provided and must be worn as appropriate.

• Risk assessments specific to each refurbishment site will be conducted, and controls will be implemented to address identified risks.

 

Supervision

• Volunteers working with tools or on refurbishment projects will be supervised at all times. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that volunteers understand and follow all safety procedures and will stop any work that may pose a risk to individuals’ safety.

• A clear communication plan will be established at each site, including emergency procedures and how to contact supervisors in case of questions or concerns.

 

Art and Craft Workshops

 

Safety of Materials and Equipment

• All materials and equipment used in art and craft workshops will be assessed for potential hazards, and any materials that could cause harm will be labeled and handled appropriately.

• Non-toxic, child-safe materials will be provided whenever possible.

• Safety instructions will be given at the start of each workshop, with emphasis on proper use of materials and tools.

 

Supervision and Instruction

• Workshops will be supervised by trained staff or experienced volunteers to ensure safe practices are followed, especially with young or vulnerable participants.

• Appropriate PPE will be provided based on the materials and activities (e.g., aprons, gloves, eye protection).

• Clear emergency procedures will be communicated at the start of each session, including fire safety, first aid, and safe exits.

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Risk Assessment and Hazard Control

 

Regular Risk Assessments

• Flourish will conduct thorough risk assessments for each project, site, and activity, identifying potential hazards and implementing measures to control them.

• Control measures will align with guidelines under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, including steps to mitigate risks identified for specific activities, tools, and materials used.

 

Hazard Reporting

• All staff, volunteers, and participants are encouraged to report hazards immediately to improve safety continually. Reports will be reviewed, and necessary action will be taken to resolve any identified risks.

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Emergency Procedures

 

First Aid

• First aid kits will be readily available at all Flourish sites. Designated first aiders will be present on-site or within quick reach during all activities.

• Any injuries, however minor, must be reported and recorded in the accident book. Major injuries will be reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as required under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

 

Fire Safety and Evacuation

• Each location will have a designated fire assembly point and clear evacuation procedures. Fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, will be maintained regularly.

• Fire drills will be conducted periodically to ensure all staff, volunteers, and participants are familiar with emergency procedures.

 

Training and Communication

 

Health and Safety Training

• All staff and volunteers will receive health and safety training appropriate to their roles, covering Flourish’s policies, emergency procedures, and safe practices for handling materials and equipment.

• Refresher training will be offered regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and safety awareness.

 

Policy Communication

• This policy will be made available to all staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members participating in Flourish’s activities. All individuals are required to read and acknowledge their understanding of the policy.

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Review of Policy

 

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or when changes in the law occur to ensure ongoing compliance with current regulations. Flourish is committed to maintaining a culture of safety and will make adjustments as necessary to keep all parties safe while engaging in meaningful work for the community.

 

Policy Approved by: Franchesca (Fran) Lee, Director and Founder 

Date of Approval: November 1st 2024

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This policy ensures that Flourish maintains high standards of safety for everyone involved in our community-centered projects. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact us directly.