Health and Safety

It is our policy to comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and all other relevant health, safety and welfare legislation pertaining to its operations.

The Company considers health, safety and welfare to rank equally with all other objectives in the performance of its operations.  To this end, the health, safety and welfare responsibilities of all personnel have been defined and allocated.

The safety policy is intended to affirm that the Company achieves its purposes in these areas and is based on the philosophy that accidents/incidents can be prevented by the identification and management of risk.

To assist in this, the following objectives have been set:

• to identify all potential hazards associated with all Blyth Valley Housing Company activities including operation of equipment, facilities and procedures with the aim of eliminating accidents/incidents.
• to improve existing practices, procedures and standards to enhance the health and safety of the working environment for all persons.
• to provide training and information to enable employees to fulfil their responsibilities and duties in a safe, planned, controlled and efficient manner.
• to provide and maintain clear lines of communication, including:
  • a reporting and consultation system, to ensure that safety is constantly monitored, that accidents are prevented and that the knowledge and experience of all employees is fully utilised.
  • regular attendance of our representatives at the Blyth Valley Borough Councils meetings of the Safety Team and Safety Representatives Group.  The Company Safety Representatives will be given full assistance at all times and are expected to carry out their functions as defined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• to raise health and safety awareness at all levels thereby encouraging employees to participate in the enhancement of health and safety.
• to operate formal monitoring systems to measure the effectiveness of the health and safety policy.
• to comply with relevant legislation and best practices.
• to provide approved contractors and suppliers with necessary information so that they understand the Company’s policy and meet the standards expected by Blyth Valley Housing in all areas of its activities.

All employees have a duty to act responsibly and to take precautions to protect themselves, their colleagues and any other persons from injury or preventable illness, which might arise from their actions or omissions.

The policy statement has the full support and backing of the Chair and Board of Directors, who recognise that the active support of all employees is essential to ensure the success of this policy.

This policy statement and associated procedures and practices will be reviewed regularly to ensure that the health and safety performance of Blyth Valley Housing is continuously improved.

A full copy of our Health and Safety policy can be viewed here.